Discover the Unique Amish Community of Dunmore East, Ireland
When you think of the Amish, images of horse-drawn buggies and rural American landscapes might come to mind. But did you know that Ireland is home to its own Amish community? Nestled in the picturesque town of Dunmore East, County Waterford, this small yet vibrant group of Amish-mennonite families has been thriving since 1992.
Founded by William McGrath, an Irish American who converted to the Mennonite faith after serving in World War II, the Christian fellowship of Dunmore East is Ireland’s only Amish-Mennonite community. McGrath’s vision was to establish a place where faith, family, and tradition could flourish, and today, the community includes 15 families who live, work, and worship together.
Daniel Yoder, a member of the Dunmore East Amish community, shared insights into their way of life during an interview on Lunchtime Live. “We have members from a variety of nationalities and backgrounds in our church here,” he said. “It certainly doesn’t matter where you’re from, what your race or nationality is.We’re open to everyone.”
The community is centered around their local church, which serves as the heart of their social and spiritual lives. Though, Yoder emphasized that members are free to lead self-reliant lives and pursue diverse careers. “Community is sometimes misunderstood as being a commune where we’re all in one large property or have all our meals together,” he explained. “It’s not that way—it’s primarily a church, but we’re a church community, and we do more things together than most churches would. We’ll have communal meals together several times a month where we all come together for one meal.”
The Amish of Dunmore East describe themselves as a “customary Christian denomination,” with beliefs rooted in the Bible. “We have a lot of similarities to a Baptist Church and some similarities to Protestant and Catholic Churches, but we consider ourselves neither Catholic nor Protestant,” Yoder noted. “If you go back to the history, it developed out of the Reformation in the 1500s but went on to back away from some of the things that Protestant Churches would believe and teach today. It would have a lot in common with the way the Catholic Church was maybe 100 years ago—a lot of emphasis on family and so on.”
Balancing Tradition and Modernity
While the Amish are often stereotyped as rejecting modern technology, the Dunmore East community takes a more balanced approach. They use electricity, cars, phones, and the internet, viewing these tools as beneficial for daily life and business. However, they draw the line at technology used primarily for entertainment. “We would not have a television or radio used in our homes,” Yoder said. “We try to use technology that is necessary for living and business and so on. When it’s primarily for entertainment, then we say no, we’d prefer not to take part in that.”
This pragmatic approach allows the community to maintain their traditional values while adapting to the demands of modern life. In contrast, the Amish population in North America, which numbers around 400,000, often adheres to stricter limitations on technology.
For those curious to learn more, you can listen to Daniel Yoder’s full interview here:
Main image: A group of Amish women. Picture by: Alamy.com
What is the history behind the founding of the Dunmore East Amish community?
Interview with Daniel yoder: A Glimpse into the Amish Community of Dunmore East, Ireland
By Archyde News Editor
Archyde: thank you for joining us today, Daniel. It’s a pleasure to have you here to share insights about the unique Amish community in Dunmore East, Ireland. To start,could you tell us a bit about how this community came to be?
daniel Yoder: Thank you for having me. It’s a joy to share our story. The Dunmore East Amish community was founded in 1992 by William McGrath, an Irish American who converted to the mennonite faith after serving in World War II. He envisioned a place were faith, family, and tradition could thrive, and that vision has grown into the close-knit community we have today.
Archyde: That’s fascinating. How does the Amish community in Dunmore East differ from the more well-known Amish communities in the United States?
Daniel Yoder: While we share the same core values of faith, simplicity, and community, our way of life here in Ireland is adapted to the local culture and environment. Such as, we don’t use horse-drawn buggies as commonly as our American counterparts, but we still prioritize a simple, self-sufficient lifestyle.Our community is also smaller, with about 15 families, which allows us to maintain strong bonds and support one another in our daily lives.
archyde: How does the community balance tradition with the modern world?
Daniel Yoder: It’s a delicate balance, but one we approach thoughtfully. While we value our traditions—such as worshiping together, working with our hands, and living simply—we also recognise the need to engage with the broader world. Many of us work in various professions outside the community, and we’re open to welcoming new members who share our values.
Archyde: speaking of new members, how does someone join the Dunmore East Amish community?
Daniel Yoder: We’re open to everyone who is genuinely interested in our way of life. It starts with attending our church services and getting to know the community. From ther, we guide individuals through a process of learning about our faith and traditions.It’s not about abandoning one’s past but embracing a new way of living that aligns with our shared values.
Archyde: What role does faith play in your daily lives?
Daniel Yoder: Faith is the cornerstone of everything we do. It shapes how we interact with one another, how we work, and how we view the world. Our church is the heart of the community,and we gather regularly for worship,fellowship,and mutual support. It’s through our faith that we find strength and purpose.
Archyde: what would you like people to know about the Dunmore east Amish community?
Daniel Yoder: I’d like people to know that we’re a welcoming and vibrant community rooted in faith and tradition. While our way of life may seem different, at its core, it’s about living simply, caring for one another, and staying true to our beliefs. We’re proud to call Dunmore East home and are grateful for the opportunity to share our story with the world.
Archyde: Thank you, Daniel, for giving us such a thoughtful and inspiring look into your community. We wish you and the Dunmore East Amish community continued growth and prosperity.
Daniel Yoder: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
End of Interview
This interview offers a rare glimpse into the unique Amish community of Dunmore East, Ireland, highlighting their values, traditions, and openness to new members. For more stories like this, stay tuned to Archyde.
