Quakers celebrate 350 years in Ireland

The Quaker Community has thrown open its doors to the public today to mark the 350th anniversary of its establishment in Ireland.

An Open Day is being held at four Dublin Quaker meeting houses and in Drogheda, Co Louth.

In total, there are around 1,500 followers of the faith in Ireland.

Organiser of today’s events, Philip Jacob, said the Open Days are a perfect opportunity for people to find out about Quaker beliefs.

He said Quakers are a denomination of the Christian church, recognised in law and in the Constitution.

Mr Jacob said Quakers differ from other faiths in that their form of worship is quiet, without clergy or priests.

He added that though small in number, Quakers have made their mark on Irish society, setting up some of the country's most famous companies, including Bewleys’ Café, Pyms, Goodbodies, and Jacobs’ Biscuits.