Hi FingalEMers — 🙋♂️🙋♀️ we hope you had a good week and got a chance to enjoy some of the sunshine during last Tuesday’s parades. The week ahead is looking mostly dry, although Tuesday is set to be a wet one, so keep the umbrella close. Before we get into this week’s edition, we just wanted to share a few quick updates from us.
We’re getting close now to launching our new events directory, which should be live within the next two weeks. The aim is to make it easier for you to find everything from one-off events to regular classes and social meet-ups happening across Fingal East. It won’t replace the newsletter — it is there to add to it and make it even more useful. Once that is up and running, the plan is to move to two editions of the newsletter a week. We’ve also got our first reader 🎁 giveaway on the way, thanks to last week’s sponsor, Swords Comedy Festival, who has kindly given us tickets to a range of shows for our readers. We’ll have more on that next week.
In our poll last week, over 72% of respondents said it was clear from the start what area we cover. That’s encouraging, because one of our big aims is to make sure people across Fingal East instantly understand this newsletter is for them. We want local people to find us easily and feel that this is their space — for local news, events and everything happening across the area.
What is the main reason you open Fingal East Media each week?
If you know of an upcoming event or a local story worth sharing, drop us a line & we’ll help spread the word with our fast-growing community: [email protected]
The sponsor of this week’s edition is:
Taty, the owner of Laola Movement, is YMCA accredited through Reformation Studio (Dublin), with additional qualifications in Ante & Postnatal Pilates (APPI, London 2024) and an ongoing focus on women’s health and the transitions women go through across life stages. Every class is led by her personally, blending technical precision with fun and human connection.
Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned mover, Laola Movement welcomes all genders and levels. Taty creates a space that’s equal parts grounding and uplifting —rooted in movement, laughter, and community care.
You can reach Taty on any of the Social Media links above 👆 or reach her booking page, including the community sign up form, using this link.
And don’t forget to tell her, you’re a FingalEMer!
News
Tracking all the developing stories that affect our community.
🎫💰Check Your Tickets: Winning Lotto Slip Bought in Portmarnock
A quick heads-up for readers in Portmarnock and the surrounding area — if you bought a Lotto ticket recently, it is worth checking it. A Dublin player won €34,118 in Wednesday night’s Lotto draw, and the winning Quick Pick ticket was bought at Dunnes Stores on Wendell Avenue in Carrickhill, Portmarnock on Tuesday 17 March.
The winning numbers in the Wednesday 18 March 2026 draw were 16, 20, 30, 39, 46 and 47, with 43 as the bonus number. So if you picked up a ticket in Dunnes Stores, Wendell Avenue, Carrickhill, Portmarnock, now would be a very good time to have a look through your wallet, handbag or kitchen drawer.
🚛👷♀️ R132 Connectivity Project Moves Into Delivery Phase in Swords
The R132 Connectivity Project is one of the biggest transport changes planned for Swords in years, aimed at reshaping the road from a fast, car-dominated corridor into a safer urban street that works better for pedestrians, cyclists, bus users and local access. Fingal County Council says the scheme will bring new bus lanes, cycle lanes and pedestrian walkways, convert the Estuary, Seatown and Malahide Road roundabouts into signalised junctions, add new crossing points, and reduce speeds on the route to 50km/h. The wider goal is to improve east-west movement across Swords and better link neighbourhoods with public transport, including BusConnects and MetroLink.
The project has been moving through the system for several years. Fingal County Council opened public consultation in November 2020, submitted the scheme for planning in May 2021, and secured approval with conditions from An Coimisiún Pleanála on 20 January 2022. The latest milestone is that Fingal County council confirmed on 20 March 2026 that contractor Murphy has now been appointed, with the works expected to run for 25 months in four phases. According to the council, the first phase will last about six months and will begin with replacing the Estuary roundabout with a four-point junction.
