Tucked away off the main street in Donnybrook, and only a few minutes from Herbert Park is the Mary Aikenhead Day Centre. It is situated in the grounds of St. Mary’s, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. For many, particularly for senior citizens living in the surrounding areas, the centre is a hive of activity as well as a haven of tranquility.

The Mary Aikenhead Centre is open five days a week and it works in co-operation with statutory and other voluntary agencies. What strikes the onlooker and those involved, is the variety and extent of the activities that take place daily. There is always something going on – lunch is provided daily, outings, celebrations and other events are organised, keep fit classes are offered, as well as hairdressing and physiotherapy.

Sr. Marie Smyth, her staff and volunteers work tirelessly and with enthusiasm to provide a loving, caring and stimulating environment.

Sr. Marie Smyth, her staff and volunteers work tirelessly and with enthusiasm to provide a loving, caring and stimulating environment where senior citizens can come and relax. For a few hours every day they can enjoy good food, company and activities or they can just sit quietly and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the centre.

Behind the Mary Aikenhead Day Centre is the beautiful garden that was opened by President Mary McAleese in 2007. This garden is a hidden gem, a haven, a place of peace and tranquility. It is a place to watch the seasons and experience how they change. It is a place to enjoy nature at its best. It is a place to pray, reflect, relax and just take time out from the hustle and bustle of every day concerns and worries.

The Mary Aikenhead Day Centre aims to foster the well-being of older persons in body, mind, emotions and spirit and to enhance the quality of their lives; to provide a service that fosters the core values of dignity, compassion, justice and respect; and to support the family and carers of the older person. All associated with the centre plays a part in its development. Their contributions are invaluable and without their commitment and their dedication the centre would not be the place it is today. We acknowledge with deep gratitude and thanks the work done by all who are involved and who make Mary Aikenhead Day Centre the wonderful place it is today.