Mary Aikenhead Heritage Centre

About the museum

The Mary Aikenhead Heritage Centre belongs to the Religious Sisters of Charity and stands in the grounds of Our Lady’s Hospice at Our Lady’s Mount in Harold’s Cross. It is dedicated to Mary Aikenhead, the Cork-born founder of the congregation, who also founded St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin.

The exhibition presents the history of the congregation in a varied way, using audio-visual scenes and many short video clips. It shows the origins of the order, its spirit and the way the Sisters of Charity continue their work today in the countries where they live and serve. The focal point is Mary Aikenhead’s own room, where she lived from 1845 until her death in 1858, spending the last 27 years of her life as an invalid and guiding her congregation through countless letters.

Visits are by arrangement and usually take about two hours. They can be made by individuals or by groups, and tea or coffee is served at the end. The congregation also offers a free mobile app, Walking with Mary Aikenhead, with interactive walking trails in Cork and Dublin.

Highlights

• Exhibition on Mary Aikenhead, founder of the Religious Sisters of Charity
• Her original room is the focal point of the display
• Audio-visual scenes and short video clips
• Free admission with tea or coffee at the end of the visit
• Free parking and lift access to the first floor

Permanent exhibition

• Mary Aikenhead and the Religious Sisters of Charity – An exhibition on the life of Mary Aikenhead and the history of the congregation, built around her own room and told through audio-visual scenes.

Operated by

Religious Sisters of Charity

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free. Tea or coffee is served at the end of the visit.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is wheelchair access to the first floor by lift, and seating is provided. The centre describes itself as wheelchair friendly.

Kids & families

Getting there & parking

The centre is in the grounds of Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross.

Amenities & dining

Tea or coffee is served to visitors at the end of the tour.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit