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The Sovereign Order of Malta is a sovereign subject of international law. The Order, which is based in Rome, has its own Government, an independent magistracy, bilateral diplomatic relations with 100 countries and is granted the status of Permanent Observer in many international organisations, such as the United Nations. The Order issues its own passports and stamps and creates public institutions, endowed with independent juridical personality.
The Order's life is governed by the Constitutional Charter and the Code, reformed in 1997. Its operational activities are managed by the six Grand Priories, six Supriories and 47 National Associations in the five continents. The Irish Association is one of the 59 National Institutions that make up the family of the Order of Malta worldwide. Through its international network the Order of Malta runs hospitals, medical centres, homes for older people and people with disabilities, ambulance services and training in first aid in over 120 countries worldwide.
For more information about the Sovereign Order of Malta please click here.
The Knights Hospitallers first came to Ireland in 1171. The Order may have had its principal house for a short time in Wexford, before the Priory of Ireland was established at Kilmainham, (now Royal Hospital) Dublin in 1174 by Richard de Clare, commonly known as Strongbow. The Order maintained in Ireland at Wexford, Carlow, Hospital and Kilmainham, hospitals to aid the sick the poor and the needy and some 129 hostels for the use of travellers. The Order’s activities ceased in Ireland at the time of the Reformation but was re-established in Ireland in l934 under the title Irish Association of the Order of Malta, or Order of Malta Ireland. The headquarters of the Order of Malta in Ireland is at St John’s House, 32 Clyde Road, Dublin 4.
Order of Malta Ireland operates and manages a range of charitable activities throughout the island of Ireland.
Services provided include: ambulance corps with over 135 vehicles and ambulances; emergency care services at major national events; national youth organisation; training in first aid and automated external defibrillator (AED); training in first aid for industry; operation of centres for the elderly and education and training to people with disabilities.
