The Daring to Hope photographic exhibition is a social history project reflecting the journey of Irish Religious Sisters in Ireland and overseas between 1923-2023. Throughout the last 100 years, the focus of Sisters was to go where there was the most need.

In the early years, young women typically entered a religious congregation in their teens in a very different Ireland when the Catholic Church held sway in family homes. At that time, there were limited paths and few freedoms for women in Irish society. Inspired by Gospel values, they worked alongside committed colleagues to build and staff schools and hospitals and developed social services that responded to urgent societal need.

The initiative and courage of those Sisters continues today, as is evident in the pioneering responses and commitment of Sisters and their colleagues to “the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor” (Pope Francis, Laudate Si:49), both in Ireland and overseas.

Through images and videos, this exhibition begins to tell that story. We encourage you to browse this site as we share that journey.