The Story of L’Arche Cork

On 18th January 1985 L’Arche Cork was born when three core members moved into An Croí (the heart) along with a few assistants. These were joined the following year by three more core members. In 1989 four core members along with assistants moved into a second home called Suaimhneas, (place of rest). Right from the start L’Arche Cork had a work project. The workshop got a permanent home in 1994 with the opening of Le Cheile (together) in a purpose built centre in Togher on land generously given to us by the parish. This now accommodates the day programme where we have projects in candle-making, weaving, woodwork, jewellery making, printing, life-skills and gardening. This is also a place for community gatherings and the administration centre.

Since then we have opened 3 more homes- An Teaghlach (the hearth), An Cuan (the harbour) and Dochas (hope). Today we have 20 core members who live in 4 homes and 8 project workers who join the day programme in Le Cheile. All our homes are situated in the western suburbs of Cork City. Some are within walking distance of each other and of Le Cheile. The city, situated on the banks of the river Lee has a population of 123,000 people. It is located on the South West coast of Ireland and is the 2nd largest city in the Republic of Ireland. Cork is a University City with a student population in excess of 25,000 in two main third level education institutes - University College Cork and Cork Institute of Technology.