👋 Hi FingalEMers,

Good morning and happy Bank Holiday Monday! 🎃 Halloween is almost here, and there's plenty happening across Fingal East to keep everyone entertained this week, from spooky castle tours and creative workshops to family activities and community events.

Our Featured Business takes us to Swords, where Raquel Pablos of Rablos Art Studio is turning recycled coffee capsules into beautiful works of art. In the news, we have the story of a Skerries man making headlines in Australia, along with the latest on industrial action affecting local services.

We're also looking ahead to a special fundraising quiz night at Skerries Sailing Club, supporting local sailor Seán Waddilove and his teammate Robert Dickson on their journey towards the 2028 Olympics.

And we'd love your help this week! Our new Events Directory is up and running, and we're keen to hear what you think.

Now, grab a cuppa, get comfortable and see what's happening across Fingal East this week! ☕

Haven't explored our new Events Directory yet? We'd love you to pop over and have a look! Our goal is to connect you with everything happening across Fingal East, from local classes and community activities to exciting events and family days out.

Your feedback is invaluable to us! We're building this for you, our readers, so we'd love to hear what you think and how we can make it even better.

👉Explore our Events Directory

🎨 Rablos Art Studio — Turning Coffee Capsules into Art

There’s something fascinating about seeing everyday objects transformed into something completely unexpected. Swords-based artist Raquel Pablos does just that through Rablos Art Studio, creating colourful, textured artworks using recycled coffee capsules. What might otherwise end up in the bin becomes part of an intricate landscape, a shimmering seascape or a completely original abstract design.

Originally from Spain, Raquel studied art in Madrid before eventually settling in Ireland in 2012. Her work combines acrylic painting with carefully cut and shaped aluminium coffee pods, building up layers of colour, texture and movement. Inspired by the Irish landscape, particularly the sea and sky, she also incorporates natural materials such as seashells. Friends, family and neighbours even contribute their used coffee capsules, giving everyday waste a rather unexpected second life.

Raquel's creativity has attracted recognition beyond Swords. She was among seven Fingal craft and design businesses selected to exhibit at Showcase 2026 in the RDS, bringing her sustainable artwork to an international audience of buyers.

It's wonderful to see a local artist finding beauty in materials most of us would throw away. Whether you appreciate original Irish art, colourful home décor or clever ideas for reusing everyday materials, Rablos Art Studio is well worth discovering.

Visit Rablos Art Studio

🩴 Skerries Man Helps Catch Fleeing Suspect in Sydney

Skerries man Eoin Dennis has attracted attention in Australia and back home after helping police catch a fleeing suspect in Sydney. Eoin chased down and tackled the man while wearing sliders, turning an ordinary morning before work into a story picked up by Australian television and Irish radio. He spoke to Today FM’s Dave Moore about the incident on 20 October.

Despite the attention, Eoin has played down his actions. Speaking to Dave Moore, he described setting off after the suspect and joked that he would not call it an arrest himself. His unexpected intervention also prompted an appearance on RTÉ Radio 1’s Oliver Callan programme, bringing the Skerries connection to listeners across Ireland.

There was another twist to the story: Eoin, who has lived in Australia for almost four years, used the publicity to jokingly appeal to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a work visa. In his Today FM interview, he discussed appealing a rejected student-visa application—an unexpected complication for the Skerries man making headlines for lending a hand.

Watch Eoin’s Interview with 10 News Australia

🏫 School Meetings Postponed and Estuary Recycling Centre Closed: What’s Behind the Industrial Action?

Postponed parent–teacher meetings and the closure of Estuary Recycling Centre are among the local effects of the national public-service pay dispute. The planned strike on 21 October was suspended to allow negotiations, but work-to-rule action continues.

The dispute concerns a new pay agreement after the previous deal expired on 30 June. Unions want pay to catch up with living costs; the Government wants an agreement that also delivers productivity improvements and value for money. Action began among Fórsa and other public-service workers on 30 September, followed by INTO and ASTI teachers on 5 October and TUI members on 12 October.

Following the nationwide strike on 14 October, an intervention by the Taoiseach helped establish a process for negotiations. Formal talks began at the Workplace Relations Commission on 19 October, allowing the second strike to be suspended. Restrictions on certain duties remain in place.

