Major Fire at Al-Madinah Prayer Hall in Central Dublin; Man in His 40s Arrested
A major fire forced the evacuation of Al-Madinah Prayer Hall in central Dublin after flames tore through the mosque Monday afternoon. Gardaí have arrested a man in his 40s as investigators appeal for witnesses and video footage.
Dublin, Ireland – A major fire broke out on Monday afternoon at Al-Madinah Prayer Hall, a Muslim place of worship located on Talbot Street in central Dublin. Emergency services, including Dublin Fire Brigade, Gardaí, and the National Ambulance Service, responded quickly to the incident, safely evacuating everyone inside the building.
According to Dublin Fire Brigade, the fire was reported at approximately 3:40 p.m. Four fire engines, a turntable ladder, and more than 20 firefighters were deployed to the scene. Thick black smoke billowed from the building, forcing the closure of part of Talbot Street and causing temporary disruption to the Luas Green Line.
Videos shared from the scene showed heavy smoke rising above the city centre as firefighters worked to contain the blaze and secure the surrounding area. Authorities confirmed that there were no reports of fatalities or injuries, and that all occupants were safely evacuated.
Gardaí have confirmed that a man in his 40s has been arrested in connection with the investigation. He is currently being detained at a Garda station in the Dublin North City area under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
Investigators are appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone who was in the Talbot Street area between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Monday, 29 June 2026, and who may have witnessed the incident or recorded CCTV or dashcam footage, is urged to contact Gardaí. Police say any video evidence could be crucial in establishing how the fire started.
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Although early reports circulating on social media suggested the fire may have been started deliberately, Gardaí have not confirmed the cause. Authorities stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that no conclusions will be drawn until all available evidence has been examined.
The incident has caused concern among Ireland’s Muslim community, as Al-Madinah Prayer Hall serves as an important place of worship for many local residents. Community members have expressed hope that the investigation will establish exactly what happened and ensure the safety of all places of worship.
The fire is not the first incident involving an Islamic centre in Ireland. Earlier in February 2026, a fire damaged an Islamic centre in Limerick, prompting a Garda investigation. In recent years, there have also been isolated incidents involving threats or attacks targeting mosques and Islamic community facilities, raising concerns about the security of religious institutions.
Gardaí have confirmed that the investigation into Monday’s fire remains ongoing. They say further updates will be released as more information becomes available and have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
About the Author
Fatuma Taxadar Yusuf is the Editor-in-Chief of the Somali Report and a Somali journalist with over a decade of experience in broadcasting and editorial leadership. She has worked with the BBC World Service and other leading media outlets in Somalia. She is also the Deputy Chair of the Somalia Media Council, the independent body regulating media standards and professional conduct in Somalia.