Priorswood house

Priorswood House is an accommodation service operated by PACE, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Dublin, Ireland. PACE provides a range of support services for individuals in contact with the Irish prison and probation systems, including accommodation, social enterprise employment, and prevention programmes. Unlike other facilities managed by the Irish Prison Service, PACE operates independently as a community-based NGO with a strong emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration. Its mission focuses on supporting individuals to rebuild their lives through housing stability, employment, training, and the development of confidence and self-worth. Additionally, PACE operates another, smaller residential facility with seven rooms in the city centre.

→ Full report

SMALL-SCALE

Priorswood House accommodates up to twenty-two residents. The property comprises fourteen bedrooms within the main house and eight smaller self-contained units, each equipped with cooking facilities. Bathrooms are shared between two residents. The ground floor includes communal spaces such as a living room, a kitchen, and an activity room.

SMALL-scale

Priorswood House accommodates up to twenty-two residents. The property comprises fourteen bedrooms within the main house and eight smaller self-contained units, each equipped with cooking facilities. Bathrooms are shared between two residents. The ground floor includes communal spaces such as a living room, a kitchen, and an activity room.

Priorswood house is a:

Transition house (individuals under specific conditions or measures)

for:

22 PEOPLE,
Men

Indicated principles:

Community-integrated, Differentiated, Small-scale

Priorswood house is a:

Transition house (individuals under specific conditions or measures)

for:

22 PEOPLE,
Men

Indicated principles:

Community-integrated, Differentiated, Small-scale

Priorswood house is a:

Transition house (individuals under specific conditions or measures)

for:

22 PEOPLE,
Men

Indicated principles:

Community-integrated, Differentiated, Small-scale

DIFFERENTIATION

Priorswood House primarily accommodates men who are homeless following release from prison and individuals who have served long custodial sentences. For the latter group, the reintegration process begins before their release through a structured and gradual transition. The facility also welcomes participants in the Community Return Programme (CRP), an incentivised early-release scheme managed by the Irish Probation Service.

Each resident develops an individual reintegration plan and weekly schedule in collaboration with staff, which may also include social, recreational, and therapeutic activities. Progress is monitored using the Outcome Star methodology, a visual tool that helps residents assess development across multiple areas, including emotional wellbeing, social networks, life skills, confidence, and employment readiness.

COMMUNITY-INTEGRATION

Residents are encouraged to make full use of local services and amenities, including supermarkets, general practitioners, sports clubs, and public transport, helping them reintegrate naturally into community life. The activity room at Priorswood House is regularly shared with the neighbourhood, hosting events such as a local band rehearsal or Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, promoting openness and social exchange. PACE’s social enterprise initiatives, such as the Mug Shot Café and the manufacturing workshop, also provide opportunities for residents to interact with the broader community. These projects allow residents to sell products, engage with customers, and build practical skills, while fostering mutual trust and reducing the stigma associated with criminal records.

Differentiation

Priorswood House primarily accommodates men who are homeless following release from prison and individuals who have served long custodial sentences. For the latter group, the reintegration process begins before their release through a structured and gradual transition. The facility also welcomes participants in the Community Return Programme (CRP), an incentivised early-release scheme managed by the Irish Probation Service.

Each resident develops an individual reintegration plan and weekly schedule in collaboration with staff, which may also include social, recreational, and therapeutic activities. Progress is monitored using the Outcome Star methodology, a visual tool that helps residents assess development across multiple areas, including emotional wellbeing, social networks, life skills, confidence, and employment readiness.

Community-integration

Residents are encouraged to make full use of local services and amenities, including supermarkets, general practitioners, sports clubs, and public transport, helping them reintegrate naturally into community life. The activity room at Priorswood House is regularly shared with the neighbourhood, hosting events such as a local band rehearsal or Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, promoting openness and social exchange. PACE’s social enterprise initiatives, such as the Mug Shot Café and the manufacturing workshop, also provide opportunities for residents to interact with the broader community. These projects allow residents to sell products, engage with customers, and build practical skills, while fostering mutual trust and reducing the stigma associated with criminal records.

PACE

Priorswood house

Report Priorswood house

English report

Interviewed by RESCALED (13/08/2025)

RESCALED

PACE

Priorswood house

Report Priorswood house

Report

Visit

Interviewed by RESCALED (13/08/2025)

WISH-EU

PACE

Priorswood house

Report Priorswood house

Report

Interviewed by RESCALED (13/08/2025)

RESCALED