The Irish Dementia Cafe Network
A nationwide network of welcoming cafes supporting people living with dementia, their families, and communities.
Community & Connection
The Irish Dementia Cafe Network brings together dementia cafes across Ireland — each guided by shared principles of inclusion, understanding, and respect. The network supports local cafes to connect, share best practices, and start new cafes in communities nationwide. Through this growing network, we aim to make every community a place where people living with dementia and their families feel seen, supported, and understood.
What Is a Dementia Café?
A space of warmth, connection, and understanding
A dementia cafe is a welcoming, once-monthly meeting for anyone affected by dementia. It’s a relaxed social setting where people can share experiences, exchange ideas, and enjoy meaningful conversation.
Each cafe brings together:
People living with dementia
Family members and friends
Healthcare professionals and carers
Community members who wish to help create dementia-inclusive spaces
Every cafe is free of charge and run by local voluntary steering committees.
Our Shared Principles
What unites dementia cafes across Ireland
Each cafe in the Irish Dementia Cafe Network follows a set of shared principles and values that ensure consistency, respect, and inclusion across all locations:
A welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for all
Respect for the voice and experience of people living with dementia
Volunteer-led organisation, rooted in local communities
Free access for everyone — no barriers, no stigma
Ongoing collaboration and support through the national network
Our Mission
Building dementia-inclusive communities together
At Engaging Dementia, we believe that connection and understanding are at the heart of good dementia care. Through the Irish Dementia Cafe Network, we’re helping communities become places where people living with dementia are not just supported — but truly belong.
Join or Start a Cafe
Get involved in your local community
Whether you’d like to attend a cafe, volunteer, or start a new one, we’ll help you connect with the right people and resources. Our dedicated website offers a directory of existing cafes, guidelines for new organisers, and stories of community impact from across Ireland.
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