From Maryland to Waterford: The Unexpected Story of Ireland’s First Amish Settlement
In the picturesque coastal village of Dunmore East, County Waterford, Ireland, an unexpected community has taken root: Ireland’s first and only Amish-Mennonite settlement. Established in 1992 by William McGrath, an Irish-American convert, this unique group has grown to approximately 100 members, comprising about 15 families[1][3][5].
The Christian Fellowship of Dunmore East, as they call themselves, belongs to the Beachy Amish Mennonite faction, a more progressive branch of the Amish faith[3]. Unlike their Old Order counterparts, these Irish Amish embrace some modern conveniences, including cars, electricity, and even iPads, though they use technology judiciously and in line with their spiritual goals[3].
Community Life and Practices
The community centers around their church, where members gather regularly for worship and communal meals[5]. While they maintain traditional gender roles, with women primarily as homemakers and men in blue-collar professions, there’s a strong emphasis on family life. Men often seek flexible work arrangements to spend more time at home[1][4].
A cooperative business venture near their homes serves as a primary source of income, featuring a grocery shop, bakery, bookstore, and wooden furniture store known collectively as Jaybee’s[1][3]. This enterprise not only supports the community economically but also provides a point of interaction with the wider Irish society.
Integration and Outreach
Despite their distinct lifestyle, the Dunmore East Amish-Mennonites have found ways to integrate with and contribute to their Irish neighbors. They’re known for their acts of kindness, such as washing windows for bereaved families without being asked[3]. The community has also established Camp Comeragh, a wilderness program for troubled youth, in cooperation with Ireland’s Health Services Executive[3].
Their outreach extends beyond local boundaries. Some members, like Regina, engage in international missionary work, traveling as far as Northern Iraq[9]. However, their evangelism is generally low-key, often limited to running a weekly market stall in Waterford or occasional public singing performances[9].
Education and Family Life
Education in the community is primarily handled through homeschooling or the local Amish school, which as of recent reports had 16-17 pupils[9]. A youth group within the church provides additional socialization opportunities for the children.
The community’s small size presents challenges, particularly in terms of finding suitable marriage partners within the faith. This demographic reality has led to a diverse membership, with families hailing from America, Poland, Ukraine, and even a Welsh family who converted from Anglicanism[1][4].
Openness to New Members
Despite their traditional values, the Dunmore East Amish-Mennonites are welcoming to newcomers. Daniel Yoder, a community leader, emphasizes that they are “open to everyone” regardless of nationality or background[5]. This openness reflects their desire to grow and sustain their unique cultural and religious presence in Ireland.
As this distinctive community continues to evolve, it stands as a fascinating example of cultural transplantation and adaptation. The Amish-Mennonites of Dunmore East have successfully carved out a niche for themselves in Irish society, balancing their traditional beliefs with a measured acceptance of modern life and a commitment to their adopted home.
The Amish community in Dunmore East, Ireland, has several unique customs and practices that set them apart:
- Technology use: Unlike traditional Old Order Amish, the Dunmore East community belongs to the Beachy Amish Mennonite faction, which allows for more modern conveniences. They use iPads, cars, phones, and the internet, but do so judiciously and in line with their spiritual goals[2].
- Dress code: While they maintain traditional modest attire, with men wearing shirts and pants and women wearing long dresses or skirts with white cloth head coverings, their style is distinct from the local Irish community[2].
- Community service: The Amish in Dunmore East are known for their acts of kindness, particularly after a local death. They often show up unannounced to wash windows and clean gardens for bereaved families[3][4].
- Open worship: Unlike some Amish communities, they welcome the public to attend their weekly church services, inviting people to “come as you are”[3][4].
- Diverse membership: The community includes not only Amish members but also local Irish people and immigrants from various countries, reflecting a more open approach to membership[2].
- Conflict resolution: In cases of crime or trouble, they prefer to seek restorative justice rather than punitive measures. While they may involve local law enforcement, their goal is to help the offender rather than seek punishment[2].
- Economic integration: They run a popular shop selling handmade furniture and baked goods, including their famous granola and carrot cake, which has helped them integrate with and gain respect from the local community[3][4].
These practices demonstrate how the Dunmore East Amish community has adapted their traditional beliefs to their Irish context while maintaining core Amish values of simplicity, community, and faith.
Citations:
[1] https://universitytimes.ie/2014/09/the-irish-amish/
[2] https://amishamerica.com/irish-amish/
[3] https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/ireland-amish-community
[4] https://rachellavinmedia.wordpress.com/2014/09/26/the-irish-amish/
[5] https://www.newstalk.com/news/were-open-to-everyone-amish-in-ireland-accepting-new-members-2123960
[6] https://www.broadsheet.ie/2014/09/30/the-simple-life-in-dunmore-east/
[7] https://www.mapministry.org/news/2021/03/19/did-you-know-ireland-has-an-amish-community
[8] https://www.todayfm.com/podcasts/dave-moore/inside-irelands-amish-mennonite-community
[9] https://www.vice.com/en/article/meeting-irelands-amish-mennonites/
