👋 Hi FingalEMers,

Good morning and welcome to November! 🍂 With Halloween behind us and the darker evenings settling in, there's still plenty happening across Fingal East to keep us busy over the coming days.

This week, we're heading to Loughshinny to discover a local farm that's growing much more than vegetables. We also have two lovely community stories, taking us from the stars above Balbriggan to the football pitches of Swords.

Our Featured Event brings a little gothic intrigue to Swords, while our events calendar has plenty of local classes, activities and outings to help you make the most of the week ahead. We have picked out 62 listings in our calendar below, but you'll find plenty more classes and events listed over on our Events Directory.

And we'd love your thoughts on something a little different this week. If you could improve just one thing about your local area, what would it be? Take a moment to answer our poll and let us know!

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

🌱 Bare Acre Farm — Growing More Than Just Vegetables in Loughshinny

What began as a small farming venture for Dave and Ber Kavanagh has grown into something rather special in Loughshinny. Bare Acre Farm is a working farm, shop and welcoming community space where locally grown food, flowers and home cooking all come together.

The couple grow seasonal vegetables and cut flowers using organic and regenerative farming methods, while Ber's homemade breads, cakes, jams and preserves have become firm favourites with visitors. Their vegetable-box delivery service has also taken off, growing from just over 100 families at the beginning of 2026 to more than 250 across Fingal by September.

There's plenty to enjoy beyond the farm shop too. Visitors can stop for coffee and homemade treats, enjoy breakfast baps or gourmet burgers from the weekend food van, or meet the farm's pygmy goats and kunekune pigs. Bare Acre also hosts workshops and events, sharing skills in growing, cooking and crafting.

What makes Bare Acre particularly interesting is its emphasis on community. Dave and Ber want the farm to be somewhere people can slow down, learn where their food comes from and connect with others — not simply somewhere to shop.

Visit Bare Acre Farm

🚀 From Balbriggan to the stars!

You don’t need a rocket to explore the universe — sometimes, a school hall will do! Big Bear Planetariums brings an inflatable dome and immersive 360-degree space shows to schools, libraries and community venues, taking audiences on a journey through planets, stars and distant galaxies.

Behind the adventure is Carl O’Beirnes, who operates J09 Balbriggan Observatory and brings more than 30 years of hands-on astronomy experience. His work includes observing near-Earth asteroids, giving curious pupils the chance to question someone who studies the night sky himself.

There’s a wonderful television connection too: Carl appeared alongside the late Sir Patrick Moore on the BBC’s The Sky at Night. Astronomy Ireland records that Carl and fellow astronomer Dave Grennan joined filming at Moore’s home for the total lunar eclipse of February 2008. That’s quite a connection between Balbriggan and one of television’s best-loved astronomy programmes!

Big Bear’s shows bring science, technology, engineering and maths to life, with sessions tailored to different ages. The portable planetarium is wheelchair accessible, and sensory-friendly shows are available on request.

For schools and community groups looking to spark a little cosmic curiosity, an adventure under the dome could be just the ticket.

Discover Big Bear Planetariums and enquire about a visit

⚽ A place on the team: Football for All at Swords Celtic

A club jersey, a training session to look forward to and teammates to share it with — there’s so much more to football than the final score. At Swords Celtic, Football for All helps open those experiences to players with disabilities.

The programme has deep roots in Irish football. The FAI established Football for All in 2002, supporting opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in the game. In 2010, it developed a network within existing community clubs, helping players train locally, build friendships and enjoy being part of a team.

Swords Celtic’s involvement reaches across Fingal. In June 2022, the FAI reported that the club hosted a Prosper Fingal Blitz involving approximately 70 players. Teams came from Prosper services in Skerries, Swords, Balbriggan and Rush, alongside a St Michael’s House team representing Shelbourne. Weekly training helped players prepare for a day of football together.

The club was also listed among participants at the June 2024 FAI Football for All Festival in Abbotstown, while the DDSL’s 2026 calendar advertised a free Football for All blitz at Swords Celtic on 25 April.

There’s a thoughtful family connection too. Fingal County Council’s December 2023 report highlighted “A Moment for Me”, a five-week yoga and movement programme offered to parents while their children attended the club’s weekly Football for All sessions. An opportunity for children to play became an opportunity for parents to take some time for themselves as well.

That’s community football worth cheering: more opportunities to take part, more connections between families and more people getting to enjoy the game.

Interested in joining? Swords Celtic directs new Football for All enquiries to Frank at [email protected]. Contact the club to check session times, availability and the support a player may need.

Find out more about Swords Celtic

🏗️ No significant planning events this week.

🚧🚦 Road closures & changes planned

• Swords — North Street: One-way northbound traffic remains in place between Main Street and Fingal Community College during the public realm works. Southbound diversions continue via Watery Lane or the R132. Southbound bus stops outside Des Kelly Carpets and Carnegie Court Hotel remain suspended, with alternative stops on Main Street and Balheary Road.

• Swords — Seatown Road: The road remains closed between St Columcille’s Drive and North Street for the Swords Cultural Quarter development, with the closure scheduled until 31 March 2027. Follow signed diversions.