For local residents and businesses, the real issue will be whether the long-term gains outweigh the disruption and the likely impact on traffic flow. Fingal count Council’s own consultation material states that converting roundabouts to signalised junctions and reducing general traffic lanes will affect vehicular capacity, even as the council argues that the trade-off brings better safety, lower speeds and a street layout more suited to a growing Swords. A separate roadworks speed limit order has also been made to support the project, underlining that this is now moving from planning into live delivery. In simple terms, the R132 scheme is no longer just a proposal on paper — it is now becoming a real construction story that will reshape how people move through Swords.
🐕🐩Honey Honey in Portmarnock makes it onto RTÉ’s top 15 venues for a puppuccino
Portmarnock’s Honey Honey has been given a lovely mention by RTÉ after making its list of the top 15 venues for a puppuccino — and if you have ever passed by, you will know it is easy to see the appeal. The café looks like a lovely spot in its own right, with the kind of warm, stylish feel that makes it an inviting place to stop for a coffee, meet a friend, or take a break after a walk.
For anyone not familiar with the term, a puppuccino is a small cup of whipped cream given to a dog as a treat, often at coffee shops. It is not coffee and should not contain caffeine. It is really just a fun little extra for dogs while their owners enjoy a drink. As always, it is probably best kept as an occasional treat, especially for dogs that may be sensitive to dairy.
But the real attraction here is that Honey Honey looks like the sort of place you would want to visit anyway, whether you have a dog with you or not. So if you are out and about in Portmarnock with your favourite four-legged companion, this might be one worth adding to your list.
Civil
Planning decisions, road closures & community notices.
Planning applications & decisions
🏗️ J.C. Savage Supermarket Unlimited Company Swords - F26A/0127E
The development will consist of: The installation of a secondary vehicular exit junction incorporating a raised pedestrian crossing, together with a new pedestrian access at the south-eastern boundary of the site, providing direct connectivity to Rathbeale Road. The works will include all associated works necessary to complete the development, including the installation of traffic signage and road markings (including "No Entry" signage), tactile paving, pedestrian guard rails, landscaping, drainage, internal car park layout adjustments, and modifications to the existing boundary wall. Final date for third party observations/submissions 26th March 2026.
Road closures & changes planned
🚧 Main Road Closures & Works
Swords:
R132 Connectivity Project roadworks speed-limit notice on approaches to Estuary Roundabout : 1 Mar 2026 - 28 Feb 2027.
Malahide:
Townyard Lane temporary closure notice : 18 Mar 2026 00:01 - 23 Mar 2026 16:00.
Ballyboughal area / Borranstown Road: L-1015 Borranstown Road closed for essential drainage and road-repair works : 3 Mar 2026 - 24 Mar 2026, 24 hours daily.
Events Calendar
Things to do in the week ahead.
29th Apr - 3rd May
Monday 23rd March
Malahide | Malahide Library | Celestial Dances over Ireland - A talk by Sryan Bruen, a Dublin-based landscape photographer | This talk explores why auroras seem more common, how to predict and photograph them, and where to see them best. | 18:30-20:30
Lusk | The Cottage Community Centre | Dublin In-Person Parents Support Group - ADHD | Do you have a child living with ADHD? Join our Dublin in-person parent support session. Join us to discuss any concerns or issues you may have and your positive experiences of ADHD in your home life. | 19:30-20:30
Tuesday 24th March
Skerries | Skerries Library | Art Classes | 11:00-12:00
Swords | Fingallians GAA Club | Free Bicycle Engraving - Gardaí | Join Swords Community Gardaí and affix your Eircode to your bicycle for easy identification. | 11:00-16:00
Rush | Rush Library | e-Services Clinic | Rush Library offers a range of free online services, including e-books, audiobooks, newspapers, language courses, music and movie streaming, touch-typing and more. At this drop-in e-services clinic, staff will help you set up the apps on your phone or tablet and show you how to use them. No booking needed. | 14:00-15:30
