Festina Lente is a not-for-profit organisation which provides a range of occupational, learning and employment opportunities for people whose needs have not been met in mainstream services as well as services and events for the general public and community. We have a variety of public services and facilities for everyone to enjoy on our campus in Bray – an Equestrian Centre & Riding School offering private, group and therapeutic horse riding lessons, pony camps, yard & pony care courses and many equine facilitated learning programmes to name just some of our services, a beautifully restored Victorian Walled Garden where we host lots of fun seasonal family and events and children’s workshops and birthday parties, a Garden Centre, an open air Cafe and shop so why not pop along for a visit.  Keep an eye on our website for upcoming events!

We are also an education centre offering QQI accredited educational training courses:

• Equestrian Training Programme
• Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator Training Programme
• Therapeutic Riding Coaching Programme
• Transition Training Programme.

Saol Anois is also a service run by Festina Lente in our campus.  The Saol Anois Day Service is funded by HSE and it was set up in 2005 to meet the support needs of adults with intellectual disabilities and/or dual diagnosis.  It is a supportive and therapeutic service designed to meet the needs of people through individual plans. Service users have the opportunity to access a range of integrated developmental and leisure opportunities.

We are also a centre for the Wonder Paws Dog Training & Agility classes & also their dog grooming facility “The Grooming Shed at Festina Lente”, 100% of profits from their classes, lessons & workshops go to the Festina Lente so by supporting them you are also supporting Festina Lente.  Check out their website https://www.wonderpaws.ie/ for more details and dates of their classes and how to book your dog in for grooming.  Dogs are welcome in the gardens of Festina Lente.

Festina Lente was founded in 1988 by Mary Rachel Brophy; her aim was through social and economic inclusion, to support those most at risk. All activities encourage individual choice, personal development, achievement and progression and we are a registered Irish Charity: Charity Number: CHY16821.  Our campus is situated in the grounds of what was once Old Connaught House, formerly the residence of the Plunket family.  Festina Lente (Latin) means Hasten Slowly and is the Plunket family motto. We adopted this as the name of our organisation in 1995 because it conveys our culture perfectly.