© Copyright OPAL All Rights Reserved.   Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

OPAL

Opportunities for Personal Advancement in Life

The OPAL Centre in Ireland

In 2005 OPAL created our Positive Psychology Centre in Ireland.  Set in a rural area, it provides a tranquil setting for people to come and relax, reflect or take part in one of the many events that are run at the centre. There are a range of workshops and courses on offer (click on the ‘events’ link above) and also individual coaching and therapy sessions available from our qualified team of practitioners (click on ‘services’ link above).  

Take a Virtual Tour by viewing the Galleries below........

Take a look around The OPAL Centre

Take a look at the Scenic views at OPAL

The History behind The OPAL Centre

Built in 1941, the main hall (seen in the far left of the aerial view picture) was originally the village dance hall and was the centre of attraction for the surrounding villages. The shop which now is our retail outlet was added some years after the hall was built. It was a general store for the surrounding villages and also the local barbers! The House was built in the mid 1950’s and became the home of the Browne’s (who still have descendents in Donamon village) who ran the shop and hall. Unfortunately the property fell into a state of disrepair and required total renovation when we acquired it.

The aerial view picture was taken prior to our renovation work had been completed. We were keen to keep the character and external features of the building as original as possible. We have enjoyed many visits from local people who reminisced about their times in the shop and hall.  Harry & Bernadette Browne were very popular figures in Donamon village and it has been a great honour for us to bring the building back to life.

We have extended parts of the original house to provide a large sun room (where you can enjoy the surrounding scenic views over breakfast and dinner) and also additional bedrooms. We have also made a number of internal modifications to the interior of the buildings in order to provide appropriate facilities.

Local Attractions and Facilities

Located near the river Suck, The OPAL centre is just a short walk from Donamon Castle, which is one of the oldest inhabited castles in Europe built in the 12th century. It is now home to the Divine Word Mission and also the CUISLE holiday and respite centre. The grounds of the castle are open to the public and make an ideal relaxing walk. There are also a number of other circular walks that can be done from the OPAL centre.

We are a short walk from the river Suck (famous for its Herons and fishing) and there are a number of local attractions within a short drive.

Although in a very tranquil and rural location, we are ideally situated being only 7 miles from Roscommon town and less than an hour from Knock Airport.

Athlone town is only half an hours drive where you can enjoy a guided river cruise along the River Shannon. There is a city link coach from Dublin Airport to Athlone town. We are happy to transport guests on their arrival and departure from Athlone and Knock Airport.