Skerries | Skerries Library | Irish Merchant Ships and Shipowners, 1815 - 2015 | 18:00-19:00
Malahide | Malahide Library | The La Mancha Murders: A Centenary Review | 18:30-19:30
Online | Online | Start Your Own Business | Start-up workshop covering the basics of launching a business. | 18:30-21:30
Balbriggan | Coláiste Ghlór na Mara | Disco Inferno! - Coláiste Ghlór na Mara | Disco Inferno is a 70s jukebox musical set in 1976 London, where barman Jack dreams of stardom and makes a risky pact with the devilish Lady Marmalade. Packed with hit songs and plenty of fun, it promises a lively night of disco entertainment. Also on Wednesday at the same time | 19:00-21:00
Wednesday 25th March
Balbriggan | Millfield Shopping Centre | Opening event for The Pantry | Great coffee. Fresh food. Baked treats, all day breakfast and of course the best pancakes around. | 09:00-13:00
Online | Online | Amplify Your Brand: Podcasting for Beginners Workshop | An online workshop on using podcasting to reach customers, share expertise and build trust. You’ll learn how to plan your podcast, create branding, manage guests and set up your show using Spotify for Creators. Ideal for small business owners. | 09:30-12:30
Balbriggan | Millfield Shopping Centre | Magic Makers - Parent & Toddler Show | A Magical Mid-Week Out for the Little Ones (Ages 0-6)! With the older kids away at school, it’s time for the little ones to take over! This is designed specifically for our preschool fans. We’re hosting three high-energy shows in our First Floor Play Area, perfectly timed for those morning routines and nap schedules. | 10:00-13:00
Balbriggan | Bracken Court Hotel | Balbriggan & District Historical Society Presents - Stained glass highlights in Balbriggan and other locations in north County Dublin | You may have seen and admired these beautiful windows in St Peter and Paul's and St George's Church and wanted to learn more about them. This presentation will give a wonderful insight to them and other examples in the area. | 10:00-22:00
Swords | Swords Library | Healthy Age-Friendly Homes | 11:00-12:00
Balbriggan | The Lark | The Eagan High School with Guests | The Eagan High School Tour Choir from Minnesota is a select student ensemble known for musical excellence, cultural exchange through touring, and a special collaborative performance with the Fingal Youth Orchestra and IIMS Youth Choir. | 19:30-23:00
Rush | Rush Primary School | Rush Astronomy hosting astronomy talk. | As part of Irish Astronomy Week, Rush Astronomy is hosting a free evening in Rush Primary School with short astronomy talks and, weather permitting, telescope viewing outside. Open to all ages. | 19:30-21:00
Thursday 26th March
Swords | Carnegie Library | Join Thrive Swords for a Connect Café | Thrive Swords is a community-led initiative promoting mental health and wellbeing. | 10:00-11:30
Skerries | Sailing Clubhouse | A photographic history exhibition of Skerries Sailing Club. | Back by popular demand. A 4-day run which start today 26th March | 13:00-22:00
Balbriggan | Balbriggan Football Club clubhouse | Balbriggan Women's Shed presents - The Power of the Pen Journal Writing Workshop | Join us to discover the science behind journaling; it's one of the easiest, research-proven ways to help keep your emotional and mental wellbeing in check. | 18:30-20:30
Swords | The Cock Tavern | Gaeltacht Shoird | Whether you’re a fluent speaker, looking to pick up some new words, or just want to hear the language in action, this is the perfect opportunity! And it's all before the World Cup Qualifier match between Ireland and Czech Republic. | 19:00-20:00
Friday 27th March
Portmarnock | Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Link | Dublin Coast DEDP Community Workshop | Local workshops are gathering ideas to help shape tourism along the Dublin coast by 2036. The feedback will inform Fáilte Ireland’s future tourism plan for the area. | 09:30-12:30
Naul | The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre | The Henry Girls (concert) | The Henry Girls are a Donegal sister trio, formed in 2001, known for their rich, dynamic folk sound and six studio albums. | 19:00-23:00
Malahide | St. Sylvester's GAA Clubhouse | Malahide Lions hosting a fun pub quiz | Malahide Lions are running a fun pub quiz to raise funds for CASA (Caring & Sharing Association) who look after people with disabilities. Their break house in Ard na Mara badly needs to be refurbished. | 19:30-23:30
