A sangha is a practice group or community. If you are surrounded by sangha, you have the chance to sit together, to learn together, and to strengthen your practice.
“Building brotherhood and sisterhood is the foundation of the sangha, and if the sangha is happy, then it can be a refuge for so many people.” Thay.
Below you can search for Thich Nhat Hanh inspired sanghas in Ireland. Each sangha will have its own unique flavour. How each sangha functions and what it offers is a reflection of its uniqueness. There may be others in your area who advertise locally.
If there is no sangha near you, perhaps you would like to join our new phone sangha? Details are below.
Starting a sangha, or thinking about it
Would you like to start your own sangha? It is possible!
We have provided two documents to get you started, the first put together by Mindfulness Ireland, and the second by World Beat Sangha in San Diego, CA. Please have a read and remember that we can also offer (limited) support in your endeavours.
Starting a Sangha, or Thinking About It
The New Sangha Handbook: Nourishing our Practice, Deepening our Roots, Growing our Freedom
Find a Sangha Near You
Co. Antrim
Belfast
Belfast Bonsai Sangha
Where: WRDA (Women’s Resource and Development Agency), 6 Mount Charles, Belfast BT7 1NZ
When: Mondays, 7:15pm-9pm
Contact: the Sangha Secretary | belfastbonsaisangha@gmail.com
Connect: Facebook
Notes: All newcomers welcome – contact us via e-mail or Facebook above or just turn up. We ask for a donation of £4 per meeting.
Wake-Up Belfast
Wake-Up Belfast is currently in the process of re-Awakening! Please see their Facebook page for details of meeting times and places.
Whiteabey Village
Tall Trees Sangha
Where: Contact for details
When: 7.30pm – 9.00pm
Contact: Bridgeen | +44 (0)7981 623 566 | bridjeen@hotmail.com
Whitehead
Waves of One Sea Sangha
When: Once a month on a Sunday, 6.00pm
Contact: Janet | 02893372513 or 07545175854 | jdgreenex@outlook.com
Co. Armagh
Moira
Gaiatree Family Sangha
Where: Rowandale Integrated Primary School, Moira, Co. Armagh
When: We meet once per month- usually Sundays for 1.5-2h
Contact: Orla | 07971862260| orlafizz@gmail.com
Notes: The families that are currently part of the Sangha have children ranging in age from 5-15y. We usually share a meditation together, do some mindful walking and playing, share a cup of tea and some snacks and dharma sharing is often informal due to the age range in the Sangha. It’s a wonderfully supportive circle.
Co. Carlow
Blackstairs Mountains
Anam Cairde Sangha
Where: Contact for details
When: Monthly on the second Sunday of the month
Contact: Carole | 087 9121314 | anamcairdesangha@gmail.com
Notes: Each meeting is a Day of Mindfulness, € 10/ € 5 donation to cover costs.
We meet in the beautiful Blackstairs Mountains. Following the practices of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village, the Day of Mindfulness includes sitting meditation, mindful walking (outside usually), lunch (soup provided) and deep relaxation. Dharma sharing is the practice of mindful speech and deep listening where we share our experience of the practice.
All are welcome. We are open to all faiths and none, whether you are new to mindfulness or a seasoned practitioner.
Co. Cork
Cork City
Little Acorn Sangha
Where: 6 Sidney Place, Cork City (part of Wellington Rd, between Sidney Mews and Belgrave Avenue)
When: Tuesdays, 7:30-8:45pm (time changed for winter)
Contact: Sarah-Jane | 083 888 8656 | sjandalun@gmail.com
Notes: €5 to cover room rental (or what you can afford).
Smiling Shamrocks (Mindfulness for Children)
Where: The Youth Hall, Ballinlough Community Center, Ballinlough, Cork City
When: Our first gathering will be on February 11th (2018) 2-4.30pm and we hope to meet every 2 to 6 weeks after.
Contact: Catherine | corksmilingshamrocks@gmail.com | 087 9474418
Notes: A sangha for children (and the grown ups in their lives). The practice would suit ages six to twelve (children must always be accompanied by an adult). Together we will joyfully practice in the Plum Village tradition and also enjoy time in the adjoining Fairy Garden. €5 suggested contribution per person to cover room rental and other costs.
UCC Chaplaincy
Where: Contact for details
When: Tuesdays, 7.00pm (during term time)
Contact: John (Junior) | 021 4541615
Notes: during term time only
Wake-Up Cork
Where: “Iona” UCC Chaplaincy Building, College Road, Cork
When: Every Sunday evening, arrive between 6:30 and 6:50pm for a 7pm start
Connect: Facebook | Meetup | Website
Notes: The Cork Wake Up sangha welcomes young people between the ages of 18 and mid-thirties.
