
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.
Our Experienced Team
Our medical treatment is under the direction of leading Consultant Psychiatrist Professor Gerard Lynch and HSE GP coordinator 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.
Want to learn more about us?
Contact our admissions team for further information.
Downloads |
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Smarmore Castle Brochure.pdf |
Last updated & clinically assessed 23 March, 2022