The Friends

About Us

The Friends of The Royal Hospital Donnybrook (FRHD), founded by Mr. Dick Tennant, was registered as a Charitable Company in 1989.

The Friends and RHD have a wonderful collection of paintings by Irish and International artists which is on permanent display in the Hospital to be enjoyed by patients, staff and visitors.

Over the years “The Friends” have funded a number of research programmes and have made major contributions to capital projects such as upgrading wards and developing new services. Perhaps the most visible signs of The Friends’ contribution is in patient care where many valuable services such as additional ambulances, a coffee shop and a complete refurbishment of the PHYSIO Department.  The Friends have purchased the ANDAGO, this is the first machine of its kind in Ireland.  A weekly Music Therapy program has been a great success and enjoyed by all.

The re-designed Millennium Garden and Furniture to the rear of the hospital was funded in 2024 and is enjoyed by all the residents and their families.  

The Transitition Lodge fit out was funded by the Friends and allows patients to get used to moving home.  A new kitchen has been ordered for the OT department to help teach patients how to function more effectively at home.

A Sound Pod Room ‘speech gym’ is in process at the moment for the Speech and Language Department funded by the Ladies Lunch held in 2024.

Mission Statement

“The Friends of the Royal Hospital Donnybrook is a charity dedicated to supporting The Royal Hospital Donnybrook and it’s patients.  Our mission is to raise much needed funds to support research, equipment and capital projects which will enhance the facilities, comfort and care provided to the patients at the hospital.”

What the Friends funded in recent years

  •  Redeveloping the Millennium Garden to the rear of the hospital
  • A New ‘Learning’ Kitchen for the OT Department
  • Some new Therapy Tables
  • A Sound Pod Room for the Speech and Language Department
  • Trishaw Bike
  • Motomed bikes for the Physio Department
  • Weekly Music Therapy
  • Audio System for the Concert Hall
  • Digital TV system for all the wards
  • New Ambulance Bus
  • The refurbishment of the Physiotherapy Department 
  • The Coffee Shop and Concourse Areas were painted and got new furniture
  • A Tanita Scales which gives multi-frequency body analysis
  • A Magic Table which provides interactive games has also been ordered.

Events Planned for 2025 include:

  1. 34th Annual Golf Day in Elm Park Golf Club on 20th May 2025
  2. Family Fun Day with Beechwood Football Club 7th June 2025
  3. 6th Annual Ladies Lunch Friday 17th October 2025 The Garden Room, Merrion Hotel
If you would like to make a donation to “The Friends” you may do so by clicking here.

Annual Report