1948
Leonard Cheshire founded the Cheshire Charity Foundation. His old courthouse
in Hampshire became the first Cheshire home.

1955
The first overseas home was established in Bombay, India. Today there are more
than 200 projects in 50 countries overseas.

1961
Ardeen Cheshire Home, Shillelagh, opened it's doors. It was the first of today's
15 Cheshire Homes in Ireland and started with 3 residents and 3 staff.

1962
One year after opening the Ardeen Cheshire Home accommodated 32 residents.
About 15 staff members were employed at that time.

1972
The Great Fire burned down half of the mainhouse. To rebuild the home took a long time. Residents were placed in other centres around the country and some
went to live with staffs during this time.

1974
Ardeen Cheshire Home celebrated it's reopening.

1990
Ardeen got a new manager (Jarlath Tunney). The philosophy of the home started
to change. Choice and opportunities became the focal point.

1995
Fifteen new hi-access bungalows were opened by President Mary Robinson on
her last day of office. The range of accommodations has changed, but the
number of people has remained the same.

1995
Ardeen starts to work with European volunteers.

1998
The work on Solas Respite is completed. The first visitors are welcomed by
President Mary McAleese.

1999
Ardeen gets a new activity room, where the growing quantum of activities
is arranged and coordinated.