Carmelite Priory, Boars Hill, Oxford 50 Years ago, in 1961, the Carmelite Order purchased Chilswell House, former home of Poet Laureate Robert Bridges. Since then a community of Carmelite friars has followed a life of prayer and ministry in the spirit of Sts. Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross.  The Priory is now a Retreat Centre, with 27 rooms.  The Carmelite book service is based here.  It is also the noviciate house. Avila Carmelite Centre, Dublin The Discalced Carmelite community in Avila was founded in 1884.  The new Avila centre opened in late November 2006. The focus in the new centre is on day retreats and courses. There is accommodation for self-catering retreats with eight en-suite rooms and two hermitages. Spiritual accompaniment is available from community members.  Avila is also home to two Secular Order groups and a thriving Charismatic Prayer Meeting. Iona Carmelite Retreat Centre, Derry Bishop Edward Daly invited the Discalced Carmelites to open a Retreat Centre in the former Nazareth House, Derry in 1982.  A Carmelite Community of five members has been serving in the Pastoral-Retreat Centre since then.  Carmelite prayer and observance has always been a priority in our life-style while our ministry varies between Retreats, assistance to the different groups that come to the Centre regularly and full-time availability for the Sacrament of Reconciliation or personal spiritual guidance for the faithful.