Aiséirí Cahir was founded in 1983 by Sr. Eileen Fahey of the Sisters of Mercy. As a nurse, Sr Eileen could see the lack of appropriate treatment for alcoholics who were repeatedly presenting in hospital. Sr. Eileens vision was to provide compassionate, understanding and safe environment. This would allow the person to reflect on his or her situation and thus begin the healing process. They would come to examine the physical, social and pychological factors that contributed to their dependency. During this time they would learn to understand how to cope and deal with these factors. They would continue their journey with an aftercare programme and the AA fellowships.
Following, research, training, fundraising, advocacy and lots of hard work and adventures, Sr Eileen opened the doors of Aiséirí Cahir in 1983.

Following its success Aiséirí opened a second residential Centre at Roxborough, Wexford in 1987. Aislinn Adolescent Addiction Centre was opened in 1998 by Sr. Veronica Mangan another member of the Sisters of Mercy to cater for the younger age group 15-21 years.

Ceim Eile and extended care facility for men in recovery was opened in Waterford in 2003. In 2014 the Aiséirí Progression Programme was established to support people to access meaningful work, education and training in early recovery. The first Sober House was opened in 2016. In 2018, Secondary Treatment for Women was established and gendered secondary treatment then became available.

In 2012, the Trustees together with Board of Managements from Aiséirí Cahir, Wexford, Ceim Eile, and Aislinn put together a proposal to merge all four units in one. This merger came about in January 2013 which proved both challenging and exciting. Early 2013 saw the introduction of a new Board of Management and appointment of CEO for the organisation. This merger came about in January 2013 and indeed a year of change.

AiséirI has always been innovative and embraced change. Our name means resurrection or new beginnings. Our work is dedicated to bringing about change in people’s lives, in transforming their dependence on alcohol, drugs and gambling and helping them move away from the destructive impact it has had on their families and communities.

We are one of Ireland’s longest established addiction treatment services. Our four centres of excellence combine experiences and expertise that provide us with a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of addiction and the miracle of recovery.

Since Ceim Eile for men was established in 2003, the Waterford services have expanded to include secondary treatment for men and for women, sober living for men and for women. A community based education and training programme and the social enterprise.;

Chairman of Aiséirí, Tom O’Dwyer, commented “This is a proud day for Aiseiri. We chose to celebrate four decades of excellence by looking ahead to the future of the organisation. This plan will build on that past and re-shaping futures. Re-shaping the future of Aiséirí as a strengthened treatment and rehabilitation service and centre of excellence, and critically, re-shaping the futures of the young people, adults, families and communities we will work with in the coming years. My fellow Directors and I are delighted to launch this plan today and share our core belief, that everyone can recover, everyone can have a fulfilled future.”