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Ready To Take The Next Step?
Deciding to begin the rehab admissions process for residential addiction treatment is a big step, and a brave one, too. You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or even hopeful and ready for change. Whatever your situation, our team are here to make our admissions process as straightforward, stress-free, and supportive as possible.
As a CHKS registered and ISO 9001:2015 accredited addiction treatment facility, we can assure you of a professional and friendly service from the very first time you make contact with us.
Speak to Us Now
Call our friendly admissions team on 041 986 5080 or submit an enquiry. Our admissions phone lines are open 9 am-5 pm weekdays. If you’d prefer to speak to a member of our admissions team, we can arrange a call back at a later date that suits you.
Admissions Criteria at Smarmore Castle
You can refer yourself by contacting us directly, or a referral can be made by a GP, psychiatrist, family member, or other healthcare professional. We are able to accept admissions for:
We provide medically-managed detoxification from alcohol and drugs.
Adults experiencing addiction to alcohol, drugs or behavioural addictions such as gambling, and those suffering from addiction with co-occurring mental health conditions.
How Can I Cover the Costs of My Treatment?
You pay for your rehab treatment in a variety of ways at Smarmore Castle.
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Private Pay
Many people choose to pay for treatment privately.
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Insurance
We accept insurance funding through the VHI, Bupa Global, Geo Blue, Henner, United Healthcare and a number of other insurers.
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HSE
The Irish HSE covers a number of patient admissions at Smarmore Castle each year. Call us with your HSE funding code to process the admission.
To receive a HSE funding code, you must first contact your local HSE addiction service clinic and follow their process. Visit the HSE addiction service website to find your Local Health Office.
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International Insurers
If you are in the US military, then rehab treatment can be covered via Tricare. If you are from the Netherlands, you may be covered by some Dutch medical insurers.
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Employers
Some employers have schemes in place to cover rehab costs for their employees. Smarmore Castle partners with VHI Healthcare, TriCare, Henner, Geo Blue, United Healthcare Global, Prison Officers Medical Aid Society, and St Paul’s Garda Medical Aid Society. Talk to your employer about funding options.
Referrals from Medical Professionals
If you are a healthcare practitioner, you can contact us to refer a patient to the Smarmore Castle addiction treatment programme. We accept referrals from psychiatrists, doctors, psychotherapists, interventionists, other healthcare professionals and other addiction rehab centres. Contact our admissions team, and they will be happy to advise on the referral and admissions process.
Keith is Clinic Manager for Smarmore Castle and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the therapy team and operations.
Before joining Smarmore Castle, Keith worked as a private psychotherapist and has four years of solid experience as the manager of another Irish treatment centre. He also has two decades of hospitality experience plus 20 years of his own recovery, as well as a firm belief in the 12-step model.
On top of this, he is a doctoral candidate in psychotherapy, at Dublin University. On joining Smarmore Castle, he said:
“I’m very excited to be appointed the clinic manager of Smarmore Castle Private Clinic. I have always been impressed by the multidisciplinary approach offered at Smarmore Castle and look forward to working with the very professional and dedicated team, who work tirelessly to provide quality care to all patients”.
Dr Orlagh McCambridge, MB BCh BAO, DMH, MSc, MRCPsych, is the Medical Director of Smarmore Castle Private Clinic. She is a Consultant Psychiatrist, specialising in addictions.
Dr McCambridge previously worked as a Clinical Director and Consultant Psychiatrist in addiction and mental health services in the NHS in Northern Ireland.
She completed her undergraduate medical degree, Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health and Master’s in Clinical Education (Distinction) at Queen’s University Belfast. She completed her foundation, core, and higher psychiatry training programmes in Northern Ireland.
She is on the Irish Medical Council’s Specialist Register for Psychiatry and is on the General Medical Council’s Specialist Register for General Psychiatry (Substance Misuse Psychiatry) with a licence to practise in the United Kingdom also.
Frances possesses a keen awareness of the repercussions of recovery, especially within familial contexts, and always considered securing a modest role within this sector. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Frances to explore opportunities beyond the realm of tourism, leading her to join Smarmore as the Admissions Officer in 2022.