• Swords — R132: Connectivity works continue, with off-peak lane reductions possible. A temporary 50 km/h speed limit remains in place along the affected section between Pinnockhill and Estuary until February 2027.

There's a fascinating story behind one of the world's most famous novels, and Swords Theatre Company is bringing it to life this November. Unholy Trinity, written by Tony Cash, explores the extraordinary relationships and Victorian intrigue surrounding Bram Stoker, the Dublin-born author of Dracula.

The play takes audiences into the world of Stoker, celebrated actor Henry Irving and actress Ellen Terry, whose intertwined lives helped shape the inspiration behind the legendary gothic novel. It's a tale of passion, ambition and complicated relationships, offering a glimpse into the real people behind a literary masterpiece.

Performed in the intimate surroundings of Peacocks Lounge in River Valley, it's a great opportunity to enjoy local theatre and discover a side of the Dracula story you may never have heard before. With six performances across November, there's plenty of opportunity to catch the show.

📅 Wednesday 4th, Thursday 5th, Wednesday 11th, Thursday 12th, Wednesday 18th & Thursday 19th November
🕗 20:30
📍 Peacocks Lounge, Swords

Find out more

Monday 2nd November 2026

• Malahide | Malahide Library | Art Exhibition by Séamus Ó Dúill | Discover original paintings with an astro-mystical feeling by Séamus Ó Dúill. | 09:45-20:00

• Malahide | St Sylvester's Parish Pastoral Centre | Adults Yoga - Ruth | Adults Yoga - Ruth classes. | 10:15-11:15

• Lusk | Lusk Cultural Centre | Eclectic: Painting Exhibition | An exhibition of paintings by Margaret Dobinson, Bernadette Galloghly and Liam Kearns at Katie Hunt’s Cottage. | 11:00-16:00

• 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 | Swords Library | eServices Clinic | Get friendly help with online services and digital tasks. | 14:30-15:30

• Malahide | Malahide Library | French Conversation: Beginners & Intermediate | Practise French in a friendly group for beginners and intermediate speakers. | 16:30-17:30

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

• Malahide | Malahide Library | Tramp Press: How to Get Published | Practical advice on preparing and submitting a manuscript; reserve with the library. | 18:00-19:30

• Malahide | Malahide Castle & Gardens | Couch to 5K Malahide | A welcoming running programme for complete beginners. | 18:30-19:30

• Swords | Swords Library | Irish Sign Language Conversation Group | Practise and share Irish Sign Language in a friendly group. | 18:30-19:30

• Donabate | Donabate Library | Djamel White: All Them Dogs | An author conversation with Seán Farrelly; reserve with the library. | 18:45-19:45

• Balbriggan | Castleland Community Centre | Castleland Indoor Soccer | An indoor soccer session. | 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

• Swords | Feltrim Hall | Self-Protection Training | A practical class focused on confidence, awareness and personal safety. | 20:00-21:00

Tuesday 3rd November 2026

• Malahide | St Sylvester's Parish Pastoral Centre | Beginners Pilates - Cathy Smith | Beginners Pilates - Cathy Smith sessions. | 09:15-10:15

• Lusk | The Cottage | Postnatal Baby-friendly Yoga | Postnatal Baby-friendly Yoga sessions. | 09:30-10:30

• Malahide | Malahide Library | Art Exhibition by Séamus Ó Dúill | Discover original paintings with an astro-mystical feeling by Séamus Ó Dúill. | 09:45-20:00

• Donabate | Community Well Studio | Yoga & Coffee Morning with Aisling | Yoga and breathwork, followed by coffee at Triangle Coffee Co. | 10:00-11:00

• Rush | Rush Community Centre | Parent and Toddler | Parent and Toddler sessions. | 10:00-12:00

• Lusk | Lusk Cultural Centre | Eclectic: Painting Exhibition | An exhibition of paintings by Margaret Dobinson, Bernadette Galloghly and Liam Kearns at Katie Hunt’s Cottage. | 11:00-16:00

• Donabate | Donabate Portrane Community Centre | AAFA Music | A weekly AAFA Music session. | 11:30-12:30

• Skerries | Skerries Library | Knitting & Crochet Group | Bring a project and enjoy a friendly knitting and crochet group. | 14:30-16:30

• Donabate | Donabate Portrane Community Centre | AAFA Table Tennis | A weekly AAFA Table Tennis session. | 15:15-16:30

• Malahide | St Sylvester's Parish Pastoral Centre | Children's Choir 5-12 | Children's Choir 5-12 sessions. | 16:00-17:15

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre | Foróige | A regular Foróige youth group session. | 17:00-18:00

• 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

• Lusk | St Macullins Centre | Rosey Stars Zumba | Rosey Stars Zumba sessions. | 19:30-20:30

• Balbriggan | Parochial House | Balbriggan Toastmasters | Develop public speaking and leadership skills in a welcoming club. | 20:00

• Swords | Applewood Community Centre | Swords Basketball Club | Regular basketball sessions with Swords Basketball Club. | 20:00-22:00

