Our Bicentenary

Celebrating 200 Years

This year, we mark 200 years since the founding of The Coombe Hospital - a remarkable milestone and an opportunity to celebrate our history, recognise the extraordinary contribution of our staff, past and present and reflect on the impact the hospital has had on generations of women and families across Ireland. It is also an opportunity to look ahead to the future, building on our legacy of excellence as we continue to advance healthcare, drive innovation and improve outcomes for future generations.

Our bicentenary celebrations will run from July 2026 to June 2027. Stay tuned....

Born in Dublin: 200 Years of The Coombe Hospital

Born in Dublin: 200 Years of The Coombe Hospital, a special exhibition at the Little Museum of Dublin, explores the people, places and pioneering developments that have shaped The Coombe since its foundation in 1826. From advances in maternity and midwifery care to women's health and neonatal medicine, the exhibition looks at how The Coombe has evolved alongside the city and helped shape the future of healthcare.

The exhibition celebrates the women, families and staff whose stories are part of The Coombe’s 200-year legacy.

The exhibition is open to the public from 23 October 2026 until May 2027 at the Little Museum of Dublin. Usual ticket pricing applies.

Admission is free for current and past Coombe employees.

Visit the exhibition

The Coombe Hospital: 1826-2026

To mark 200 years of The Coombe Hospital, this commemorative coffee table book, written by historian Michael O'Dowd, celebrates a remarkable history of advancing healthcare for women and newborns.

From the opening of the first ward in the old Meath Hospital in 1826 to the hospital’s current home on Cork Street, the book traces two centuries of innovation, progress and change. Through historic photographs, key milestones and personal stories, it captures the people and developments that have contributed significantly towards advancing women's and newborn healthcare in Ireland.

The book is available to purchase from the Little Museum of Dublin shop.

Each flag in this collection was created by students and staff from the Print Department at the National College of Art & Design, in response to a personal brief from a member of staff at The Coombe Hospital.

Together, the works celebrate two centuries of care, community, compassion, and innovation in women’s and newborn health.

Developed through collaboration, the collection transforms personal stories and shared values into a series of thoughtful visual responses.

The hospital has warmly welcomed the project as a meaningful reflection of its people, history, and continuing role in Advancing Healthcare.

NCAD Flag Collaboration

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Our History

For two hundred years, The Coombe Hospital has been part of countless life changing moments. Hear from some of our patients and staff whose experiences capture the lasting impact of the hospital, and our wonderful team.

From our beginnings 200 years ago to the care we provide today, The Coombe Hospital has been at the heart of generations of families. This video celebrates our rich history, our enduring values and our continued commitment to advancing healthcare into the future.