Frances comes to Smarmore with a professional background in Tourism Management spanning over two decades, during which she led both national and international projects. Her efforts in this domain were acknowledged with several tourism innovation awards. Having returned to education as an adult, Frances pursued her studies through Open University, successfully attaining a Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.
As a mother of four children, Frances draws parallels between the experience of motherhood and her responsibilities at Smarmore. She perceives both roles as equally privileged, challenging, and rewarding.
Frances spends her spare time camping throughout Germany in her campervan, called ‘Elvis’.
Ciara Kirk is originally from Dundalk Co Louth where she grew up and was educated at St Vincent’s Secondary School and Dundalk Regional College, now DKIT. For the past number of years, Ciara has lived in Knockbridge Co. Louth with her husband where they have raised their 3 children. Ciara joined the Smarmore Team in July 2017 as Admissions Assistant.
Ciara has over 12 years of experience in the field of addiction and recovery. In 2011 she did a training course in group facilitation and has worked with recovery groups on a voluntary basis for the last eight years.
She is passionate about recovery and has a great understanding of how the 12-Step programme can work. Ciara enjoys swimming, Pilates, travelling to Europe, eating out, and catching time with her 2 daughters, son, and husband.
Fast, Private Admissions to Rehab
We provide a fast, confidential admissions process for patients travelling from across Ireland, the UK, Europe and abroad, avoiding long waiting lists in favour of immediate access to addiction treatment. If you have a clinical need, we can admit you within 24–48 hours.
Download our Brochure
The Rehab Admissions Process at Smarmore Castle
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Arrival at Smarmore and Orientation
When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by our admissions team and nursing staff, who will begin the assessment process to determine your detoxification and medical needs. After this assessment, you will begin your orientation around Smarmore Castle, which includes a welcome pack with a detailed programme timetable, guidelines and procedures, details of visiting times and some written assessments. During orientation, one of our senior therapists will take you through this information, explain the treatment process and address any queries you may have, settling you into your treatment and introducing you to our recovery community.
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Initial Contact
Call us, fill out our online form, or ask your doctor or healthcare professional to refer you.
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Pre-Admission Assessment
You will have a pre-admission assessment with our admissions team here to find out all relevant information about your individual needs, situation, any health issues or pre-existing mental health conditions, and assess which treatment programme will be best for you.
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Medical Records Review
We may ask for a GP summary or recent blood tests. If you don’t have them, we can help arrange them.
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Arranging Admission
Once approved, you’ll be offered an admission date, which can be as fast as 24-48 hours after your assessment. We can help you over the phone with any questions you might have about getting to Smarmore Castle and back from your location. We can also provide a sober transport service for patients travelling from Dublin or Belfast at an additional cost.
Contact Us
Start your recovery journey with Smarmore Castle.
How can I get rehab funding via the HSE?
We are contracted by the HSE to provide funded treatment episodes, ensuring that financial constraints don’t block your access to high‑quality addiction and mental health treatment. To explore this funding route, you’ll need to apply through HSE, providing some documentation, such as details of your addiction, financial circumstances, and proof of residence. Once your funding is secured, our admissions team will secure your place at Smarmore Castle.
Our admissions team will help you understand your options and support you with arrangements. Speak to a member of the team today: 041 986 5080.
Tax Relief
Self-funded clients from the Republic of Ireland may qualify to claim tax relief on the cost of their health expenses. These can be their private health expenses, those of a family member or any individual’s, as long as they were paid for by the applicant claiming relief.
For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Sober Transportation Services – Safe and Supportive Travel to Smarmore Castle
We understand that travelling to and from treatment can create additional anxiety during an already challenging time. To address this concern, we can offer specialised transportation services designed to ensure your journey is as comfortable and secure as possible.
Our transport service, paid for at an additional cost, covers all of Ireland and can arrange pickup from any domestic location or international airport for those arriving from abroad.
Our driver focuses on creating a reassuring, supportive environment throughout your journey while also being knowledgeable enough to address initial questions about your upcoming treatment experience.
This transportation service reflects Smarmore Castle’s comprehensive commitment to removing barriers and ensuring every aspect of your treatment journey begins on a positive, stress-free foundation.
