2026 IVY

An Táin Arts Centre is a key part of Dundalk’s cultural life, presenting theatre, music, and visual arts while fostering a strong sense of community. Its work is made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers who support front-of-house duties, ticketing, audience guidance, and gallery invigilation. Volunteering at An Táin offers people the opportunity to be involved in the arts, meet others, and contribute to a thriving cultural space in Dundalk.

Dundalk Dog Rescue - a volunteer-driven organisation dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned dogs. It highlights the meaningful role volunteers play in caring for the animals, from daily tasks to building trust with frightened dogs, and the deep sense of reward that comes from seeing them grow in confidence and find loving homes. It also outlines how people from all backgrounds can get involved and make a real difference in the lives of dogs in need.

The Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre provides a warm, welcoming space for people affected by cancer, offering emotional, mental, and practical support. Its services include counselling, nursing care, and group activities to help people feel less alone. Volunteers play a vital role by supporting daily activities and creating a caring environment. Getting involved is a meaningful way to give back and make a real difference.

Creating connection, belonging, and community The Welcome Café by Louth Local Development, Louth Volunteer Centre, SICAP, and the Irish Red Cross Dundalk Branch is a warm and friendly space where newly arrived and local communities come together to connect, relax, and feel at home. This feature is part of Louth’s 26 of 26, celebrating organisations across the county that support volunteers and strengthen communities.

Creating connection, belonging, and community Habitat ReStore is a place where donated furniture, building materials, and household items are given a new lease of life. This feature is part of Louth’s 26 of 26, celebrating organisations across the county that support volunteers and strengthen communities. A place where everything finds a new home At Habitat ReStore, people donate good quality items they no longer need, such as furniture, hardware, and building materials. Volunteers help get these items ready so they can be sold at affordable prices to the local community. This means more people can improve their homes without spending a lot of money, while also keeping useful materials out of landfill.

Ardee Youth DARTS Supporting young people to grow, compete, and thrive through darts. Ardee Youth DARTS works with young people aged 7 to 18, providing coaching, guidance, and a supportive environment where they can develop their skills in the sport of darts. The organisation supports young players to progress to local, national, and international competition, while also helping them build confidence, character, and a strong sense of belonging. Darts does not always receive the same recognition as more mainstream sports, but at Ardee Youth DARTS, young people are given the opportunity to discover their potential in an inclusive and welcoming setting. For many, it is a space where they feel supported, valued, and encouraged to grow.

International Volunteer Year (IVY) 2026 Volunteer Spotlight -SOSAD DundalkSupporting community wellbeing through compassionate counsellingSOSAD provides vital low-cost, confidential counselling and suicide prevention support for people across the community. Their mission is to make mental health care accessible for everyone, especially those who might otherwise face financial or personal barriers to seeking help.Counsellor Gabriella, one of SOSAD’s dedicated volunteers, explains:“Here at SO–SAD we provide low-cost, confidential counselling and suicide prevention. Our team is made up of volunteers, and we aim to support the community with their mental health.”