Classroom teaching generally continues, but school meetings and communications are affected. Malahide Community School postponed its sixth-year parent–teacher meeting scheduled for 22 October until further notice. Skerries Community College also postponed its fifth-year meeting, with its calendar currently listing 5 November. Malahide asks parents to communicate through the school journal or main office. In primary schools, supervision before and after school can also be affected; families should follow their own school’s arrangements.

Estuary Recycling Centre in Swords remains closed until further notice, alongside Coolmine. Fingal County Council attributes the closures to operational difficulties arising from industrial action. No reopening date has been published, so check the council website before travelling rather than relying on opening hours shown elsewhere.

Other local impacts have included the closure of County Hall, the Our Balbriggan Office and Fingal libraries on 14 October, with possible disruption to park access. Fingal Volunteer Centre also cancelled its 3 October Balbriggan Volunteer Expo because council staff needed to support the venue were affected by the work-to-rule.

There is no confirmed end date as of 25 October. Negotiations continue, while families and residents should check school notices and council updates for changes to meetings and services.

Check the Latest Recycling Centre Update

🏗️ Plans for 218 New Homes on Seamount Road, Malahide

A major residential development is proposed for Seamount Road in Malahide, with Ballymore Ireland Contracting Services Ltd submitting a Large-scale Residential Development (LRD) meeting request to Fingal County Council.

The proposal includes 218 new homes, comprising 104 houses and 114 apartment-type homes, with buildings reaching up to five storeys. Plans also include a 480 sq. m crèche, children's play area, landscaped open spaces and parking facilities.

The development would involve demolishing an existing house and outbuildings, creating two entrances from Seamount Road and associated road upgrades.

LRD Reference: LRD0096/S2

🚧🚦 Road closures & changes planned

• Swords – North Street: One-way northbound traffic remains in place between Main Street and Fingal Community College as public realm works continue.

• Swords – Ennis Lane: Night-time closures have been proposed from 26 October to 6 November, 19:00–06:00, excluding weekends and Bank Holidays, for fibre network works. Final confirmation is still needed.

• Swords – Estuary Junction: New traffic lights are now operational at the former Estuary Roundabout, with signal adjustments continuing during the initial bedding-in period.

Here's a chance to get behind one of Skerries' very own sporting stars! Skerries Sailing Club is hosting a fundraising table quiz on Friday, 30 October, in support of local sailor Seán Waddilove and teammate Robert Dickson, as they prepare for their third Olympic sailing campaign at Los Angeles 2028.

Seán's sailing journey began at Skerries Sailing Club when he was just eight years old, and he continues to give back to the club by sharing his experience with its younger sailors. Now the club is rallying the community to help support the costs of training and competing at the highest level.

It's a great opportunity to enjoy a fun evening, test your general knowledge and support a local athlete on the road to the Olympics. There'll also be a raffle on the night with prizes up for grabs, giving everyone another chance to get involved and support the cause!

📅 Friday 30th October
🕔19:30
📍 Skerries Sailing Club, Bayview, Skerries

Find out more

Monday 26th October 2026

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre | English Language Classes | A regular English Language Classes session. | 09:30-13:30

• Swords | Applewood Community Centre | Claphandies | Weekly play sessions for little ones and their grown-ups. | 09:45-12:00

• Swords | Brackenstown Road | Silent Meditation | Drop-in meditation in the tradition of John Main. | 11:00-12:00

• Donabate | 9 Main St | Spiritual Awareness and Healing Circle with Niamh, Sinead & Amy | A women’s gathering with meditation, cacao and spiritual practices; reserve a place. | 12:00-15:30

• Swords | St Cronan’s Parish Hall | Haunted Manor Market | A Halloween market and fundraiser for Swords Manor Adventure Club at St Cronan’s Parish Hall, Brackenstown Road, Swords. | 12:00-13:00

• Balbriggan | 1 St George’s Square | You First Wellness Café | A free, informal peer-led wellness café; drop in for a cuppa, a chat and support around mental health and wellbeing. | 14:00-18:00

• Swords | 1c Bridge St | Siúlóid Staire trí Ghaeilge ar Shord Cholm Cille | Join Craobh Cholm Cille, Conradh na Gaeilge for a guided history walk through Swords in Irish. | 14:00-15:00

