Smarmore Castle is a residential addiction treatment centre set in a historical castle on 15 private acres in County Louth. We are located less than an hour from Dublin, so Smarmore Castle is close enough for easy access, but far enough to be a discreet recovery retreat.
We’re part of Castle Health, a family-owned group founded by Peter and Dr Margaret Ann McCann, whose treatment centres have provided access to addiction rehab in Ireland for more than 40 years.
Families across Ireland choose Smarmore Castle for our clinical expertise, continuity of care, and warm, welcoming environment. Choosing the right addiction treatment is a big decision, but understanding what treatment involves and the support available can help individuals and families make an informed choice.
Safe, Expert Addiction Treatment
The clinical model behind Smarmore Castle
Addiction has long been understood to be a treatable medical condition. At Smarmore Castle, our patients are treated as people with an illness like any other.
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40 years of treating addiction — the heritage behind Smarmore Castle
Peter and Dr Margaret Ann McCann opened Clouds House in 1983, one of the first residential addiction treatment centres in the UK. Castle Craig followed in 1988, and Smarmore Castle opened in 2015, bringing the same approach to Ireland.
Our treatment model is adapted from the Minnesota Model, an evidence-based approach to residential addiction treatment. Independent research into the effectiveness of the Minnesota Model in Ireland found that 81.5% of those followed up at six months had a good outcome. The approach was found to be effective in helping people reduce alcohol use and sustain that reduction beyond the treatment period.
That same model has been running at Castle Craig, our sister clinic within the Castle Health group, since 1988. Independent research on the programme there showed that 73% of patients achieved long-term abstinence, and 92% showed overall improvement.
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A medically managed approach to addiction treatment in Ireland
In September 2025, Smarmore Castle received the CHKS Quality Improvement Award for our use of the Kipu Patient Management System, an international recognition of our commitment to clinical safety and improved patient outcomes.
Patients are under the care of a Consultant Psychiatrist and supported by a multidisciplinary team with 24-hour nursing. This means there is no need to arrange detox separately before coming to us, as every stage of detox, treatment and continuing care is provided as part of the same treatment programme.
The HSE advises that medical support during detox helps people stop safely and manage withdrawal symptoms. Our on-site medical team and nursing staff are always present to keep you as comfortable and safe as possible throughout.
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Therapies offered at Smarmore Castle
Detox physically stabilises, so that therapy can begin. At Smarmore Castle, that includes individual and group therapy, family sessions, psychoeducation, equine therapy, and 12 Step work.
Treatment looks different for different people, and our programme is built to meet individual needs. For a full picture of what treatment involves, see our treatment model.
“The truly team approach at Smarmore Castle to provide a comprehensive detoxification and therapy programme with excellent support and good outcomes for patients with therapies and other supports unseen in other centres in the Republic of Ireland.”
– CHKS 2021
Reaching out to Smarmore Castle — what happens next
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A confidential addiction assessment, at your pace
The first step is a free, confidential addiction assessment with our admissions team. You’re under no obligation. We just want to understand your situation properly so we can tell you what treatment involves and whether Smarmore Castle is right for you.
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Rapid admission when you’re ready
When you decide to go ahead, we can move quickly. Assessment and admission can often be arranged within 24 to 48 hours where we have capacity, and our admissions team is available in the evenings and at weekends.
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Aftercare that lasts beyond your stay
From the moment you’re admitted, your care plan includes what happens after discharge. Recovery is not a single event, and our programme is designed to provide all the necessary support going forward.
Leaving is often when things get harder, but our patients are never more than a phone call away. Relapse is a recognised part of many recovery journeys. If it happens, the continuing care team can help work out the right next step.
All patients are offered a 12-month continuing care programme when they leave, and are invited to return each year for our annual alumni reunion.
If cost is a consideration, you can get a full breakdown of how much addiction rehab in Ireland costs, including what is covered in your treatment.
September 2025 – Smarmore Castle Awarded for Digital Excellence in Patient Care
Smarmore Castle has received the CHKS Quality Improvement Award 2025 for our innovative use of the Kipu Patient Management System. This international recognition highlights the clinic’s commitment to clinical safety, improved outcomes, and compassionate care through digital transformation.
Supporting someone in your life through addiction
Addiction affects everyone close to the person in treatment, and the families we meet have often been through a lot.
If you’re reading this for someone in your life, you may be worried about getting it wrong and unsure whether they’re ready.
Families are actively involved in treatment at Smarmore Castle. Sustained recovery is more likely when families understand what they’re dealing with, so family therapy is an important part of our programme.
Recovery is not always a straight line, and families who understand that are better placed to support someone through the difficult patches as well as the good ones.
Our admissions team is happy to speak with family members directly. You don’t need to wait until the person you’re concerned about is ready to call. We can talk through what you’re seeing and what the options are.
If you want to read more before getting in touch, our educational resources are a good place to start. You can also get a full overview of the addiction treatment we offer.
When you’re ready to talk, our admissions team is here.
Find Us
(041) 214 0277
Smarmore
Ardee
Co. Louth
A92 YY22
Frequently asked questions about Smarmore Castle
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How much does treatment at Smarmore Castle cost?
The cost of treatment depends on the length of your stay and the level of care required. We’re transparent about pricing and happy to talk you through what’s included. For a full breakdown, see our page on how much addiction rehab in Ireland costs.
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What accommodation is available at Smarmore Castle?
Smarmore Castle offers both private and shared room options, set within a historic castle and adjoining buildings on 15 private acres in County Louth. Our rooms are comfortable and designed to support rest and recovery. Our admissions team can advise on availability when you get in touch.
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Is catering provided at Smarmore Castle?
Yes. All meals are provided by our on-site catering team throughout your stay. Dietary requirements are catered for, and good nutrition supports the physical side of recovery, particularly during and after detox.
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Can family visit during treatment at Smarmore Castle?
Yes, we welcome family visits. Visiting is typically arranged on Sundays and planned in advance with your focal therapist. Family members can also attend scheduled sessions during the week as part of the family therapy programme. If you have questions about staying in touch with someone in your life who’s in treatment, our team can explain exactly how it works.
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What happens if someone needs to detox before starting treatment?
Detox is delivered on-site at Smarmore Castle under the care of our medical team. Our Consultant Psychiatrist and nursing team manage the process from the moment you arrive, and you move from detox into the therapeutic programme as soon as you’re ready. It’s one of the practical advantages of choosing a drug treatment centre in Ireland with full medical provision on-site.