Midleton
Plum Village Meditation Group
Where: The Laughing Buddha Yoga Room, Midleton
When: Tuesdays, 8:00-9:00pm
Contact: Caroline | 087 251 6528 | wanderingelderlemon@yahoo.ie
Notes: This group is open to all, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. Together we practice guided and silent meditations, walking meditation, deep relaxation and sharing of our practice. The group is facilitated by Caroline Dwyer a member of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s Order of Interbeing, a lay order in the Plum Village tradition. Dana (donation of any amount) is gratefully accepted to cover the room rental. Please bring two cushions to sit on and a blanket.
Co. Down
Newcastle
Lotus Blossom Sangha
Where: Contact for details
When: Monthly (and sometimes more) on a Tuesday, 7.30-9.30pm
Contact 1: Jean | 077877 468 77 | jcampbell424@btinternet.com
Contact 2: Moya | 0759 6173 986
Notes: Plum Village-inspired Mindfulness Meditation Group. One hour – guided meditation, walking meditation, silent meditation: followed by up to 20mins mindful discussion and/or readings. No charge at present, although biscuits and treats for ‘tea’ afterwards always welcome.
Co. Dublin
Dublin City
North Dublin Sangha
Where: Glenhill House, Glenhill Rd, Finglas East, Dublin 11
When: Wednesdays, 7.00pm – 8.30pm
Contact: Ben | 0871929944
Connect: Facebook
Notes: All ages welcome (combined Wake-Up/Mindfulness Ireland). Contact Ben for any other info and public transport details.
Open Heart Sangha
Where: Oscailt Integrative Health Centre, 8 Pembroke Road (not street), Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
When: Tuesdays, 7.45pm – 9.15pm
Contact: openheartsangha2@gmail.com
Notes: €5 donation suggested (for those who can afford it).
Sonas (Mindfulness for Children)
Where: Oscailt, 8 Pembroke Road Dublin 4
When: Usually the first Sunday of each month, 2-4pm
Contact: Orlaith | SonasSangha@gmail.com
Connect: Facebook | Newsletter
Notes: A sangha for children (and the grown ups in their lives). The practice is aimed at 7-12 year olds (and children must always be accompanied by an adult). Through sitting, walking, teatime, crafts and games, we cultivate our peace and joy and learn to take care of our difficult emotions.
Suaimhneas Mindfulness Group
When: Usually the last Sunday of the month 2.00-6.00 pm. Contact us via email/ check our Facebook Page or if you would like to go on our mailing list, we will confirm date of next Sangha.
Contact: The Suaimhneas Caretaking Team | SuaimhneasSangha@gmail.com
Connect: Facebook
Notes: Dublin Mindfulness Group practicing in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. A typical Day of Mindfulness would include sitting meditation, deep relaxation, mindful walking and dharma sharing. The afternoon will include guided sitting meditation, deep relaxation, mindful walking, enjoying tea together and dharma sharing. Open to all faiths and none; whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner.
Wake-Up Dublin
Where: Oscailt Integrative Health Centre, 8 Pembroke Road (not street), Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
When: Alternating weekly between Friday, 7.30- 9.30 pm and Sunday, 6.00-8.00pm – please check our Facebook or Meetup (links below) for upcoming dates.
Contact: Via Facebook or dublin@wkup.org
Connect: Facebook | Meetup | Website
Notes: This sangha was formed to support young adults (18-late 30s-ish) in Thich Nhat Hanh’s Mindfulness tradition. Although aimed at this age group, older adults are always welcomed. €10/ €5 or other contribution to help us cover room costs are appreciated from those who can afford it.
Co. Galway
Galway City
Elderflower Sangha
Where: NUI Wellness Centre (at the back of The Hub), Áras na Mac Léinn, NUI Galway (campus map)
When: Mondays (except bank holidays) 1.05-1.55pm
Contact: Paula | 091 639914 (8.00-10.00 pm) | galwaycitysangha@gmail.com
Notes: Sangha in the tradition of Plum Village with singing, guided meditation, dharma talk by Thich Nath Hanh, 5 mindfulness trainings and more
Solas Gheal Mindfulness Group
Where: Croi na Gaillimhe, 1 Mill Street, Galway (if available).
When: Wednesdays, 6.30-8.00pm
Contact: Martina | galwaysangha@gmail.com | 087 2201972
Notes: Thich Nhat Hanh inspired mindfulness practice in the tradition of Plum Village, open to all. We practice guided and silent meditations, walking meditation, deep relaxation, dharma sharing, the Five Mindfulness Trainings, and listen to talks by Thich Nhat Hanh and others. We also host Days of Mindfulness throughout the year. A small contribution towards costs is welcome.
