Muirhevna Building
The Muirhevna Building at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) is a modern hub for health sciences education. Opened in 2005, this striking glass-fronted facility is home to the Department of Nursing, Midwifery & Early Years, supporting over 400 students across nursing, midwifery, and early childhood studies.
Purpose-built to reflect a real-world healthcare environment, it features advanced clinical skills labs, simulation suites, and dedicated teaching spaces, offering students a hands-on, immersive learning experience. The building fosters collaboration, professionalism, and practical excellence, preparing graduates for impactful careers in health and social care.
Facilities
Mock Hospital Ward
The Mock Ward replicates a fully functional hospital ward, complete with patient beds, monitoring equipment, and medical supplies. It allows students to experience hospital-based care routines and develop essential clinical skills in a professional environment.
Midwifery Practice Suite
The Mock Midwifery Room is purpose-built for training in antenatal, birthing, and postnatal care. Equipped with birthing simulators and specialist tools, it enables students to engage in realistic, scenario-based learning in a safe, supervised setting.
Clinical Skills Simulation Room
Our Simulation Apartment Room is a realistic, home-like setting where students can practice delivering care in a community-based environment. It’s designed to simulate real-life scenarios, helping students build confidence and competence in a safe, controlled space.
Health, Physical Activity & Sport (HPA) Facilities
The HPA Facilities include fully equipped spaces for fitness testing, physical assessments, and exercise science. These labs support learning in sports science, physiotherapy, and health promotion, helping students translate theory into practice.
Early Childhood Studies Room
This vibrant, interactive space is designed for students studying early childhood education and care. It includes learning materials, age-appropriate furniture, and observation tools that support the planning and delivery of play-based learning activities.
Sensory Garden
Our Sensory Garden offers a peaceful, outdoor learning space designed to engage the senses. It supports teaching in areas like mental health, early childhood studies, and disability services, while also promoting mindfulness and well-being.
Muirhevna Building History
The Muirhevna Building at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) was previously known as the Nursing Building and Theatre. The building's name was changed to honor the townland where it is located, which is historically significant. The name "Muirhevna" refers to the ancient Gaelic Irish verb meaning "reclaimed from the sea," and this is the area where the building is situated. The building also includes the "Setanta Theatre," named after Cuchulainn's childhood name, Setanta, who was raised in Muirtheimne (Muirhevna).
- Muirhevna: This name reflects the townland's historical connection to the sea, as the area was reclaimed from the sea.
- Setanta Theatre: The theatre is named after Cuchulainn, a legendary Irish hero, who was known as Setanta during his childhood and was raised in Muirtheimne (Muirhevna).
- Building Location: The Muirhevna Building is located in the townland of Muirtheimne, which is the area that the building is named after.
- Name Change: The Nursing Building and Theatre was renamed to Muirhevna Building and Setanta Theatre, following a consultative process involving students and staff within the Department of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Studies.
