👋 Hi FingalEMers,

Good morning! It's a very important week to us here in Fingal East Media as we celebrate our first birthday🎂. We have had an incredible year and enjoyed every second of it, but it wouldn't be possible without you - our readers, our community. So thank you🙌

This week, we meet Acoustic Misfits & Friends, whose community project brings stories from Balbriggan and other areas to life through twelve original songs. Our Featured Business is Malahide-based Snugz, helping little ones explore big feelings through storybooks and soft toy companions.

We’re also looking ahead to Pet Expo Ireland in Swords this weekend — a family outing where children and dogs go free. Before then, our Monday–Thursday calendar has plenty of ideas for getting out locally, alongside the latest roadworks updates.

To mark a year of Fingal East Media, we’re looking inwards and asking how you’ve enjoyed the newsletter so far. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or have only just subscribed, please take a moment to answer this week’s poll — we’d love to hear what you think.

Now, let’s see what’s happening across Fingal East this week!

🧸 Snugz — Helping Little Ones Explore Big Feelings

Sometimes a favourite teddy or a familiar story can help a child find the words for something they are feeling. That idea is at the heart of Snugz, a Malahide-based children’s wellbeing brand founded by Fiona Synnott and Lisa Gilmartin. Drawing on their backgrounds in education, childcare and therapeutic play, the pair create illustrated storybooks and soft toy companions designed to encourage conversations about emotions.

Their collection includes Different is Magic – Jimbow’s Journey, which celebrates individuality and self-acceptance, and A Magic Net – Debbie’s Journey, a gentle story about worries. Accompanied by Jimbow the giraffe and Debbie the zebra, the books combine storytelling with guided questions for children and grown-ups to explore together. Snugz exhibited at Showcase 2026 and was one of five finalists in the 2026 Fingal Enterprise Awards.

It’s lovely to see a Fingal business giving storytime another purpose. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent or looking for a thoughtful Irish-designed gift, the Snugz collection is worth exploring.

Discover Snugz

🚇 MetroLink: The Website Fingal East Residents Should Probably Bookmark

MetroLink has moved noticeably closer to delivery over the past month, with another major programme appointment made as the project progresses towards construction. For people in Fingal East, though, one useful thing can get lost among all the procurement and planning announcements: there is now a very comprehensive official MetroLink website where you can see exactly what is proposed. The site brings together the latest news, route information, planning documentation, FAQs and an interactive route map in one place.

And it is worth exploring because the northern end of MetroLink sits right in Fingal East. The route will run from Estuary, north of Swords, through Seatown, Swords Central and Fosterstown before reaching Dublin Airport and continuing into the city centre. Estuary is planned to include a major Park & Ride facility, while Fosterstown is intended to serve a wider catchment including Malahide, Feltrim and Kinsealy. At a high level, MetroLink is designed to significantly cut journey times between Swords, Dublin Airport and the city centre and provide a high-capacity public transport link through one of the fastest-growing parts of the county.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the website for local residents is the image gallery. Rather than simply looking at a line on a map, you can see current artist impressions of Estuary Station, Seatown, Swords Central, Fosterstown, Dublin Airport and the Broadmeadow viaduct, as well as stations further south along the route. You can also follow the route section-by-section and get a much clearer idea of what is underground, at surface level, in cutting or on viaduct. Whether you are enthusiastic about MetroLink, concerned about the construction period, or simply curious about what is actually planned, the official site is probably the best place to start.

Visit the Official MetroLink Website

🏗️ No significant planning events this week.

🚧🚦 Road closures & changes planned

• Swords — R132: The council’s bulletin covering works through Friday 16 October advises that temporary lane reductions may be required between 10:00–16:00. The northbound right-turn lane into Bostik remains closed, with a signed diversion to the U-turn facility at Swords Food Park.

• Swords — Seatown Road: The section between St Columcille’s Drive and North Street is covered by a closure order throughout 12–18 October for the Swords Cultural Quarter works. No pedestrian, cyclist or vehicle access is permitted through the closed section.

• Swords — Seatown Road / Chapel Lane: Final road markings for the Safe Routes to School scheme are scheduled for early in the week beginning Monday 12 October. No exact day is specified.

If your family includes a much-loved pet — or someone who stops to greet every dog on a walk — this weekend’s featured event could be right up your street. Pet Expo Ireland returns to the National Show Centre in Swords on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October, bringing animals, demonstrations and plenty of ideas for pet owners together in one place!

There’s more to explore than pet shopping. The advertised attractions include a Dog Breed Village, a fun dog show, expert talks on pet health and training, and displays featuring reptiles and birds of prey. Families can also visit the petting farm, while the exhibitor stands offer a chance to browse pet products and chat to businesses and rescue organisations.

Children under 18 and dogs go free, and there’s free parking on site. Whether you’re looking for advice for your own pet or simply fancy an animal-filled family outing close to home, there should be plenty to keep you browsing.