• Donabate | Donabate Portrane Community Centre | AAFA Spanish | A weekly AAFA Spanish session. | 16:00-17:00

• Donabate | Newbridge House | Pumpkins After Dark | An illuminated pumpkin trail with displays and family entertainment; booking required. | 17:00-20:00

• Swords | Holywell Community Centre | Colour and Art | Colour and Art sessions. | 17:30-18:30

• Balbriggan | The Lark | Halloween Double Feature | House on Haunted Hill and Carnival of Souls on the big screen. | 19:00-20:00

• Lusk | St Macullins Centre | Yoga - Sylviane | Yoga - Sylviane sessions. | 19:00-20:00

• Swords | North Street | Swords Men’s Walk & Talk Group | A relaxed Monday evening walk for local men, usually around 5km to 6km. | 19:15-20:15

• Balbriggan | Castleland Community Centre | Castleland Community Football | A community football session. | 21:00-22:00

Tuesday 27th October 2026

• Swords | Castleview Lawn | Eco-Halloween Workshop | Make Halloween decorations from reused materials; phone booking required. | 10:00-11:30

• Balbriggan | Ardgillan Castle | The Ardgillan Residents Return: Craic from the Crypt | A spooky castle tour for ages 8 and over; booking required. | 11:00-12:00

• Donabate | Donabate Library | Gaeilge le Chéile | Practise Irish together in a welcoming group. | 11:00-13:00

• Naul Village | The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre | Spooky Comic Book Workshop | Create a spooky comic inspired by Irish mythology. | 11:00-13:00

• Balbriggan | Ardgillan Castle | The Ardgillan Residents Return: Craic from the Crypt | A spooky castle tour for ages 8 and over; booking required. | 11:45-12:45

• Balbriggan | Ardgillan Castle | The Ardgillan Residents Return: Craic from the Crypt | A spooky castle tour for ages 8 and over; booking required. | 14:00-15:00

• Swords | Swords Library | Halloween Crafts | Halloween crafts at Swords Library. | 14:30-15:30

• Balbriggan | Ardgillan Castle | The Ardgillan Residents Return: Craic from the Crypt | A spooky castle tour for ages 8 and over; booking required. | 14:45-15:45

• Skerries | Strand Street | Bargello Autumn Embroidery | Try colourful Bargello embroidery. | 15:00-16:00

• Malahide | The Grand Hotel | Blood Donation Clinic | Blood donation clinic; book an appointment with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service. | 15:50-20:00

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Halloween Family Movie | Halloween family film screening at the library. | 17:00-19:00

• Donabate | Newbridge House | Pumpkins After Dark | An illuminated pumpkin trail with displays and family entertainment; booking required. | 17:00-20:00

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Creative Poetry Writing Club | Explore poetry and writing in a friendly weekly group. | 18:30-19:45

• Malahide | Dublin Road | Green Nuts Men’s Group – Walk & Talk | A relaxed walk and friendly conversation for local men. | 19:00

• Donabate | Triangle Coffee Co | Craft & Connect | A community craft evening; bring a photo of a departed loved one for the community ofrenda. | 19:30-20:30

Wednesday 28th October 2026

• Balbriggan | Castleland | Kids Halloween Workshop | Make Halloween decorations; ages 6–12, booking essential. | 10:00-11:00

• Swords | Feltrim Road | Pink Coffee Morning | Coffee morning supporting Breast Cancer Ireland. | 10:00-12:00

• Naul Village | The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre | Cinderella Goes to the Halloween Ball | A Halloween twist on the much-loved fairy tale. | 11:00-14:00

• Lusk | Round Tower Church | Halloween Costume Swap Shop | Swap Halloween costumes and support reuse; cash donations support St Francis Hospice. | 14:00-16:00

• Malahide | Malahide Library | Halloween Crafts | Halloween crafts at Malahide Library.| 14:00-14:45

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Halloween Family Movie | Halloween family film screening at the library. | 17:00-19:00

• Swords | Swords Library | Halloween Spooky Storytelling & Writing Workshop for Teens | Spooky storytelling and creative writing workshop for teens. | 17:00-18:30

• Balbriggan | Ardgillan Castle | The Ardgillan Residents Return: Craic from the Crypt | A spooky castle tour for ages 8 and over; booking required. | 17:45-18:45

