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.
Update April 2020
All sanghas have paused their face-to-face gatherings due to current social distancing measures in Ireland.
Online sanghas are listed on this webpage.
A number of sanghas are transitioning online for their meetings. Please make any enquiry directly to the sanghas listed below, by email.
Ireland-wide Online or Phone Sanghas
Flowing Togetherness
Online sangha open to everyone
Every Wednesday 20:00 – 21:30
Plum Village sangha offering guided meditations, silent meditation, Spiritual readings, dharma sharing and connection. Please join meeting a few minutes early in companionable silence.
Meeting ID: 627-687-021
Meeting Link: https://zoom.us/j/627687021
Contact: mindfulnessday.mi@gmail.com
Flowing Togetherness Sundays
Online open to everyone
Sundays from 3 May 2020 11:00 – 12.15
Join a few minutes early in companionable silence. We offer readings of the mindfulness trainings, guided or silent meditation, dharma sharing and connection.
Zoom Meeting ID: 132 759 687
Zoom Meeting Link: https://zoom.us/j/132759687
Contact: mindfulnessday.mi@gmail.com
Fresh Morning Sangha
We meet 6:50am – 7:20am Tuesday & Thursday mornings, via Zoom (audio only; no video).
Join call to connect together before our sitting. Facilitator will invite guided or silent sit. Bell to close meditation with closing words from facilitator. We leave call in silence, taking the calm energy with us into our day.
Zoom Meeting Link: https://zoom.us/j/568796923
Full details and zoom links at: orlaithosullivan.com/freshmorning
Contact: hello@orlatihosullivan.com
Mindfulness Noa (Spanish-speaking)
This Sangha meets via Skype, on the third Saturday of every month, 21:00 – 22:00
We have formed to support the Spanish-speaking community.
Contact: mindfulnessnoa@gmail.com
Join us for Chanting out Love and Compassion
In Your Own Space – Every Friday evening 19:30 – 20:00
To listen to the Chant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ryj5sy757M
Recorded with Thich Nhat Hanh: April 11th, 2012 Dublin Ireland
Introduction (7 mins) to chant by Thich Nhat Hanh at 36:25
Chanting (20 mins) begins at 43:15 (and ends at 1:03:50)
We invite you to join us to sit and generate your mind of compassion. We chant the name of the goddess of compassion, Avalokiteshvaraya. This deep and beautiful practice expresses our wish for healing for all suffering beings, including ourselves.
Even simply listening to this chant gives rise to our compassion for all who are suffering in this moment: those who have died without a loved one near, those who are dying now struggling for breath, their friends and family who cannot be physically with them, all those who are in fear and anxiety, those worried about paying bills, worried about keeping family safe – there is no one who is not suffering in one way or another.
Please join us sitting in your own room, either sing or listen to the chant, and nourish the feeling of being connected although we are apart. Through this chant we generate our mind of compassion and send out healing and good wishes to benefit all.
Local Sanghas across Ireland
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.
Co. Antrim
Belfast
Leaves of One Tree Sangha
Where: Black Mountain Zen Centre. 64 Donegall Street. Belfast
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.
Whiteabbey 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, 7.30pm – 8.45pm (Winter hours – beginning Tuesday 15th October 2019)
Contact: Sarah-Jane | 083 888 8656 | sjandalun@gmail.com
Notes: €5 (or what you can afford).
Smiling Shamrocks (Mindfulness for Children)
Where: The Youth Hall, Ballinlough Community Center, Ballinlough, Cork City
When: Monthly on Sunday’s 2.00-4.00
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.
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.
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
Open Heart Sangha
Where: Oscailt Integrative Health Centre, 8 Pembroke Road (not street), Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
When: Tuesday 28th January, 7.45pm – 9.15pm. From 5th February, change to 19.30 until 21.00.
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 but currently online via Zoom – Meeting link: https:/ /zoom.us/j/353578087
When: Sundays, 6.00-8.00pm
Contact: john_murphy101@hotmail.com
Connect: Facebook | Meetup |
Notes: Two hour space offering meditation, deep relaxation and dharma sharing. 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
Solas Gheal Mindfulness Group
Where: Currently meeting online. All are welcome to join, though we ask you to email us first to introduce yourself and request the Meeting ID. In this way, we can accommodate newcomers, and be sure that we are creating a welcoming and safe sangha space for all.
When: Mondays, 18.00 – 19.30. For new members and visitors, please arrive 10 minutes early for orientation.
Contact: galwaysangha@gmail.com |
Notes:We practice to deepen our experience of mindfulness, peace, compassion and understanding by engaging in sitting meditation, walking meditation and other mindfulness practices inspired by the tradition of Plum Village and Zen Teacher and Peace Activist Thich Nath Hahn. Our meetings are open to everyone and a 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. Offaly
Tullamore Town
Still Water Sangha, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
Where: Cappincur- please contact for exact location
When: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30, please arrive 10 minutes early for a prompt start
Contact: Aoise | aoiseodwyer@gmail.com
Notes: An all-ages Sangha practising in the Plum Village tradition, open to people of all faith traditions, cultures, ethnicities and gender identities. No prior experience of meditation needed.
Co. Sligo
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. Tipperary
Cloughjordan
Sangha na nÚll .
Where: Cloughjordan
When: Sunday mornings, 10.00-12.00.
Contact: Mark | 0874430727 or Vicki | 083 1626983 | Moorevicki67@gmail.com
Notes: All ages, visitors and level of experience welcome. We start the morning with a guided meditation, then walking meditation, sitting meditation, a reading from one of Thich Nhat Hanh books and then a dharma sharing. We spend most of the morning in noble silence apart from the dharma sharing and goodbyes. No donation is needed.
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
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
Ordained students of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh
Where: The OI community of aspirants and members is spread throughout Ireland, and internationally.
Contact: oi.ireland@yahoo.ie
Notes: For information on Thich Nhat Hanh’s Order of Interbeing see: https://orderofinterbeing.org/about/
Starting a sangha, or thinking about it
Would you like to start your own sangha? It is possible!
A good place to start is https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/start-a-sangha and the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation also have a new sangha handbook that is available to download at https://onedrive.live.com/ view.aspx?resid= 2D38547648CD220C!109&cid= 2d38547648cd220c&app=WordPdf.
Outside Ireland
To locate a Sangha outside Ireland please visit iamhome.org