📅 Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th October
🕗 11:00–18:00 each day
📍 National Show Centre, Stockhole Lane, Swords

Book tickets

Monday 12th October

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | English Language Classes | Develop language skills in a community setting. | 09:30-13:30

• Swords | Swords Library | Getting to Know Your Android Smartphone | Friendly phone skills with Sabine McKenna; reserve a place. | 10:00-11:30

• Skerries | Skerries Library | Baby Book Club with Aida | Share stories and rhymes with your little one. | 10:30

• Malahide | Malahide Castle Sports Pavilion | Mum & Me: Autumn Cupcake Decorating Workshop | Autumn cupcake fun for ages 2–5 and their grown-ups; booking required. | 10:30-12:00

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Scrabble Club | Enjoy word games and friendly company. | 11:00-12:30

• Balbriggan | ASTER Family Resource Centre, St George’s Square | You First Wellness Café | Drop in for a cuppa, a chat and peer-led support. | 14:00-18:00

• Rush | Rush Library | Chess Club | Friendly chess for ages 8–12. | 15:15-16:15

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | From A to Art | Explore creativity with Violeta; contact the centre about class groups. | 16:00-18:30

• Rush | Rush Library | Zine-making Workshop for Teens | Make a mini publication with Sophie Meehan; ages 14–16, booking required. | 17:30-19:30

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Knitting & Crochet Club | Bring your latest project for a sociable stitch. | 18:00-19:00

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Irish Conversation Group | Practise a little Gaeilge in good company. | 18:30-20:00

• Balbriggan | The Lark | Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920): Cinema Club | Enjoy John Barrymore’s classic silent horror on the big screen. | 19:00

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | Qigong | A gentle movement session with Kristina. | 19:00-20:00

• Swords | Swords Castle entrance | Men’s Walk & Talk | Enjoy fresh air and relaxed conversation with local men. | 19:15

• Swords | The Old Borough School | Swords Toastmasters | Build speaking confidence in friendly company; guests welcome from 19:45. | 19:45

• Swords | Holywell Community Centre | Self-Protection Training | Build confidence and practise useful personal safety skills. | 20:00

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | Pickleball | Enjoy sociable court time; equipment supplied, contact the centre for places. | 20:00-22:00

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | Sound Bath | Settle in for a soothing evening session with Kristina. | 20:10-21:10

Tuesday 13th October

• Online | Local Enterprise Office Fingal | Introducing Digitalisation for Small to Medium Businesses | Explore practical software tools and automation for your business. | 09:30-12:30

• Rush | Rush Library | Quilting Group | Share skills over sociable stitching. | 10:00-11:00

• Malahide | St. Sylvester's Parish Centre | Mindfulness Malahide | Join a morning mindfulness session. | 10:30-12:15

• Donabate | Donabate Library | Gaeilge le Chéile | Enjoy welcoming Irish conversation. | 11:00-13:00

• Donabate | Donabate Library | Nordic Walking with Gita Ramanauskaite | Try low-impact walking with poles; booking required. | 11:30-12:30

• Malahide | Malahide Library | Tai Chi with Mario McCormick | Learn gentle flowing movements; booking required. | 14:00-15:00

• Skerries | Skerries Library | Knitting & Crochet Group | Bring your project and enjoy company. | 14:30-16:30

• Skerries | Skerries Library | Decoupage Magnets | Create decorative magnets; reserve your place. | 15:00-16:00

• Rush | Rush Library | Community Art Group | Make time for relaxed creativity. | 15:00-17:00

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | From A to Art | Explore creativity with Violeta; contact the centre about class groups. | 16:00-20:00

• Portmarnock | Portmarnock Community School | Genealogy | Family-history course with Edward Byrne; bring a laptop and enquire about joining. | 19:00-20:30

• Portmarnock | Portmarnock Community School | Pottery: Hand Building | Autumn pottery course with Abbie O’Boyle; contact the school about joining. | 19:00-21:00

• Malahide | Malahide Castle | Ann Ensor: Artist’s Talk & Exhibition Tour | Explore Thinning the Veil with the artist; free, booking required. | 17:00-18:00

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | Pickleball | Enjoy sociable court time; equipment supplied, contact the centre for places. | 17:00-19:00

• Swords | Swords Library | Italian Conversation Group | Practise Italian with fellow learners. | 18:30-19:30

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Creative Poetry Writing Club | Enjoy an evening with fellow writers. | 18:30-19:45

• Malahide | Bridgefield Car Park | Green Nuts Men’s Walk & Talk | Enjoy an easygoing walk and good conversation. | 19:00

• Donabate | St Patrick’s Church of Ireland, The Square | The Holyhead Ferry — Talk by Brian Scott | Donabate Portrane Historical Society hosts a local history talk; all welcome. | 20:00

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | Social Badminton | Beginners welcome for sociable games; €5 per person. | 19:00-21:00

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | Dance Fitness | Enjoy upbeat movement in friendly company. | 20:00-21:00

