Victoria McCann BA, MSc

Communications Director & Editorial Lead

Victoria McCann, BA, MSc, is Communications Director & Editorial Lead at Castle Craig and a member of the clinic’s founding family. With over a decade of experience in addiction treatment communications, she leads the creation of clear, compassionate content that supports patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Victoria is committed to reducing stigma around addiction and mental health, and brings strategic insight and lived sector knowledge to her work. She regularly attends and organises addiction treatment conferences across the UK and Europe, promoting high standards of care and best practice in the field. Victoria also works with the media to raise awareness and share informed perspectives on addiction and recovery. The Herald, The Times, BBC, STV, The Times, New York Post, The Guardian.

The Taaffe Family

Sir William Taaffe was distinguished for his efforts on the Government side in the O’Neill wars and was knighted for his services at the siege of Kinsale in 1601. The Taaffe Family The Taaffe Family Crest: “In Hoc Signo, Spes Mea.” – In this sign is my hope. Smarmore Castle has its origins within […]

Friends of Smarmore Castle

Are you a former patient, family member, or someone who has heard of us and appreciates what we do, and wants to stay in touch? We want you to stay in touch with us and keep you informed about what’s going on at Smarmore Castle. When You Become a Friend You Will Receive: Keep in […]

Meet the Team

Staff at Smarmore Castle, Ireland Rehabilitation begins with people, which is why our most unique resource is our staff of caring and deeply committed individuals. Smarmore Castle has a multidisciplinary team with addiction specialists in our medical and nursing departments, therapists who specialise in addiction, admissions staff, fitness staff and staff who provide hospitality and […]

Indoor photo of a therapist explaining something to a patient during a session

Careers at Smarmore Castle, Addiction Treatment Centre Ireland

Help Change Lives If you are a talented healthcare professional in Ireland who is passionate about helping people recover from alcoholism, drug misuse, gambling and other addictions, then join us! When it comes to job satisfaction, it doesn’t get much more rewarding than working at Smarmore Castle, Ireland. Working at Smarmore Castle you will see […]

Media Interviews on Addiction

Media Interviews about Addiction We are happy to provide a range of services to the media looking for: Media Enquiries Our communications team is available to assist journalists, researchers, and media professionals with enquiries about Smarmore Castle, our treatment programs, and our expert opinions on addiction and recovery. We aim to provide accurate, timely, and […]

Clinical Governance & Quality Assurance

Peace of Mind Smarmore Castle Private Clinic’s medical and clinical practice is governed by clinical protocols and procedures. Our main clinical governance objectives are: Smarmore Castle’s medical team is led by Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Orlagh McCambridge. CHKS Accreditation Smarmore Castle has been awarded a major international accreditation recognising Excellence in International Best Practice, Legislation and […]

The Treatment Model at Smarmore Castle

Our Approach At Smarmore Castle, our treatment model is designed to offer comprehensive, evidence-based care for people struggling with addiction and related mental health conditions. Grounded in compassion, medical excellence, and recovery-focused therapy, our approach is tailored to the needs of each patient – supporting long-term healing through structured, person-centred care. Our experience has shown […]

Heavy Drinking and Alcoholism Among the Elderly

Today’s elderly drink more heavily than previous generations. Alcohol is the substance most likely to be abused by pensioners. Retirement is a big life change that can leave some feeling unfulfilled, bored or lonely. Growing older is associated with the onset of several serious life changes such as loss of family and friends, and deteriorating […]

Addiction Problems Among the Elderly

Drug Addiction Rehab for Over 65s People aged 65 and over experience a number of difficult life changes. These can include retirement, the death of a spouse, friends or family, deteriorating health, and impaired mobility. When faced with these issues, it is not uncommon for elderly people to turn to alcohol or prescription drugs as […]

Female Domestic Abuse and Trauma

‘Domestic abuse’ can refer to a wide range of behaviours carried out by one member of a couple in order to exert power and control over the other. It can refer to either a single incident, or an ongoing pattern of behaviour that is threatening, abusive, degrading, violent or controlling. Most domestic violence is perpetrated […]

How Alcohol Affects Women

Physical Effects of Alcohol Misuse in Women Women’s bodies are more susceptible to the damaging effects of alcohol misuse. For example, alcohol-related liver disease and brain damage affects women more quickly, and is triggered by lower doses of alcohol than in men. Psychological Effects of Alcohol Misuse in Women Shame Women are more likely to experience […]

How Drug and Alcohol Addiction Affects Women

Women are more susceptible to the harmful psychological and physical effects of alcohol and drug misuse. 10 Ways Addiction is More Damaging to Women Than Men 1. More Physiological Damage Women’s organs are more susceptible to the damaging effects of alcohol misuse. This means that alcohol-related brain and liver damage generally progress more rapidly in […]