Welcome to Muiríosa Foundation
Muiríosa Foundation is a trusted voluntary health organisation dedicated to empowering Autistic individuals and people with intellectual disabilities. We are proud to provide person-centred services publicly funded by the Department of Health and Children (DOH&C) through the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Operating across more than 35 locations in the Midlands of Ireland, our services are rooted in local communities, ensuring accessible and tailored support for those who need it most. Our main centres are located in Monasterevin, County Kildare, and Delvin, County Westmeath, with other centres in Naas, Kildare, Rathangan, Portarlington, Portlaoise, Abbeyleix, Stradbally, Tullamore, Birr, Mullingar and Athboy, Co Meath.
Our Story & Evolving Vision
Muiríosa Foundation traces its origins to the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, an international religious order founded in Lovendegem, Belgium, in 1804 by Canon P.J. Triest. With a long history of providing healthcare and education services, the order first established a presence in Ireland in 1946 at Moore Abbey, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare. Initially, their mission focused on delivering medical care to women suffering from epilepsy. On January 1, 2012, the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary Services transitioned into a limited liability company, formally becoming Muiríosa Foundation. While the governance structure changed, the foundation has proudly retained and built upon the ethos of care, compassion, and service established by the Sisters.
The name Muiríosa Foundation was chosen to honour the founders of our service, the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary. For those with some knowledge of the Irish language, you’ll know that “Muire” is the Irish for Our Lady (Mary), while “Íosa” is the Irish for Jesus. The name Muiríosa (mur-EESa) is a blending of “Muire agus Íosa” (Mary and Jesus), reflecting the deep connection to the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary.
Muiríosa Foundation is proud to provide a wide range of intellectual disability and autism services throughout Ireland’s Midlands, including residential, day service, and respite. Our headquarters are located in Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Our primary focus is supporting Autistic individuals and people with intellectual disabilities of all ages, particularly those with moderate to severe/profound needs. Since its foundation, we have grown significantly and now:
- Employ approximately 1,500 dedicated staff.
- Provide residential and day services to over 700 individuals.
- Offer advisory support to an additional 500 people and their families.
- Operate with an annual budget of approximately €70 million.
While our origins lie in the traditional, care-oriented model of service delivery, we have in recent years been working intentionally to promote a view of the person with an intellectual disability as a participating citizen in society, participation embedded within a broad range of roles and relationships.
This has triggered a fundamental questioning of the assumptions and attitudes we have traditionally drawn on and worked from. The net effect has been to shift the core question from what kind of service should we be, to how can we be of service to people so that they get to lead the life they want for themselves, a life on their own terms? The shift from getting a service to having a good life, a life on one's own terms is crucial - and one with which we were struggling (doggedly and creatively, we hope).
Governance and Leadership
Muiríosa Foundation operates as a Company Limited by Guarantee with a registered charity number with full governance responsibility for the services. Muiríosa Foundation is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors who bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and a shared commitment to our mission, with full responsibility for overseeing all aspects of the service.
Our Board members work tirelessly to oversee governance, strategy, and accountability, ensuring we continue to empower Autistic individuals and people with intellectual disabilities to live meaningful lives.
We invite you to learn more about our Board members who contribute to the success of the Muiríosa Foundation.