What to Bring With You To Residential Rehab
Once your admission is confirmed, we’ll send you a full packing list. In general, we recommend:
- Personal items that support your recovery (journal, photos, etc.)
- Comfortable clothing for 2–3 weeks
- Toiletries to last the duration of your stay
- Prescription medications (if any)
- Medical records or relevant documents
What Our Patients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Coming to Smarmore Castle
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How long does the admissions process take at Smarmore Castle?
Smarmore Castle is committed to maintaining as short an admission waiting time as possible. Admission requires a telephone assessment which can normally be facilitated within 24 hours of first contact.
Patients must be cleared by our medical and management team, which may be facilitated within the same working day if medical information is not required. Subject to clearance, patients can be admitted to treatment within 2 – 7 days (subject to room availability). Please reach out to our team to start the process.
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How can I persuade someone to come to rehab?
Supporting a loved one struggling with addiction is challenging and can be emotionally taxing. A professional intervention can be an effective approach when direct efforts seem futile.
This can help in persuading the person to recognise they need urgent help. At Smarmore, we work with a team of qualified interventionists who can help guide you through the process. Speak to our advisors about this option.
Call 041 986 5080.
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How can I pay for rehab treatment?
Payment methods differ based on each person’s circumstances. The options available include self-funding, using private healthcare insurance, or funding from HSE. Our admissions staff are available to provide detailed information and guidance on the various payment options.
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How do I get to Smarmore Castle?
Smarmore Castle is within easy access off the M1 motorway and is just over an hour’s drive from Dublin and Belfast Airports. We are happy to collect patients from both international airports by prior arrangement.
Dublin and Belfast airports offer daily flights from most destinations in the UK and internationally.
Aer Lingus and Ryanair are Ireland’s main airlines. Aer Lingus presently accepts a driving licence or other means of photographic identification, such as employment or travel ID for travel from the UK. Ryanair requires a passport for UK citizens. Please check before booking your tickets.
Search flights to Dublin or Belfast.
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Does Smarmore Castle have any exclusion criteria?
There are some conditions that we are unable to treat, such as severe eating disorders and psychosis. We are also unable to treat some individuals with histories of violent crime. Following a screening call, we will be able to advise you further.
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Do I need a referral to get into rehab at Smarmore Castle?
No, you can self-refer. We also accept referrals from GPs and other professionals.
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Can I visit before being admitted?
At Smarmore Castle, we do not allow visits as we honour the therapeutic environment and uphold the safety and privacy of the patients currently in treatment.
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What are your opening hours?
Our admissions line is open 9am – 5pm on weekdays. However, Smarmore Castle is open 365 days a year.
Questions About Rehab
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What Is the typical duration for rehabilitation treatment?
Smarmore Castle Private Clinic offers 4 – 12 weeks programmes. The length of treatment will depend on each patient’s individual needs and personal circumstances. Key factors in the decision can include detox requirements and the severity of addiction. Detox duration varies based on substance type and frequency of use. Additional considerations such as mental health conditions like depression or trauma may influence the treatment length. At Smarmore, we recognise the uniqueness of each addiction case. The minimum treatment programme offered is strictly 4 weeks. Patient requests for treatment extensions are a viewed as priority thereafter.
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Will nurses be on duty during detoxification?
Smarmore Castle’s onsite 24-hour nursing team enables the clinic to offer a medically managed detox.
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How effective are your treatment Programmes?
Our treatment approach has been successful for thousands of patients. An independently verified study on the programme at our sister clinic, Castle Craig indicated that 73% of surveyed respondees maintained long-term abstinence, with 92% showing significant overall improvement.
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What Is the ratio of staff to patients at Smarmore Castle?
We prioritise a high therapist-to-patient ratio: 4/5 staff members to every patient at full capacity.
Our team of professionals include our Medical Director who is a consultant psychiatrist, a 24-hour medical team, full-time nurses, trained healthcare workers and an addiction-qualified therapy team supported by our recovery advocates.
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Do you provide treatment services exclusively for women?
We offer women-only group therapy sessions and aqua therapy sessions. Understanding the unique needs of women, especially concerning trauma or abuse, we create a safe and comfortable environment for them to share and heal.
