Your First Meeting

Attending your first Quaker Meeting – frequently asked questions.

Where and when can I find a Quaker Meeting?

You are welcome to attend our Meetings for Worship. They are held at the Quaker Meeting House, 4-5 Eustace Street, Temple Bar in Dublin city centre on Sundays from 11am to 12pm, and online Thursdays from 7:00 – 7:45 pm. We are the only Meeting for Quakers in Dublin city centre and Friends from overseas often attend our Meeting when they are visiting Dublin.

Do I need to ask someone if I can attend?

You do not have to be a member of the Quakers or to ask anyone for permission in advance.

You will usually be greeted by someone at the door of the Meeting House. If you are a newcomer the doorkeeper might ask you if you would like a leaflet explaining what to expect at your first Meeting or feel free to ask for one.

leaflet for newcomers

What does the Meeting room look like?

The Meeting room is very simple. It consists of a plain room with benches arranged to face each other. You can sit wherever you wish.

interior photo of Eustace Street Meeting House where Meeting for Worship takes place. Furnished with benches and chairs facing a table in the middle of the room.

Interior photo of Eustace Street Meeting House

What can I expect at a Quaker meeting?

Quaker Meetings for Worship do not follow any pre-determined pattern and each Meeting for Worship is unique.

A Meeting for Worship is a time of silent worship. A large part of a Meeting is taken up with collective silent prayer and reflection.

In our Meetings for Worship we gather to open ourselves to be inspired and challenged by the message of God. We reflect on how we can better ensure that our daily lives and actions are consistent with our spiritual beliefs.

Meetings for Worship are not led by any individual or officeholder. Quakers believe that every person is equal and that each one of us has a direct relationship with God.

Sometimes someone will feel moved to stand up and speak briefly, read a passage from the bible or another book or express a spiritual concern or message. This is usually followed by further silent worship.

What happens after a Quaker meeting?

To mark the end of the Meeting, an Elder will stand to welcome those in attendance.

It is our custom at Eustace Street to take a few moments after the Meeting to facilitate anyone who has something to say which they did not feel was appropriate for the formal Meeting for Worship.

We endeavour to make our Meeting a source of support to those who cannot attend Meeting for Worship.