A directory of belonging
Places where community is built into where you live — not another club to visit, but somewhere the people around you are part of daily life. Monasteries that welcome guests, cohousing, co-ops, ecovillages, seniors villages, and neighbourhoods that actually function. Start where you are.
Compiled with AI, checked by nobody yet. These are starting points, gathered for Northern Ireland — real places as far as we know, but details change. Verify with a phone call before you set your heart or drive across the state.
Bethany Community provides supported living and care for adults with learning disabilities within a Christian framework. Residents live together in a nurturing environment, fostering independence and fellowship.
A rural Camphill community near Omagh where adults with learning disabilities live in shared households on a working farm. Residents, co-workers and volunteers share gardening, weaving, baking and the rhythms of community life.
A Camphill community on a large estate overlooking Belfast Lough, with houses, a school, farm and craft workshops. Children and adults with learning disabilities share life with co-workers and volunteers from many countries.
Visit website →A L'Arche community in south Belfast where adults with and without learning disabilities share homes, friendship and daily life. It welcomes live-in assistants and supporters who want to build an inclusive community across all backgrounds.
Visit website →Part of the international L'Arche federation, this community provides homes and support for people with and without learning disabilities. They share life together, fostering mutual relationships and belonging.
Visit website →Praxis Care offers a range of supported living and residential services for individuals with mental ill-health, learning disabilities, and other complex needs. They focus on promoting independence and community integration.
Visit website →Praxis Care offers supported living services across Northern Ireland, creating community environments for individuals with diverse needs. Their approach focuses on empowering residents to live fulfilling lives with appropriate support.
Visit website →The Simon Community provides accommodation and support services for people experiencing homelessness. Their residential projects aim to create a supportive community where individuals can rebuild their lives.
Visit website →The Ark Community provides a supportive residential environment for adults with learning disabilities. It emphasizes personal development, social interaction, and integration into the wider community.
The Ark Housing Association provides supported living and care services, fostering a sense of community among residents. They offer various housing options designed to meet individual needs while promoting independence.
Visit website →The Foyle Haven provides supported accommodation and services for homeless individuals, fostering a sense of community and stability. It offers a safe environment where residents can access support for their well-being and future planning.
Visit website →The Gillis Centre provides supported living for individuals with learning disabilities, fostering independence within a caring community. Residents benefit from tailored support and a vibrant social environment.
The Mount Community provides supported living for individuals with learning disabilities, fostering independence and social inclusion. It offers a nurturing environment where residents can thrive and participate in community life.
Visit website →The Orchard Community provides supported living options for individuals with learning disabilities, promoting independence and social inclusion. Residents benefit from a supportive environment and opportunities for personal growth.
This Salvation Army hostel offers safe and supportive accommodation for individuals experiencing homelessness, providing a structured community environment. Residents receive practical assistance and support to move towards independent living.
Visit website →The Salvation Army operates Lifehouses across Northern Ireland, offering supported accommodation for vulnerable adults. These centres provide a safe environment and support for individuals experiencing homelessness or other challenges.
Visit website →The Salvation Army operates several residential centres across Northern Ireland, offering supported living for various needs including homelessness and addiction recovery. These centres provide a structured and caring community environment.
Visit website →The Simon Community provides supported accommodation and services for people experiencing homelessness, promoting a sense of community and belonging. Their residential projects offer a stable environment for individuals to rebuild their lives.
Visit website →This community provides residential care for the elderly, fostering a supportive and compassionate environment. The Sisters of Nazareth live alongside residents, offering spiritual and practical care.
Visit website →The Somme Nursing Home provides residential and nursing care for ex-service personnel and their spouses. It offers a supportive community environment with a focus on dignity and well-being.
Visit website →The Welcome Organisation provides supported accommodation and outreach services for people experiencing homelessness in Belfast. Their residential projects aim to create a supportive community where individuals can rebuild their lives.
Visit website →Causeway Living offers modern co-living spaces designed for young professionals and students, promoting a vibrant community atmosphere. Residents enjoy shared amenities and regular social events, fostering connections among diverse individuals.
Visit website →This emerging eco-community focuses on sustainable living, environmental stewardship, and local food production. Residents are committed to reducing their ecological footprint and fostering a close-knit social environment.
While Corrymeela Community is listed, its Ballycastle site offers a distinct residential experience focused on reconciliation and community building. Guests and volunteers live together, engaging in programs that promote peace and understanding.
