About Us

Our Vision

Every person with an addiction who comes through the doors of Smarmore Castle has the chance to start their recovery journey and turn their lives around. We help change the lives of not just our residents, but their loved ones – wives, husbands, parents, children, friends. At Smarmore Castle our vision of ‘recovery’ goes beyond helping patients when they are here; we want to help them forge their very best life with the therapeutic tools they need to stay abstinent and live fulfilled lives in recovery.  This is as true today as it was 38 years ago when our founders, Peter and Dr Margaret McCann founded their first addiction treatment centre in the UK.

About our addiction treatment model

Smarmore Castle’s treatment programme follows an abstinence-based model of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, gambling addiction and dual-diagnosis. After detoxification under the care of our medical team of doctors and nurses, our intensive therapy programme gives you the tools you need to stay abstinent. Our 38 years of experience shows that abstinence-based treatment really works – the 12 step philosophy used by AA and NA has helped millions of people all over the world to recover. Other evidence-based studies show that 12 Step treatment is even more effective than other therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for increasing abstinence. At Smarmore Castle our model follows not only the 12 Step programme, but also incorporates cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy and complementary therapies, as well as using a trauma informed approach.

Hundreds of people from all over Ireland and Europe have turned to Smarmore Castle for quality treatment, extensive facilities, expertly delivered therapies and dedicated family support.

The team at Smarmore

Our medical treatment is under the direction of leading Consultant Psychiatrist Professor Gerard Lynch and HSE GP co-ordinator in addiction services Dr Hugh Gallagher. Our team of medical and clinical staff have experience in treating many of the co-occurring disorders and issues that need to be addressed as part of an addiction treatment plan, such as trauma, depression, stress, bereavement, anxiety and burn-out. Meet our team

Location

Smarmore Castle is a fine period house steeped in history and charm, incorporating the Tower, which dates back to 1320. It is located in Ardee, a town in the Irish Borders, about 45 minutes north of Dublin International Airport and 1.5 hours south of Belfast International Airport. Our 15 acres of parkland and woods is a relaxed and tranquil environment conducive to healing and recovery. Directions to Smarmore

Founders

Smarmore Castle was founded by the directors of Castle Craig Hospital in Scotland, which was established in 1988 by Peter and Dr Margaret McCann, as a residential rehabilitation hospital treating people suffering from alcohol and drug addictions. Prior to that the McCanns founded Clouds House in Wiltshire in 1983. Read about Peter McCann’s own recovery journey here 

High-Quality Standards

We incorporate the high standards of our founding clinic, Castle Craig, into the service provided at Smarmore Castle Private Clinic. Smarmore has gained a strong reputation in Ireland and around Europe for high quality medical and therapeutic treatment, extensive services and dedicated family support.

Our Locations

Smarmore Castle is part of the Castle Health Group of clinics in Europe.

Scotland, UK

Castle Craig is a world-renowned addiction treatment clinic, founded in 1988 by Peter and Dr Margaret McCann, Castle Craig has helped thousands of people start their recovery journey.

Located in the stunning countryside of the Scottish Borders, near Edinburgh, the beautiful 50 acre woodland estate is a relaxed and tranquil environment conducive to healing and recovery. 

Ireland

In 2015, the McCann family opened Smarmore Castle Private Clinic in County Louth, Ireland. Smarmore Castle is a 22-bed rehab clinic under medical direction, and boasts a swimming pool with spa and a fitness gym for the wellness of patients. The origins of the castle date back to the 14th century.

The Netherlands

In 2000, Castle Craig opened a centre in The Hague, Netherlands, to assist patients from the Netherlands. Since 2008, Castle Craig Nederlands, directed by Frances Beek, has been recognised as an independent outpatient mental health care facility. We have a network of offices around the country and our own team including a Medical Director, consultant psychiatrists and therapists.

Sweden

Stockholms beroendekliniken provides assessments and continuing care, as well as family therapy, to people with alcohol addiction, drug addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions.

We have had a base in Stockholm since 2017 under the direction of Anna Sjostrom. In early 2021 Anna and Castle Craig launched Stockholms beroendekliniken to offer comprehensive outpatient care for people with alcohol and drug addiction in Sweden and Scandinavia.

The CEO of Stockholms beroendekliniken is, Anna Sjostrom, and behind her she has an experienced clinical and therapeutic addiction treatment team. Anna has worked in the addiction field since 1995.

London

CATCH Recovery is an outpatient clinic based in South Kensington, servicing the South of England.

The experienced team at CATCH offer outpatient rehab therapy, addiction assessments, online therapy, referral to inpatient rehab, aftercare groups, recovery yoga.

Want to learn more about us?

Contact our admissions team for further information.