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What should I expect after I leave rehab at Smarmore Castle?
Once you have completed treatment your therapist will prepare a personalised continuing care plan. With your permission, we coordinate with your GP and other necessary health professionals for ongoing support.
We provide information and contact details for local support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. We also offer a weekly Aftercare Programme for patients and families. This can be discussed during treatment.
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Is the rehab programme at Smarmore Castle accommodating to patients with religious beliefs?
Our treatment programme is not based on religion but it does incorporate spiritual principles that can resonate with patients of various faith backgrounds. This model allows religious patients to integrate their beliefs into their recovery journey, finding strength and guidance through their spirituality.
Questions About Staying
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Are family visits and calls allowed at Smarmore Castle?
There is no visitation at Smarmore Castle as it can act as a distraction from treatment. However, patients are permitted one phone call three times a week and one Zoom call at weekends.
We recognise the importance of having contact with loved ones, but from our experience, it’s equally as important for patients to be very focused in their recovery during their precious time with us.
Additionally, an onsite Family Therapy session is arranged by the patient and their therapist with identified family members.
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What type of clothing should I pack for residential rehab?
- It’s best to bring ‘smart casual’ attire for daily wear.
- For fitness activities: gym clothing, trainers and a swimming attire for our pool and sauna.
- A waterproof jacket or coat is advised.
- Slippers, dressing gown (bathrobe), nightwear, and personal toiletries.
- Towels and bed linen will be provided.
Our admissions team will send you a full list of items that should be brought and left at home.
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Am I allowed to send and receive mail?
Yes, you can send and/or receive mail. All packages received must be opened in the presence of a member of staff.
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Is smoking allowed onsite at Smarmore Castle rehab?
Smoking is allowed in designated sheltered areas outside the main buildings. We also offer smoking cessation therapy for those interested in quitting.
Please note that rolling tobacco and electronic vapes are not permitted on the premises.
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Can I purchase toiletries at Smarmore Castle rehab clinic?
We offer a limited range of toiletries on-site. However, we organise a weekly shop order system where patients can buy essential items.
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Can I bring vitamins and food supplements to rehab?
You may bring supplements in commercially sealed containers, subject to staff inspection. Supplements deemed counterproductive to your clinical care may not be allowed. Please notify the admissions staff about any supplements you plan to bring before your arrival to avoid any inconvenience.
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Can I get dental appointements during rehab?
Emergency dental appointments can be arranged during your stay. Patients are liable for any costs incurred. Non-emergency appointments should be postponed or undertaken before entering treatment.
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Can I get optician services during my stay in rehab?
Unfortunately, we cannot arrange optician appointments. Please ensure your glasses or contact lenses are suitable for your stay.
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What are the bedrooms like at Smarmore Castle?
At Smarmore Castle we have private and shared rooms. All bedrooms are ensuite. Some bedrooms are located in the castle and others are located in our newly built garden lodges.
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What is it like to share a bedroom in rehab?
We understand that many people will prefer their own room. But there are a number o benefits in sharing a bedroom during rehab.
Sharing a bedroom becomes more than just a living arrangement – it helps break down the feelings of vulnerability and isolation often associated with addiction.
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What is the food like at Smarmore Castle?
Our dedicated, in-house catering team ensures quality food and nutrition is provided to all patients by sourcing fresh and local produce, and following the wholefood dietary policy established by the clinic. We provide wholesome, nutritious ingredients that are prepared to the highest standards to provide a balanced diet and to help address any nutritional deficiencies that may be caused by addiction.
We also supply plenty of fresh fruit and healthy snacks throughout the day in between our healthy meal options, to further encourage healthy choices.
Specialist Dietary Requirements
At Smarmore Castle, as part of our ongoing commitment to food and nutrition, we provide dietary assessment and nutritional counselling for patients with eating disorders, and we cater for special diets on religious or medical grounds.
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Will I have a private room?
At Smarmore Castle, we have a range of private and shared rooms available to accommodate a variety of needs and circumstances. The majority of our rooms offer shared accommodation. We do offer private rooms; however, you should discuss the availability of a private room with our admissions team before securing your place.