Visit website →While Corrymeela Ballycastle is their main centre, Corrymeela also has a presence in Belfast, fostering community and reconciliation work. They engage with urban communities to promote peace and understanding.
Visit website →Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation community, founded in 1965 on the north Antrim coast. A resident team of volunteers and staff hosts groups from across divided communities, and guests of every background are welcomed to its centre.
Visit website →Foyle Valley Community is an intentional community focused on sustainable living and shared values. Residents engage in communal activities and support each other in a rural setting.
Slí na Croí is an emerging intentional community focused on sustainable living and spiritual growth. They aim to create a supportive environment for personal development and ecological awareness.
The Corrymeela Centre offers a unique residential experience focused on reconciliation and community building. Guests and volunteers live and work together, engaging in dialogue and shared activities.
Visit website →The Currach Community is a small, rural intentional community exploring sustainable living practices and shared values. They focus on permaculture, self-sufficiency, and communal decision-making.
The Hearth is a community-focused initiative exploring shared living and sustainable practices in an urban setting. It encourages residents to actively participate in community life and decision-making.
The Hearth is a rural intentional community focused on sustainable living, arts, and crafts. Residents share resources and work together on various projects, fostering a close-knit and supportive environment.
Visit website →A Christian community focused on shared living, discipleship, and outreach within the local area. They aim to live out their faith together and serve their neighbours.
The Olive Branch Community is a Christian community focused on hospitality, prayer, and social justice. They offer a welcoming environment for individuals seeking to live out their faith in community.
The Well Community is a faith-based community in Belfast focused on hospitality, social justice, and shared living. They engage in local outreach and provide a supportive home for members.
A Benedictine monastery offering a place of prayer, reflection, and hospitality. Guests are welcome to join the monks in their daily rhythm of prayer and work.
Visit website →Green Pastures Christian Centre offers a residential community experience rooted in Christian faith and fellowship. It provides a place for spiritual growth, worship, and communal living.
Visit website →Holy Cross Abbey is a Cistercian monastery offering a life of prayer, work, and community. It provides a contemplative environment for monks and welcomes guests seeking spiritual retreat.
Visit website →A Cistercian monastery providing a contemplative environment for monks and visitors seeking spiritual retreat. The community is dedicated to a life of prayer, work, and hospitality.
Visit website →This Franciscan friary is home to a community of friars committed to living the Gospel in fraternity and service. They offer a welcoming space for prayer and spiritual engagement.
This centre, run by a religious order, offers a place of spiritual reflection and community engagement. It provides a quiet retreat while also engaging with local outreach programs.
The Holy Family Retreat Centre offers a peaceful environment for spiritual reflection and community engagement, run by the Passionist Fathers. It provides opportunities for individuals and groups to participate in retreats and shared prayer.
Visit website →This Benedictine priory offers a place of prayer and hospitality within a monastic setting. Guests can participate in the community's rhythm of prayer and reflection.
Visit website →A community of Sisters of Mercy dedicated to spiritual and social outreach in the local area. They live a communal life rooted in prayer and service to those in need.
This association works to enhance the quality of life for residents in the Ballynafeigh area through various community-led projects and initiatives. It promotes a strong sense of local identity and mutual support.
Visit website →This initiative fosters cross-community living and shared spaces in a historically divided area. It aims to build trust and cooperation among residents from different backgrounds.
This project fosters community cohesion and shared living in a historically divided area of Belfast. It provides spaces and initiatives for residents from different backgrounds to interact and build relationships.
Visit website →Abbeyfield provides sheltered housing and care homes for older people, promoting a community atmosphere with shared meals and activities. They aim to combat loneliness and provide a supportive environment for residents.
Visit website →Mount St. Catherine's offers independent living apartments for seniors within a supportive and active community setting. Residents enjoy a range of social activities and amenities designed for comfort and engagement.
Abbeyfield provides supported sheltered housing for older people, fostering a sense of community and companionship. Residents live independently with shared meals and social activities.
Visit website →This Abbeyfield House provides sheltered housing for older people, offering a supportive and friendly community environment. Residents benefit from shared meals and social activities while maintaining their independence.
Visit website →A well-established retirement home providing a supportive and engaging community for older adults. Residents enjoy a range of activities and a sense of belonging.
Visit website →The other path
If your state's list is thin, that's not a dead end; it's the reason this project exists. Three friends on one street is already a community. The guide walks you through the whole path.
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