Ard Mhuire marks 50 years

Our beautiful friary and retreat centre in Ards is 50 years old!

While the Friars were here since the 1930’s, the new house that you see today was opened on the13th of November 1966. This evening at 5:30 we celebrate a Mass to begin a year of thanksgiving for all of the Friars and people who have worked to ensure that this place is one of peace, prayer and spiritual refreshment for so many.

The beauty and simplicity of Ard Mhuire have enchanted the many thousands of pilgrims, retreatants and walkers who have visited over the years. Its beaches, walking trials and forests offer a sanctuary from the busyness of life; a time to pause, reconnect and recharge. It has always been a very unique place, a place of encounter and welcome. The Capuchin Fraternity and the staff of the Retreat Centre embody and uphold that mission today.

The Donegal Democratic have produced a very nice piece to mark the occasion (READ HERE)

A few pictures follow from those early days of Ards as a house of studies to its present incarnation as a retreat centre…

Keep an eye on the retreat centre website for news of repeats and upcoming events…www.ardsfriary.ie