Wednesday 4th November 2026

• Donabate | Donabate Portrane Community Centre | Mother and Baby Pilates | A weekly Mother and Baby Pilates session. | 09:15-10:15

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre | Irish Language Classes for Adults | A regular Irish Language Classes for Adults session. | 09:30-11:30

• Malahide | Malahide Library | Art Exhibition by Séamus Ó Dúill | Discover original paintings with an astro-mystical feeling by Séamus Ó Dúill. | 09:45-20:00

• Balbriggan | 16 Hampton St | Cairde Connect Café — Mental Health Engagement Forum | A safe, friendly space for migrant and ethnic minority communities to connect, share experiences and help improve mental health services. | 10:30-12:30

• Lusk | Lusk Cultural Centre | Eclectic: Painting Exhibition | An exhibition of paintings by Margaret Dobinson, Bernadette Galloghly and Liam Kearns at Katie Hunt’s Cottage. | 11:00-16:00

• Malahide | St Sylvester's Parish Pastoral Centre | Little Arts | Little Arts sessions. | 14:30-16:30

• Swords | Holywell Community Centre | Washi Do Karate | Washi Do Karate sessions. | 17:00-20:00

• Balbriggan | Castleland Community Centre | Colour and Art Kids | A creative art class for children. | 17:30-18:30

• Malahide | Malahide Castle & Gardens | Couch to 5K Malahide | A welcoming running programme for complete beginners. | 18:30-19:30

• Rush | 48 Upper Main St | Evening Yoga — The Nervous System Reset | A gentle four-week beginner-friendly yoga course offering space to slow down and reset. | 18:45-19:45

• Lusk | St Macullins Centre | Adult Céilí Classes | Try a welcoming adult Irish dance class. | 19:30-20:30

• Malahide | St Sylvester's Parish Pastoral Centre | Iyengar Yoga - Sue Ennis | Iyengar Yoga - Sue Ennis sessions. | 19:30-21:00

• Balbriggan | Castleland Community Centre | Suaimhneas Tai Chi Chuan | Tai Chi practice with Suaimhneas School of Tai Chi Chuan. | 20:00-21:00

• Swords | Peacocks Lounge | Unholy Trinity | Swords Theatre Company presents "Unholy Trinity" in Peacocks. | 20:30-22:00

Thursday 5th November 2026

• Swords | Applewood Community Centre | Cuidiu Parent & Toddler Morning | A weekly morning for parents, carers and toddlers. | 09:30-11:30

• Swords | Saint Cronan's Catholic Church, St Cronan's Ave | Mat Yoga - Calmness within with Caroline | Start your day with movement, breath, and calm energy. | 09:30-10:45

• Malahide | Malahide Library | Art Exhibition by Séamus Ó Dúill | Discover original paintings with an astro-mystical feeling by Séamus Ó Dúill. | 09:45-20:00

• Balbriggan | Ardgillan Castle | Guided Garden Tour: Autumn | Explore seasonal planting with head gardener Dominica McKevitt. | 11:00-12:00

• Lusk | Lusk Cultural Centre | Eclectic: Painting Exhibition | An exhibition of paintings by Margaret Dobinson, Bernadette Galloghly and Liam Kearns at Katie Hunt’s Cottage. | 11:00-16:00

• Rush | Rush Library | Age Friendly Social Club | A friendly weekly get-together for older adults. | 11:00-13:00

• Swords | Saint Cronan's Catholic Church, St Cronan's Ave | Flex & Stretch - Calmness within with Caroline | Support for stiffness, joint issues, flexibility, and posture. | 11:15-12:15

• Donabate | Donabate Library | Junior Book Club | A friendly book club for young readers. | 16:00-17:00

• Swords | Fingal County Hall, Main Street | How It’s Made: Swords Preview & Launch | Explore water through art, talks and music. | 16:30-19:30

• Skerries | Skerries Library | Poetry Workshop with Enda Coyle-Greene | Explore your creativity with prompts and encouragement; reserve with the library. | 18:15-19:45

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre | Sahaja Yoga Meditation Class | A regular Sahaja Yoga Meditation Class session. | 19:00-20:00

• Donabate | Jones Garden Centre | Jones Garden Centre Customer Appreciation Night | Enjoy a festive evening of shopping, mince pies, mulled wine and barbecue demonstrations. | 19:00-21:00

• Swords | Saint Cronan's Catholic Church, St Cronan's Ave | Mat Yoga - Calmness within with Caroline | Movement, breath and calm energy. | 19:00-20:15

• Balbriggan | 82 Drogheda St | Meditation Session | Take some time to pause and unwind at an evening meditation session with Michelle Marie. | 19:45-21:15

• Donabate | Donabate Portrane Community Centre | DPCC Community Bingo | A weekly Bingo session. | 20:00-22:00

• Rush | Millbank Theatre | Reunion by Mark O’Rowe | Rush Dramatic Society’s family drama with darkly comic moments; adults only. | 20:30-21:30

• Swords | Peacocks Lounge | Unholy Trinity | Swords Theatre Company presents "Unholy Trinity" in Peacocks. | 20:30-22:00

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.