Co. Kerry
Tralee
Sangha de la Yerba Mate
Where: Tralee International Resource Center (www.tirc.ie)
When: Saturdays monthly 11.00-2.00pm
Contact: Christina | 0872131748 | mindfulnessnoa@gmail.com
Notes: This group is open for beginners to advanced practitioners and families who are practising with their children between 6 to 12 years. Together we enjoy Plum Village tradition practices. The group is facilitated by Christina Buckley and Tamara, the master of the bell. Please bring your lunch box, flask or drink, pencil and notebook and a blanket. Dana (donation of any amount) is gratefully accepted to cover the online sangha for the Spanish speaking community.
Co. Kildare
Kildare
Kildare Gathering
Where: Grove Studio, Allenwood Road, Kildare, Co.Kildare.
When: Second Saturday of every month , 11.00-1.00pm.
Contact: Tricia | triciahayes@eircom.net
Notes: Includes guided and silent meditation, mindful movements, dharma sharing. Minimum contribution of €5 to cover venue costs. Blankets and chairs provided.
Co. Limerick
Limerick City
Limerick Plum Village / My True Name Sangha
Where: The Haven Workspace, 2nd Floor, 26 Thomas St, Limerick.
When: Every fortnight on Monday, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Contact: Augusta | 086 3304336
Connect: Facebook
Notes: All very welcome. One-off ‘Mindful Moments in the City’ events also planned.
No Mud, No Lotus Sangha
Where: Grow Offices, 33 Henry St, Limerick
When: Tuesdays, 7:30 – 9:00pm
Contact: Joan | (061) 318813
Co. Sligo
Ballymote
Peaceful Lake Sangha
Where: Ballymote Family Resource Centre, Keash Road, Ballymote, Co Sligo
When: Last Wednesday of the month 8:00 – 9:00pm
Contact: Louise |peacefullakesangha@gmail.com | 0851470700
Notes: Meditation and mindfulness practices in the Plum Village style of Thich Nhat Hahn. Guided meditation (e.g. relaxation mediation), sharing about our practice, walking mediation, Days of Mindfulness etc. Contribution €5.
Sligo Town
Open Circle Community of Mindful Living
Where: Town centre. Contact Martin for directions.
When: Mondays, 8.00 – 9.30pm, on weeks with bank holidays we meet on the Tuesday evenings.
Contact: Martin | 083 1064879 | opencirclesangha@gmail.com
Notes: Plum Village inspired mindfulness practice offering: guided and silent sitting meditation, walking meditation, mindful living practices, Dharma sharing, laughter, five mindfulness trainings recitation and days of mindfulness. Contribution of €5.
People with some experience can join us any time, people new to mindfulness meditation can join us on the first Monday of the month for an orientation to mindfulness.
Co. Wexford
Wexford Town
Three Jewels Sangha
Co. Wicklow
Bray / Greystones
Full Moon Sangha
Where: Gorse Hill, Cliff Road, Windgates, Greystones, Co Wicklow
When: Thursdays, 7.30-9.30pm
Contact: Eileen | 086 8506458 | thefullmoonsangha@gmail.com
Greystones Wake-up Sangha
Where: Greystones Holistic Centre, Church Road ,Greystones (opposite The Happy Pear). Sometimes at a different location, so please make contact.
When: Tuesdays at 7.30pm, except the third Tuesday of the month
Contact: Yesim on 086-6679207, or Darragh on 086-0114685 | greystones@wkup.org
Connect: Website
Notes: The Greystones Wake Up sangha welcomes young people between the ages of 18 and mid-thirties.
Glendalough area
Old Heart New Heart Sangha
Where: “Tearman” near Glendalough, Co.Wicklow
When: 3rd Sunday of Month , 11.30- 4.30pm
Contact: Diane | 0863700796 | oldheartnewheartsangha@gmail.com
Notes: We have meditation ,followed by eating mindfully, a walk in the Monastic village, then meditation and dharma discussion in the afternoon. Please bring lunch /tea and suitable clothing/footwear for outdoor walking. Small donation (suggested 10 Euro) for use of room. If you wish to join us, you must phone or email ahead of time to reserve a place as space is limited
Ireland-wide (phone and online Sanghas)
One Breath Sangha
Where: This Sangha meets via a conference telephone call.
When: On the second Wednesday of each month 20.30 – 21.30
Contact: Caroline | wanderingelderlemon@yahoo.ie | 087 251 6528
Notes: We enjoy guided and silent meditations, listening to the text of talks by Thay and other Dharma teachers in the Plum Village tradition, sharing of our practice and listening to the bell.
Mindfulnessnoa (Spanish-speaking)
Where: This Sangha meets via Skype.
When: Third Saturday of every month, 9.00-10.00pm
Contact: Cristina | mindfulnessnoa@gmail.com | 087 2131748
Notes: We have formed to support the Spanish-speaking community. If you would like to participate in an online winter retreat in Spanish, please e-mail inforrecorrido@gmail.com.
Outside Ireland
To locate a Sangha outside Ireland please visit iamhome.org