A Place to Belong, Create, and Connect
The Rathkeale Men’s Shed is more than just a workshop — it’s a place to belong, share skills, have a laugh, and enjoy real connection. Located on the Rathkeale AFC grounds, the Shed brings local men together every Thursday morning to meet, build friendships, and contribute to the community in small but powerful ways. Whether you’re new to the area or just need somewhere to go, the Rathkeale Men’s Shed is here for you.
Founded in December 2023, the Rathkeale and District Community Men’s Shed is part of the national Men’s Sheds movement and has quickly grown into a vibrant, hands-on community for men from all backgrounds — whether you’re recently retired, between jobs, new to the area, or simply looking for a bit of purpose and good company.
🚪 Open Door, Open Heart
We’re located on the grounds of Rathkeale AFC in our own purpose-built shed. You’ll find us there every Thursday from 10:30 AM to 12 noon — no pressure, no expectations. Just good company, a few ongoing projects, and a hot cup of tea.
Too often, men are expected to “get on with it.” But isolation, boredom, or lack of structure can creep in — especially after big life changes like retirement. The Shed provides the antidote: purpose, friendship, and laughter.
🔨 What We Do at the Rathkeale Men’s Shed
We keep it simple. Our projects are shaped by the interests and ideas of our members, and no two Thursdays are ever the same. Officially known as the Rathkeale and District Community Men’s Shed, we’re proud to be part of the national Men’s Sheds movement supporting wellness and inclusion.
Woodworking & DIY Projects (Coming Soon!)
One of our biggest goals is to make hands-on woodworking and practical projects a regular part of Shed life. While we’re not fully set up for this just yet, it’s something our members are enthusiastic about — and it’s a key reason we’re currently seeking sponsorship for new workshop tools.
From flower boxes to benches and small repairs, we’re excited to get building together as soon as we can. Like everything in the Shed, it’ll grow one step at a time.
Gardening
With guidance from local horticulturalists, some of our members recently earned a gardening certificate — a proud achievement that’s already inspiring new ideas for our outdoor space.
Painting & Maintenance
We gave the Shed a fresh coat of paint recently, inside and out. Everyone pitched in — painting, prepping, or keeping spirits high with tea and stories.
Health and Wellbeing Activities
We’re exploring new activities like chair yoga, health talks, and gentle movement — anything that keeps us active, engaged, and feeling well.
Community Involvement
From supporting Daffodil Day 2025 to marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, we’re proud to give back to Rathkeale however we can.
A Local Part of a Global Movement
The Men’s Shed idea began in Australia and has now spread across the globe. In Ireland, the movement is thriving — and we’re proud to be part of it.
The Rathkeale and District Community Men’s Shed reflects our town’s warmth, resilience, and sense of humour. This is not a club. It’s not a course. It’s a place to belong.
Our Members
💰 How to Join
We keep things affordable:
- Annual membership: €50 per year
- Weekly contribution: €2 per meeting
- First-time visitors welcome: Your first one or two visits are free
After that, if you’d like to keep attending and using the Shed’s facilities, you’ll need to sign up.
📝 Please note: there is currently a waiting list for membership due to high demand.
Still, we welcome visitors and potential members any Thursday — even if you’re just coming to say hello.
How to get involved:
- Visit us Thursdays, 10:30–12:00, on the Rathkeale AFC grounds
- Join the waiting list
- Bring a friend — we’re always happy to meet new faces
💛 Support the Rathkeale Men’s Shed: Sponsorship Needed
The Rathkeale and District Community Men’s Shed is growing — and we’re working hard to expand what we offer our members.
Right now, we’re aiming to kickstart woodworking and DIY activities — giving members the chance to build, repair, and create together. But to do that, we need some help.
We’re currently seeking sponsorship or donations to support:
- 🔧 New workshop tools — to help us launch woodworking sessions
- 🚪 New outdoor doors — to improve comfort, safety, and access
If you’re a local business, tradesperson, supplier, or supporter, we’d love to hear from you.
Even small contributions — a donated drill, help with door fitting, or materials — make a big difference.
📩 Get in touch here or drop in any Thursday morning. We’re building more than just things — we’re building community.
🧠 Looking Ahead: Rathkeale Districy and Community Men’s Shed Mental Health Week (June 9–15)
We believe looking after your mental health is just as important as staying active — and that connection and conversation are powerful tools.
That’s why we’re proud to be taking part in Men’s Mental Health Week, running from June 9th to 15th, 2025.
We’ll be hosting several events during the week — including activities, discussions, and maybe even something a bit different. The Rathkeale Men’s Shed is always open to new ideas from members.
📅 Full details will be announced soon on our blog and social media — stay tuned!
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions for the Rathkeale Men’s Shed
Do I need experience or skills to join?
Not at all. Many of our members join with no workshop experience. You don’t need experience to join the Rathkeale Men’s Shed — just a willingness to show up and take part.
Is there an age limit?
Membership is open to men aged 18 and over. Most members are retired or semi-retired, but everyone is welcome.
Can I try it out before committing?
Absolutely. Your first 1–2 visits are free. Come for the tea and see what you think.
Final Word
The Rathkeale and District Community Men’s Shed is more than a place to build things — it’s a place to build belonging. Come along, pull up a chair, and be part of something special.
