The Sanctuary
(Picture from the Sanctuary's website)
I had the opportunity to attend a meeting at The Sanctuary in Smithfield. A peaceful, hidden space in the heart of Dublin. If you didn’t know it was there, you might walk right past it. Inside, though, it’s something special: wildflowers and Roses, fountains, small waterfalls, and the fresh scent of lemongrass which is the Sanctuary’s signature blend of oil. It’s hard to believe a place like this exists in the middle of the city.
The Sanctuary was founded by Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, who also founded Focus Ireland. It’s now a not-for-profit centre focused on mindfulness and community well-being. I was fortunate to meet Sister Stan during my visit.
I was there for a meeting with staff from the Sanctuary, ADHD Ireland, and the Disability Federation of Ireland. Together, we’re planning a new pilot project adapting the Sanctuary’s Warrior Programme for young people aged 10 to 14 who have ADHD. At the moment, there are very few non-medical supports available for children with ADHD in this age group. This programme will aim to fill some of that gap, offering tools for emotional regulation, focus, and self-awareness in a supportive setting.
The pilot will be running in Little Bray, and I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing how it develops. It’s a small but meaningful step toward offering more holistic, community-based options for families. I’m also glad to be part of the steering group guiding the project as it gets off the ground.
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