Balbriggan | Balbriggan RFC | Balbriggan RFC presents Race night on the big screen. | Join us for our annual Race Night. This event is open to all, both members and non-members, but strictly over 18s. If last year’s night is anything to go by, it will be another great night! | 20:30-23:30
Saturday 28th March
Balbriggan | Bracken Court Hotel | Dublin Coast DEDP Community Workshop | Local workshops are gathering ideas to help shape tourism along the Dublin coast by 2036. The feedback will inform Fáilte Ireland’s future tourism plan for the area. | 10:00-12:30
Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Family Storytime | 10:30-11:30
Skerries | Otterspace | Neurodivergent Adult Meetup | In-person meetup for neurodivergent adults. | 11:00-13:00
Donabate | Donabate Library | Páistí! Scéalta! Amhráin! Spraoi! | 11:30-12:30
Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | The Greatest Invention in Astronomy | 14:00-15:00
Donabate | Donabate Library | Book Clinic in Irish & English | 14:00-15:00
Swords | Leisure Box Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre | Ninja Warriors | Ninja challenge and activity event. Get ready to conquer insane obstacle courses and show off your ultimate ninja skills live and in person! | 18:00-21:00
Lusk | Man O’War GFC | Man O’War GFC Clothing Collection | Out with the old, in with the new. Our clothing collection fundraiser is now underway — and we need your support. Final Collection Date | 18:30-20:00
Portrane | Triangle Coffee Unit 2, Keelings Court | Portrane Hockey Club - End of season - Ladies Night | To celebrate the end of a very successful season in the Ladies section, we have booked out Triangle for wine night | 19:00-22:00
Balbriggan | The Lark | Willa White: Dead Man Talking | Dublin comedian Willa White brings his new show Dead Man Talking to The Lark after a breakout run of major sold-out venues, reflecting on life, loss and survival with his trademark honesty and humour. | 20:00-22:30
Sunday 29th March
Donabate | Newbridge House & Farm | Feel Great Running - 2 Hour Workshop | Learn how to make running so much easier on your legs (and your head). From running form to breathing, sports psychology secrets to mindset tricks, we cover all the simple ways to make running more light and fun, all in a relaxed, friendly and non-competitive environment. | 10:00-12:00
Balbriggan | The Lark | San Gabriel Academy | The San Gabriel Academy Chorale is an auditioned chamber choir known for church performances, concerts, international touring, and collaborations with prominent musicians and conductors. | 19:30-23:00
Fingal Libraries link:
📢Finally, stuff from Fingal East we just like - Mumming!
Mummers in action
Mumming might sound like something from a very distant past, but it was once a real part of winter life here in Fingal East. Long before Christmas became what it is today, groups of local people would dress up in masks, straw outfits and old clothes, go from house to house, and perform rhymes, music and short plays. It was noisy, playful, a little mysterious, and deeply tied to the old midwinter season.
What makes it especially interesting for us is that this was not just an Irish tradition in some general sense — it was happening here in places like Lusk, Skerries, Swords and Ballyboughal. Old records from the Schools’ Collection describe mummers going out from St Stephen’s Night to Twelfth Night, performing in disguise so they would not be recognised. In Lusk, the characters included names like Tom Fool, the Doctor, the Wren and Prince George, while in Skerries people remembered men and boys dressing up in hats, boots and false faces before heading out to perform. It gives a real glimpse into the kind of community life that once existed across east Fingal.
What is lovely is that mumming has not been completely lost. It is now recognised as part of Fingal’s cultural heritage and is included on Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. So when we look back at mumming, we are not just looking at an odd old custom — we are looking at a tradition that belonged to this area and to the people who lived here. Check out this short video from the RTÉ archives about Mumming in Swords in 1964. (How times have changed 😁)
Have a great week and remember your umbrella on Tuesday!
Image Credits
Photo: “Skerries” by Kent Wang / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
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