Books will be available to purchase at the launch and from the Clare 250 Cancer Centre after it at the price of €30. 

We will be launching "A Life of Taking Chances – The Story of John Dunne" on Monday, August 28th at 7pm at The Old Ground Hotel in Ennis and, as profits of the book sales are being donated to us, we need your help to make it a success.

This book is an eye-opening account of the life experiences and perspectives of the charity founder John Dunne who openly admits to never shying away from hard work and controversy. In this candid book, you will gain insight into the early struggles, love of music, passion for hurling, dedication to charitable work, and unique outlook on life that has brought John both great successes and challenges.

It also includes insights from those who know John best and fantastic snapshots and stories from the charity over the years, the highs and lows, and more importantly the collective spirit of a wider community coming together to support the Clare 250 charity. John shares stories that embody the indomitable spirit of those affected by cancer: survivors, caregivers, and their families. These stories are testaments to the strength, resilience, and unwavering hope that can light the way through even the darkest of times.

By supporting the book launch, you become a part of something truly extraordinary. Your contribution will directly impact the lives of those battling cancer, offering them solace, guidance, and a community of unwavering support.


Here is how you can help!

·       Spread the word! Share this post to raise awareness and inspire others to join us in this noble cause. Together, we can make a difference and create a ripple effect of hope and love.

·       Attend our book launch event and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of compassion and unity as we celebrate a truly remarkable life. 

·       Make a donation today! Even if you can't attend the event, your generous support will contribute to empowering cancer patients to navigate their journeys with strength and resilience. Clare 250 Cancer Centre | Online Fundraising (idonate.ie)

Nature Based Wellbeing Day for Cancer Care Professionls

We are delighted to welcome Shirley Gleeson, a Nature and Wellbeing Consultant and director of Nádúr, Centre for Integrative Forest Therapy, for a special workshop designed for cancer care professionals. The objects of the workshop are to introduce the concept of Integrated Forest Therapy to this sector of professionals in the region, to provide tools for them to use in their day to day work and home life to enhance physical and mental well being through nature connection and to showcase what the centre is hoping to provide for cancer patients in the county this coming summer.

Who is it for: Health and social care professionals working in the area of Cancer Care, specifically Co Clare, Co Galway and Co Limerick regions. Oncology, Palliative Care, General Medicine, Nursing, Social Work, Psycho Oncology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Dieticians, Psychiatry, Creative Arts Practitioners, Pastoral care, Speech and Language Therapy.

What to expect: There has been numerous studies over the past ten years demonstrating how contact and connection with nature can enhance health and wellbeing. Spending time in natural environments can improve quality of life, reduce depression and anxiety, and promote vitality and enhance mood. Gentle nature-based interventions, such as forest therapy, can support individuals with serious health diagnosis such as cancer. Forest Therapy, which comes under the umbrella of “Green Care” is a nature based psychosocial intervention that can act as an adjunct to traditional treatment in reducing stress and promoting relaxation, encouraging emotional expression, and boosting social support.


If you are interested in this area, come along to our Nature Based Wellbeing Day where you will:

  • Learn about the research in relation to nature, wellbeing and cancer            care.
  • Engage in taster sessions on forest therapy and expressive arts.
  • Develop your own nature-based wellbeing plan to promote self-care.
  • Learn some nature-based techniques to integrate into your own working      life to enhance your health and wellbeing.
  • Find out about the Nature and Forest Therapy Programme that will be        run at the Clare 250 Cancer Centre and how you can make a referral.


Bio of facilitators

The main facilitator for the day will be Shirley Gleeson, a Nature and Wellbeing Consultant. Shirley holds master’s degrees in both Health Promotion and Social Work and worked as a Senior Medical Social Worker in Oncology, Palliative Care and Mental Health in a number of Private Hospitals in Dublin. She is the Director of both Ecowellness Consulting and Nádúr Centre for Integrative Forest Therapy. She has presented her nature-based work at the United Nations in Geneva, as well as speaking at international conferences on the area of nature and wellbeing in Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, England and Ireland. She has trained in ecotherapy and forest therapy in the United States, South Africa and England and specialises in developing nature-based interventions to promote positive mental health.

Shirley will be joined by our own Emer Dunne who will be our in-house Integrates Forest Therapy Practitioner and who has volunteered and worked with the Clare 250 for over 25 years. 

Cost : The cost for the day is E50, this includes a light lunch, and the remainder of the fee goes towards resources to support the running of the Forest and Nature Therapy Programme for Cancer Care at the centre.

Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite with the following link  https://retreattonature.eventbrite.ie

Clare 250 Cuppa Joe Weekend

We are delighted to be able to hold our fundraising coffee weekend this coming weekend in the centre. It is the perfect opportunity to experience the essence of what the centre hopes to achieve and what a special place it is. While the photos we have shared give an idea of what is in Ballygriffey, many have said you have to visit to really experience it. 

So come and see us! Bring your friends and family and relax in the beautiful woodlands Clare has to offer.

If you played a part or know someone who played a part in the Clare 250 over the last four decades please share and there'll be a cuppa waiting for you this weekend.

Quin Active Retirement visit Ballygriffey

We were delighted to welcome members of Quin Active Retirement Group to the centre last week. Fr. O'Neill celebrated mass followed by refreshments and luckily the weather held out to show the centre at it's best. We would like to sincerely thank the group for their generous donation to our fund as well as extending our thanks to the Quin n' Tonics Choir for also making a gratefully received donation.

Registered Charity Number : 20105426 -------- CHY Number : 22168