The Columban Retirement Home in Dalgan has been celebrating ‘Nursing Homes Week 2026’ which is organised by Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI) and coincides with National Heritage Week.
Nursing Homes Week is an “annual campaign developed and run by NHI that acknowledges and celebrates all the people who live and work in nursing homes across Ireland”. It is an opportunity to acknowledge their work and the dedication of our staff.
This year, Nursing Homes Week runs from the 17th – 23rd of August and the theme for the week is ‘Connected with Nature – a Life in Full Bloom’.
Photos: ColumbanMissionImages
Through this theme, nursing homes nationwide, including the nursing home in Dalgan, are celebrating the beauty, connectivity, and therapeutic essence of nature and gardening, as well as the unique and idyllic natural surroundings of Ireland’s towns/villages.
Members of the staff and Columban Missionaries joined the residents of the Retirement Home in Dalgan on Wednesday to mark the occasion, where they were welcomed by Regional Director, Fr David Kenneally.
Speaking at the gathering Dr Anna Brozek explained how residents were invited over the past few weeks to do artwork relating to the theme of nature culminating in a creative display of art by men who were more used to reading and writing rather than expressing themselves through drawing and painting.
Speaking about the commencement of Nursing Homes Week 2026, Tadhg Daly, CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland said: “NHI Nursing Homes Week is a powerful annual celebration of the people who live and work in nursing homes, and the rich lives and communities they continue to shape every day.”
“This year’s theme ‘Connected with Nature’ reminds us of the importance of our natural surroundings, and the role that our connectivity with the elements and our ancient ceremonial seasons play in our communities nationwide – shaping not only the weather, landscape, and physical environment – but our everyday lives and yearly celebrations!”
“Nursing Homes Week allows us the space to remember that people living in nursing homes across Ireland have led lives filled with strength, wisdom, and generosity. Their stories are powerful and deserve to be honoured and shared, not just during this weeklong campaign, but every day.”
“Nursing homes are not just care settings; they are communities within communities.”
