ARI Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost to join?
Membership fees are set by each independent local Active Retirement Association (ARA) based on the costs they incur. Some groups charge per meeting, rather than once per year. Of the membership fee, just €15 per member annually goes to the national organisation to pay for national events, programmes, workshops, competitions and more.
Where is my local group?
Click below button to find your nearest Active Retirement Association
There’s no Active Retirement Association (ARA) in my area, how can I set one up?
Speak to your local volunteer development officer, who can come to meet you and anyone else interested in establishing a new ARA. Click below button to find your local development team
Can anyone join?
Membership is open to anyone who is either retired or semi-retired from full-time or part-time, paid or unpaid work. We are an open and inclusive organisation that does not discriminate against anyone who is interested in joining.
Is Active Retirement Ireland a registered charity?
Active Retirement Ireland registered with the Charities Regulatory Authority in 2014 and is also compliant with the Code of Governance as a type C organisation.
What is Active Retirement Ireland’s registered charity number?
CHY 15090
Is Active Retirement Ireland a religious organisation?
No, Active Retirement Ireland is non-denominational.
Is Active Retirement Ireland a political organisation?
No. While we fulfil an important advocacy role on behalf of our members, Active Retirement Ireland is non-party political.
How is Active Retirement Ireland funded?
Active Retirement Ireland receives €15 from each member annually. We also receive grants from the HSE and from central government. Most of our costs are paid through grant aid from funders such as Pobal and the HSE. We also raise money for national programmes and events through a variety of fundraising activities.
Can I see your annual accounts?
Active Retirement Ireland published an annual report including financial statement every year. Annual reports are available on the governance page on this website.
ARI governance and reporting
I need to update the details of my ARA.
To notify Active Retirement Ireland of a change on your local ARA’s committee, please access a Change of Officer template from the
Forms section of this website under ‘Member Resources’ and send it to the National Office. For any other queries, please contact us either by email at
info@activeirl.ie or by telephone at 01-8733836.
What does a local ARA constitution look like?
As all our affiliated ARAs are independent and self-managed, they write their own constitutions. To get an idea of what this document might look like, please see our
sample version of an ARA constitution.
What is the company member?
Active Retirement Ireland is a company limited by guarantee since 2008. Any Active Retirement Association who affiliates to the national organisation may apply for membership of the company by nominating someone from their group to hold such membership in their own name on behalf of the local group. This entitles them to represent the group and vote at the general meetings of Active Retirement Ireland.