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Adult 3D Printer Workshop | Try digital making and learn the basics of 3D printing. | 18:30-19:30

• Balbriggan | Ardgillan Castle | The Ardgillan Residents Return: Craic from the Crypt | A spooky castle tour for ages 8 and over; booking required. | 18:30-19:30

• Skerries | Strand Street | Understanding AI: Risks, Realities and Why Literacy Matters | Explore artificial intelligence with Páraic Kerrigan. | 18:30-19:30

• Balbriggan | Ardgillan Castle | The Ardgillan Residents Return: Craic from the Crypt | A spooky castle tour for ages 8 and over; booking required. | 19:15-20:15

• Balbriggan | Bridge Street | A History of Meteorology in Ireland (to c. 1950) | An illustrated history talk by Kilian Harford; all welcome. | 20:00-21:00

• Balbriggan | Ardgillan Castle | The Ardgillan Residents Return: Craic from the Crypt | A spooky castle tour for ages 8 and over; booking required. | 20:00-21:00

• Swords | The Cock Tavern | Oíche Shamhna: Pop-Up Gaeltacht | Practise Irish in an informal Halloween gathering; beginners welcome. | 20:00-21:00

• Rush | Millbank Theatre | Charity Night for Réalt Na Mara: Reunion by Mark O’Rowe | A charity performance of the drama; adult themes and strong language. | 20:30-21:30

Thursday 29th October 2026

• Lusk | Church Road | Coffee Morning for Gaza | Coffee morning with refreshments and a raffle, supporting Concern Worldwide. | 10:00-13:00

• Swords | Pavilions Shopping Centre | Multi Sector Recruitment and Training Event | Meet employers and learn about current vacancies and training opportunities. | 10:00-12:30

• Lusk | Round Tower Church | Halloween Costume Swap Shop | Swap Halloween costumes and support reuse; cash donations support St Francis Hospice. | 14:00-16:00

• Malahide | Malahide Library | Virtual Reality Taster | Try a virtual-reality experience with friendly library guidance. | 14:00-15:00

• Swords | Swords Library | Halloween Crafts | Halloween crafts at Swords Library. | 14:30-15:30

• Skerries | Skerries Library | Paper Chain Skeleton Crafts | Make spooky paper chain skeletons at Skerries Library. | 15:00-16:00

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Kids 3D Printer Workshop | Young makers can explore 3D printing in a library workshop. | 15:30-16:30

• Balbriggan | The Lark | The Apex Singers: A Cappella Workshop | A 90-minute ensemble singing workshop, open to all experience levels. | 16:45-18:15

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Halloween Family Movie | Halloween family film screening at the library. | 17:00-19:00

• Balbriggan | Ardgillan Castle | The Ardgillan Residents Return: Craic from the Crypt | A spooky castle tour for ages 8 and over; booking required. | 17:00-18:00

• Rush | Rush Library | Halloween Family Movie | Halloween family film screening at Rush Library. | 17:30-19:30

• Balbriggan | Ardgillan Castle | The Ardgillan Residents Return: Craic from the Crypt | A spooky castle tour for ages 8 and over; booking required. | 18:30-19:30

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Cancer Support Group | Halloween Bingo Night | Fundraising and raffle night, costumes encouraged | 19:00-20:00

• Balbriggan | Ardgillan Castle | The Ardgillan Residents Return: Craic from the Crypt | A spooky castle tour for ages 8 and over; booking required. | 19:15-20:15

• Balbriggan | The Lark | The Apex Singers | An evening of live vocal music. | 20:00-21:00

• Balbriggan | Ardgillan Castle | The Ardgillan Residents Return: Craic from the Crypt | A spooky castle tour for ages 8 and over; booking required. | 20:00-21:00

• Donabate | Donabate Golf Club | Table Quiz: Court Resurfacing Fundraiser | A table quiz supporting Donabate Portrane Tennis Club; teams and individuals welcome. | 20:00-21:00

• Naul Village | The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre | The Outcasts | A screening of the Irish folk-horror film. | 20:00-22:00

• Rush | Millbank Theatre | Reunion by Mark O’Rowe | Rush Dramatic Society presents an adults-only family drama; booking required. | 20:30-21:30

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.