Dublin’s Mater name appears on two separate institutions sharing the same street—one is a public teaching hospital, the other a private for-profit network. Knowing which is which matters for your care, costs, and access.

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Founded: 1861 ·
Number of Beds: over 600 ·
Emergency Department: Yes – 24/7 ·
National Centre for Heart Surgery: Yes ·
Type: Public teaching hospital ·
Affiliation: University College Dublin

Quick snapshot

1Specialities
2Ownership
3Contact
4Transport
  • Luas stop: Mater (Cross City line) (Mater Hospital contact page)
  • Bus routes: 7, 11, 13, 16 (Mater Hospital contact page)
Detail Value
Address Eccles Street, Dublin 7, D07 R2WY
Phone 01 803 2000
Emergency Department Yes, 24 hours
Founded 1861
Number of Beds Over 600
Type Public voluntary teaching hospital

The pattern: the public Mater handles population-wide needs while its private counterpart focuses on insured patients. Each section below unpacks what that means for you.

What does the Mater hospital in Dublin specialise in?

Cardiac care and heart transplants

  • National centre for heart surgery and heart/lung transplants (Mater Hospital Foundation impact report)
  • Adult congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension services (Mater Hospital Foundation impact report)

Cancer care and oncology

  • One of Ireland’s main cancer care centres (Mater Hospital Foundation impact report)
  • Comprehensive oncology, haematology, and radiotherapy units

Major trauma and emergency services

  • One of only two Major Trauma Centres in Ireland (Mater Hospital Foundation impact report)
  • 24/7 Emergency Department with full resuscitation capability

Other national specialities

  • National Spinal Injuries Unit (Mater Hospital Foundation impact report)
  • National Isolation Unit for infectious diseases (Mater Hospital Foundation impact report)
  • Renal medicine, neurosurgery, and respiratory medicine
Bottom line: The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital is one of the most specialised public hospitals in Ireland, housing national units for heart transplants, spinal injuries, and major trauma. For complex, high-acuity conditions, it is a go-to destination in Dublin.

Who owns the Mater hospital Dublin?

Mater Misericordiae University Hospital ownership

  • Public voluntary hospital operating within the HSE framework (Mater Misericordiae University Hospital official site)
  • Governed by a board appointed under the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital Charter

Mater Private Hospital ownership

  • For-profit private hospital group, part of the Mater Private Network (InfraVia Capital Partners)
  • Acquired by InfraVia Capital Partners in July 2018 (InfraVia Capital Partners)
  • Ireland’s largest for-profit private hospital group with about 265 beds and over 1,700 employees (InfraVia Capital Partners)

Governance structure

  • Both entities share the same Eccles Street campus but are legally distinct
  • MMUH governed by its own board and accountable to the HSE; Mater Private Network is a registered company under Irish corporate law

The pattern: the “Mater” name covers two very different organisations. The public hospital operates with state funding and meets population-wide needs; the private network operates for profit and focuses on insured patients.

How much is an appointment at the Mater?

Public outpatient appointment costs

  • Free for medical card holders; otherwise a standard public outpatient fee may apply (set by HSE)
  • Public patients cannot choose their consultant; treatment is based on clinical priority

Private appointment fees

  • Vary by consultant and procedure; consult Mater Private directly for current pricing (Mater Private Network annual review)
  • Private insurance typically covers some or all of the cost

MRI scan costs

  • Average cost of a private MRI in Ireland is between €200 and €400
  • Prices at Mater Private may differ; always request a quote before booking

The catch with public appointments: waiting lists can be long for non-urgent cases. Private care means faster access but comes at a price that varies widely.

Does the Luas go near the Mater hospital?

Luas stop nearest to Mater

  • Luas Cross City line has a stop called “Mater” on Eccles Street (Mater Hospital contact page)
  • The stop is a short walk from the hospital entrance

Walking directions from Luas stop

  • Exit the stop, walk east along Eccles Street for about 2 minutes
  • Hospital main entrance is on the right

Other public transport options

  • Bus routes 7, 11, 13, 16 serve the area (Mater Hospital contact page)
  • Dublin Bike stations are located nearby
Why this matters

The direct Luas stop makes the Mater one of the most accessible hospitals in Dublin by public transport – a real advantage for patients coming from the city centre or southside.

The implication: if you rely on public transport for hospital visits, the Mater’s direct Luas stop removes a major barrier to timely care.

What is the best hospital in Dublin?

Six facts about Dublin’s major public hospitals, one pattern: no single hospital leads in every speciality. Your best choice depends on your condition.

Criteria Mater Misericordiae University Hospital St. James’s Hospital Beaumont Hospital
Type Public teaching hospital Public teaching hospital Public teaching hospital
Beds Over 600 (Mater Hospital official site) Largest hospital in Ireland (HSE acute hospitals list) Major teaching hospital
Speciality strength Cardiac, trauma, cancer, spinal injuries (Mater Foundation impact report) Oncology, emergency care Neurology, neurosurgery

The trade-off: if you need heart surgery or trauma care, the Mater has unique national units. St. James’s excels in cancer and emergency care. Beaumont is the place for neurology. For general admission, your GP will refer you to the hospital closest to your home.

What the experts say

“The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital is a national centre for a wide range of specialities and super specialities.”

— Mater Hospital Foundation, Impact Report 2022

“The Mater Private Network is recognised as a leading innovator in private healthcare in Ireland.”

— Mater Private Network, 2023 Annual Review

“We acquired Mater Private in July 2018. It is Ireland’s largest for-profit private hospital group.”

— InfraVia Capital Partners

For the patient deciding between public and private under the same Dublin roof, the implication is clear: if you have a complex, life-threatening condition, the public Mater offers world-class national units at no cost to you. If you want fast access to a specialist and have private insurance, the private side of Eccles Street is designed around your schedule.

Related reading: Laser Hair Removal Cork: Costs, Clinics, and Expert Guide

Additional sources

zoominfo.com, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

For minor injuries, the Mater Smithfield Rapid Injury Clinic offers a walk-in alternative to the main A&E department.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Mater Hospital open 24 hours?

Yes, the Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Other departments have standard operating hours.

Does the Mater Hospital have a maternity unit?

No, the Mater does not have a maternity unit. Maternity services are provided at the Rotunda Hospital nearby.

How do I contact the Mater Hospital reception?

Call 01 803 2000 or visit the main desk at Eccles Street, Dublin 7.

Can I park at the Mater Hospital?

Yes, there is a pay-and-display car park on campus. Spaces are limited; public transport is recommended.

What is the Mater Hospital visiting policy?

Visiting hours vary by ward. Generally 11am to 9pm, with restrictions in intensive care and high-dependency units.

Does the Mater Hospital offer emergency services?

Yes, the Mater has a 24/7 Emergency Department and is one of two Major Trauma Centres in Ireland.

How do I get a referral to the Mater Hospital?

Public patients need a referral from a GP. Private patients can book directly through Mater Private with insurance.