St Francis Farm in Tullow, Co. Carlow is operated by Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI), a national homeless and addiction charity. It provides medically supervised residential detox and, separately, a drug-free residential rehabilitation programme. Both serve men and women aged 18 and over.
The two services compared
These details were checked against Merchants Quay Ireland’s own service pages.
| Detail | Detox Unit | Rehab Programme |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | 24-hour medically supervised residential detox | Drug-free residential rehabilitation |
| Length | 4–8 weeks | 14 weeks |
| Beds | 10 | 13 (en suite) |
| Phone | (059) 918 6761 (alt. 087 960 3905) | (059) 915 1369 |
| info.SFFdetox@mqi.ie | info.sffrehab@mqi.ie | |
| Who it serves | Men and women, 18+ | Men and women, 18+ |
| Substances | Methadone, benzodiazepines, Suboxone, Zubsolv | Drug-free programme following detox |
Detox and rehab are not the same thing
This trips a lot of people up, and it is worth being clear about. Detox clears the substance from your body safely. Rehabilitation is the work that follows — understanding what drove the use and building a life that does not need it.
Detox alone rarely produces lasting recovery. It is the necessary first step for many people, not the destination. St Francis Farm running both on one site, in separate buildings, reflects that sequence.
- Detox first — 4 to 8 weeks, medically supervised around the clock, for people dependent on methadone, benzodiazepines, Suboxone or Zubsolv.
- Rehabilitation next — 14 weeks, drug-free and residential, with 13 en suite beds.
- Aftercare — ask about what support follows the programme, as this is where recovery is sustained.
What it costs
MQI asks for a client contribution of up to €110 per week, and states that inability to pay is not a barrier to accessing the service. If cost is a worry, raise it when you call rather than ruling yourself out.
How to enquire
- Decide which service you need — detox, rehab, or advice on both.
- Phone the relevant number: detox (059) 918 6761, rehab (059) 915 1369.
- Ask about waiting times, assessment and what to bring.
- Ask about the client contribution and what happens if you cannot pay it.
Related services and reading
For residential treatment elsewhere in the region, see Cuan Mhuire in Athy, Co. Kildare, which also provides medically supervised detox. Our guide to inpatient rehab treatment and what to expect explains how detox, rehab and aftercare fit together. You can browse all rehab centres in Carlow or across Ireland.
Frequently asked questions
What number do I call for St Francis Farm?
It depends which service you need. The detox unit is (059) 918 6761 and the rehab programme is (059) 915 1369. They are separate services in separate buildings. If unsure, start with the detox unit.
How long is the programme?
Detox runs 4 to 8 weeks. The separate residential rehabilitation programme runs 14 weeks.
Does St Francis Farm take both men and women?
Yes. Both the detox unit and the rehab programme serve men and women aged 18 and over.
What does it cost?
Merchants Quay Ireland asks for a client contribution of up to €110 per week and states that inability to pay is not a barrier to accessing the service.
Which substances does the detox unit cover?
MQI lists methadone, benzodiazepines, Suboxone and Zubsolv detoxification, under 24-hour medical supervision.
Where is St Francis Farm?
Tullow, Co. Carlow.
Detox and rehab are separate services.
Phone: (059) 918 6761 detox / (059) 915 1369 rehab
Sources and last checked: Programme lengths, bed numbers, phone numbers, emails, eligibility and client contribution verified against Merchants Quay Ireland’s official service pages, St Francis Farm Detox and St Francis Farm Rehab. Helpline details from the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline. Listing last checked July 2026.
