Ireland Yearly Meeting 2023: Building Community Together

Ireland Yearly Meeting 2023 will run from Thursday 13 April to Sunday 16 April, 2023.

You can download the Programme from the Ireland Yearly Meeting website here.

Special Interest Groups

The following Special Interest Groups will be taking place online in the days leading up to IYM at 7.30-9.00pm:

1. The Goffs of Horetown: a Typical 18th c. Quaker Family

Speaker: Claire Bradley, Sunday 9th April 7.30pm

Claire Bradley traces the Goff family from the mid-18th to the end of the 19th century. The lecture will show how separate and distinct Quakers were from the rest of Irish society, yet how they left a big legacy. Followed by a Q&A session.

2. Life Reflections Workshop

Facilitator: Daniel Flynn, Monday 10th April, 7.30pm

Who are you? Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? How do you get there? This session offers tools for self-discovery and future direction. Together we will practice silence, reflection and sharing our learning.

3. Quakers and a Peace Testimony – an Exploration

Facilitators: Will Haire and others, Tuesday 11th April, 7.30pm

In this SIG we will consider the origin and development of our Peace Testimony and provide a space for people to discuss what the Peace Testimony might mean for us today.

4. Food for Thought – a Conversation about Food and the Food System

Facilitators: South Belfast EcoQuakers, Wednesday 12th April 7.30pm

There is abundant evidence that our food system contributes hugely to the planetary climatic and ecological emergencies. This SIG will offer an opportunity to participate in a journey of learning and discernment, bearing in mind Quaker commitments to simplicity, stewardship of the Earth, and sustainability.

Public Lecture

The IYM 2023 Public Lecture, Hospitality and the Pilgrim: A Quaker's reflection on communion and community, will be given by Harvey Gillman on Friday 14 April at 7.30pm. You will automatically be registered for the Public Lecture when you register for IYM 2023.

Meals

You can download forms for booking your meals from the Ireland Yearly Meeting website here.

Once filled out, you should send the forms to the Office by email (office@quakers.ie) or post. You can also download volunteering forms at the site above. Please email office@quakers.ie with iymclerk@quakers.ie cc'd if you have any questions!

Accommodation

Accommodation at the Dominican Retreat Centre is €50 per night for bed and breakfast. Unfortunately, there are only 30 single rooms available. Therefore, it has been decided to collect names of Friends wishing to stay at the Retreat Centre and allocate the rooms to those Friends who have the greatest need.

Priority will be given to those with limited financial resources and/or mobility concerns/needs, those traveling from outside Dublin and those staying all three nights.

If you feel you meet any of these criteria, we encourage you to make your requests for accommodation at the Centre as part of your Eventbrite registration as early as possible, and no later than 10 February 2023! We will let you know whether your request has been successful shortly after this date. We will send information about how to pay for accommodation at the Retreat Centre at the same time.

Those not staying at the Retreat Centre will need to book their own accommodation elsewhere. Three major hotels are within walking distance of the Dominican Retreat Centre:

The Maldron Hotel, Tallaght (about 20 minutes walk): info.Tallaght@maldronhotels.com. Tel. (01) 468 5400

The Plaza Hotel, Tallaght (about 15 minutes walk): reservations@plazahotel.ie. Tel. (01) 462 4200

Glashaus Hotel, Tallaght (about 20 minutes walk): reception@glashaushotel.ie. Tel. (01) 538 1410.