wellness

Dublin's Solace Café Offers Free Mental Health Support Four Nights Weekly

The out-of-hours service, operating Thursday through Sunday at Aware’s Leeson Street office, offers a free community setting for those needing support.

By Dublin Wellness Desk · Published 25 July 2026

Looking ahead: published on 25 July 2026, this is a guide to what to expect in October 2026. It is not a report of an event happening now, and details can change.

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This article was written by AI from the linked sources and was not reviewed by a journalist before publishing. The Daily Dublin is part of The Daily Network and follows our reasonable editorial care.

Dublin's Solace Café Offers Free Mental Health Support Four Nights Weekly — Photo: Jean Housen / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

For many Dubliners, finding time for mental health support during standard working hours can be a challenge. A free service operating several evenings a week aims to fill that gap: the Solace Café, an out-of-hours community space based in Dublin 4.

What Is the Solace Café?

The Solace Café is a free, drop-in style space run by the charity Aware. It provides a supportive, low-pressure environment for people who feel they need a listening ear or some company outside of typical nine-to-five hours. The café operates Thursday through Sunday, from 5pm to 10pm, at Aware’s Dublin 4 office located at 9 Upper Leeson Street.

Because it is a structured service rather than an open walk-in, anyone hoping to attend must book an appointment in advance by calling 01 525 2560.

Why This Service Matters Now

Aware’s work comes against a broader backdrop of mental health awareness in Ireland. Mental Health Month is held every October, with World Mental Health Day falling on 10 October. The national theme for 2026 is Community, underscoring the value of local, accessible support networks. Events and workshops are planned across the country.

Yet a recent national survey suggests many people still struggle to prioritise their mental wellbeing. It found that 19% of people in Ireland do nothing weekly to support their mental health. The top barriers, each cited by 36% of respondents, were a lack of time and screen time.

Other Key Dublin-City Services

For those in urgent need of crisis support, Dublin has a well-known network of free helplines. Pieta House offers a 24-hour freephone number, 1800 247 247, and a text service (text ‘HELP’ to 5144). Samaritans provide a 24/7 freephone service on 116 123. Both are available to anyone in distress, regardless of where they live in the city.

Aware also maintains its own free 7-day-a-week support line, 1800 80 48 48, and offers free counselling for mild to moderate depression and anxiety at its Dublin 4 office.

Practical Advice

For Dubliners looking for a regular evening space to connect with others, the Solace Café offers a structured, free alternative to crisis lines. The key is to phone ahead on 01 525 2560 to arrange a slot. It is not a medical service, but a community-based resource. Anyone experiencing more severe or urgent distress should contact Pieta House or Samaritans directly, or speak with their GP.