Wednesday 14th October

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | Irish Language Classes for Adults | An advanced Irish language class; contact the centre for places. | 09:30-11:30

• Rush | Rush Library | Baby Book Club | Stories and rhymes for little listeners. | 10:00-11:00

• Swords | Swords Library | Crafting Circle | Bring your project and share ideas. | 10:30-12:30

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Knit with Brenda | Enjoy a welcoming morning of knitting. | 11:00-13:00

• Skerries | Skerries Library | Embroidery Drop-in Group | Join a sociable afternoon of stitching. | 14:30-16:00

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | From A to Art | Explore creativity with Violeta; contact the centre about class groups. | 15:30-20:00

• Swords | Swords Library | Ciorcal Comhrá: Irish Conversation Group | Enjoy a friendly evening of Gaeilge. | 18:30-19:45

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | LGBTQI+ Social Meet | A welcoming evening to meet people and enjoy good company. | 19:00-21:00

• Lusk | Murray’s Lounge, Station Road | Board Games Night: After Work Social | Free games and relaxed chats for remote and hybrid workers; register ahead. | 19:00-23:30

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | Pickleball | Enjoy sociable court time; equipment supplied, contact the centre for places. | 20:00-22:00

• Malahide | The Grand Hotel | Malahide Toastmasters | Practise public speaking in a supportive group; guests welcome. | 20:00-22:00

Thursday 15th October

• Swords | Brackenstown Parish Centre | Mat Yoga | Move, stretch and enjoy time to unwind. | 09:30-10:45

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | Yogalates | A free community session; register with the centre. | 10:00-11:00

• Malahide | Malahide Library | Toddler Time | A sociable morning for toddlers and grown-ups. | 10:00-11:30

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | HSE Breastfeeding Group | Meet other parents for friendly support. | 11:00-12:00

• Donabate | Donabate Library | Knitting Group | Bring your knitting and enjoy company. | 11:00-13:00

• Rush | Rush Library | Age Friendly Social Club | Drop in for a relaxed morning chat. | 11:00-13:00

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | Yogalates | A free community session; register with the centre. | 11:15-12:15

• Swords | Brackenstown Parish Centre | Flex & Stretch | Gentle movement to improve flexibility and ease tension. | 11:15-12:15

• Malahide | Malahide Library | Age Action Computer Classes | Build computer confidence; enrolment required. | 12:00-14:00

• Malahide | Malahide Library | eServices Clinic | Get help with digital library services. | 14:00-15:00

• Skerries | Skerries Library | Fabric Pumpkin Crafts | Make a seasonal pumpkin decoration. | 15:00

• Skerries | Skerries Library | Touch-Typing for Children | Build keyboard skills; ages 10–13, bring a laptop. | 15:30-16:30

• Donabate | Donabate Library | Junior Book Club | Share reading discoveries; ages 7–11. | 16:00-17:00

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | Pickleball | Enjoy sociable court time; equipment supplied, contact the centre for places. | 16:00-18:00

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | CV Success: Build Your Future | Practical CV skills; ages 16–20, bring a laptop. | 17:00-18:00

• Naul | The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre | Pop Up Gaeltacht | Friendly Irish conversation, coffee and craic; currently fully booked. | 17:30-19:00

• Malahide | Malahide Library | Spanish Conversation Group | Practise Spanish in friendly company. | 18:00-19:30

• Rush | Rush Library | Scrabble Club | Enjoy a friendly evening of word games. | 18:30-19:30

• Donabate | Newbridge House & Farm | Pumpkins After Dark: Thriller Thursday | Explore glowing pumpkin displays; discounted timed tickets available. | 18:45-23:00

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | Sahaja Yoga Meditation | Take time for a calm evening of meditation. | 19:00-20:00

• Malahide | Casino Model Railway Museum | Samhain Sounds Music Workshop | Try tin whistle, hear folklore and enjoy a seasonal drink. | 19:00-20:00

• Swords | Brackenstown Parish Centre | Mat Yoga | Make time for a relaxing evening practice. | 19:00-20:15

• Naul | The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre | TSEAC Singing Sessions with Nell Ní Chróinín | Share an evening of song with this month’s special guest. | 19:00-21:00

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Beach | International Wave of Light | Bring a candle to this gentle gathering remembering babies who died. | 19:00

• Donabate | St Patrick’s Church of Ireland | Blue Heron — Lambay Cinema Club | Settle in for a community film night with complimentary tea. | 20:00

• Swords | Holywell Community Centre | Combat Cardio | Get moving with an energetic evening workout. | 20:00

• Donabate | Donabate Portrane Community Centre | Community Bingo | Enjoy a friendly evening of bingo. | 20:30

• Swords | River Valley Community Centre | Social Badminton | Join a sociable evening on court. | 21:00-22:00

Thanks for reading and for being part of the growing Fingal East community. Every share, reply and recommendation helps us reach more local people and shine a light on what’s happening around us.

Enjoy the next few days, and we’ll be back on Thursday morning.