👋 Hi FingalEMers,

Halloween weekend is almost upon us, and Fingal East is certainly getting into the spooky spirit! 🎃 From haunted castle adventures and fancy-dress parties to live music, family activities and fireworks, there's plenty happening across our towns over the next few days.

If you're looking for something a little different, there's a fantastic mix of activities to explore. Skerries Rowing Club is taking on a fundraising challenge, Balbriggan's The Lark has a line-up of classic horror films, and Swords is hosting a colourful Día de los Muertos celebration on Sunday. Whether you're planning a family outing or a night out with friends, we've picked out 52 events for our calendar, with even more to explore on the Events Directory, so make sure to check that out.

In this edition, we're also celebrating some wonderful local achievements. We look at a new musical theatre partnership bringing exciting opportunities to Balbriggan, and how Malahide Lions Club brought together 43 artists for its annual charity exhibition.

And in Things We Like, we're remembering the wonderfully eccentric poet Pat Ingoldsby, whose story began right here in Malahide. A lovely reminder of the extraordinary people and stories connected to our corner of Dublin.

Whatever you're up to this weekend, have a wonderful Halloween, stay safe and enjoy everything our local communities have to offer! 👻

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

🎭 Taoiseach Launches New Musical Theatre Partnership in Balbriggan

Balbriggan's growing reputation as a centre for music and the performing arts received another boost this week, as Taoiseach Micheál Martin officially launched a new partnership between the Irish Institute of Music and Song (IIMS) and American College Dublin at The Lark Concert Hall on Tuesday, 27 October.

The partnership brings Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees in Musical Theatre and Performance to Balbriggan. The courses began in September, allowing students to pursue internationally accredited qualifications without having to travel abroad. The campus offers dedicated rehearsal studios, vocal and acting spaces, alongside the impressive 400-seat Lark Concert Hall.

The Taoiseach was joined by Mayor of Fingal Tony Murphy, who welcomed the potential benefits for the town's economy. The IIMS campus has already created 100 jobs, while the partnership is expected to attract more students and performing arts activity to Balbriggan.

The collaboration also includes plans for artist residencies, masterclasses and international exchanges, creating further opportunities for aspiring performers and strengthening Balbriggan's place on Ireland's cultural map.

Read more about the story

🎨 Malahide Lions Club Brings Together 43 Artists for Charity Exhibition

Art and community spirit came together in Malahide over the October Bank Holiday weekend, as Malahide Lions Club held its 21st annual Art Exhibition and Sale, raising funds for Mental Health Ireland and Jigsaw, the youth mental health charity.

Held at St Sylvester's Parish Centre from 24–26 October, the exhibition featured works by 43 local and national artists. Entry was free, giving visitors an opportunity to discover original artwork while supporting two important causes. Several artists also generously donated original paintings for a fundraising raffle held on Bank Holiday Monday.

The exhibition has become a longstanding part of Malahide's community calendar. In 2024, the event raised an impressive €14,900 for Childhood Cancer Ireland, highlighting the difference local artists, volunteers and supporters can make when they come together.

The club's support for mental wellbeing also extends beyond fundraising. Earlier this year, it partnered with Mental Health Ireland to establish a Connect Café at Malahide Library, bringing people together for conversation, connection and a cuppa.

It's another lovely example of local creativity making a real difference in the community.

Learn more about Malahide Lions Club

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

Friday 30th October 2026

• Lusk | The Cottage | Tea Together Seniors | Tea Together Seniors sessions. | 11:00-13:00

• Malahide | Malahide Library | Spooky Storytelling | Spooky storytelling at the library. | 11:30-12:30

• Lusk | Skinny Batch Bakery | Brunch & Coffee Meetup for Remote/Hybrid Worker in Lusk | A relaxed monthly brunch and coffee meetup at Skinny Batch Bakery for remote and hybrid workers. | 12:15-13:15

• Balbriggan | Hamlet Lane | Foróige Halloween Party | Halloween games, karaoke, face painting and a magic show for ages 10–14. | 14:00-16:00

• 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 Family Movie | Halloween family film screening at the library. | 14:00-15:00

• Skerries | Strand Street | Spooky Storytelling with Balor Otherworld | Seasonal tales for children aged 6 and over. | 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. | 17:45-18:45

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Rugby Football Club | Halloween Disco Party: U6–U8 | A fancy-dress disco raising funds for mini rugby; all welcome. | 18:30-19:30

• Malahide | Dublin Road | Samhain Sounds Music Workshop | Enjoy a tin-whistle and folk music workshop. | 19:00-20:00

• Malahide | Malahide Castle & Gardens | The Traitorous Tale: A Ghoulish Feast | An immersive evening of dining and spooky theatre. | 19:00-20:30

• Skerries | Bayview, 15 Harbour Road | Skerries Sailing Club Fundraiser | Fundraising table quiz and raffle in Skerries Sailing Club in aid of Team Dickson Waddiloves 3rd Olympic Sailing Campaign for Los Angeles 2028. | 19:30-21:30

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Rugby Football Club | Halloween Disco Party: U9–U12 | A fancy-dress disco raising funds for mini rugby; all welcome. | 19:45-21:00

• Balbriggan | The Lark | Sinéad Culbert: I’m No Wonder Woman | Stand-up comedy from Sinéad Culbert. | 20:00-21:00

• Naul Village | The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre | Irish Mythology Podcast | Explore Ireland’s myths in a live podcast evening. | 20:00-23:00

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

• Swords | Peacock’s Bar & Lounge | Jerry Fish Live in Swords | Live music with Jerry Fish. | 20:30-21:30

Saturday 31st October 2026

• Skerries | 97 Strand Street | The Boat Rowathon | An ergathon fundraising challenge for Skerries Rowing Club. | 09:00-21:00

• Skerries | Skerries Mills | Skerries Mills Farmers Market | Browse the weekly farmers market. | 10:00-15:00

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | LGBTQ+ Book & Film Club | A welcoming monthly book and film discussion group. | 10:30-12:30

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Halloween Crafts | Halloween crafts at Balbriggan Library. | 11:00-12:00

• Malahide | Malahide Castle Demesne | The Haunted Trail: Sensory-Friendly Experience | A sensory-friendly Halloween experience at Malahide Castle. | 11:00-12:00

• Swords | Swords Library | Spooky Story Writing Workshop | A creative Halloween writing workshop at Swords Library. | 11:00-12:00

• Balbriggan | Hamlet Lane | Open Hearts Balbriggan Spooktacular Halloween Party | An inclusive, autism-friendly Halloween party for children and families. | 13:00-15:00

• Rush | Rush Library | Halloween Crafts | Halloween crafts at Rush Library. | 14:00-15:00

• Skerries | Skerries Library | Age Friendly Movie Matinee | Enjoy a film in a welcoming daytime setting. | 14:00-15:00

• Balbriggan | The Lark | Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920) | A Halloween screening of the silent horror classic. | 17:00-18:00

• 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

• Ballyboughal | Monument Garden to the Community Hub | Thriller Zombie Parade | Join a community Halloween parade in costume. | 17:30-18:30

• 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 | Bremore Castle | Fingal Festival of Fire | Fingal County Council’s Festival of Fire takes place in Bremore Castle in Balbriggan. | 18:30-20:00

• 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

• Swords | North Street | Festival of Fire | Fingal County Council’s Festival of Fire takes place in Swords Town Park. | 18:30-19:30

• Balbriggan | The Lark | Nosferatu (1922) | Experience the landmark vampire film. | 19:00-20:00

• Balbriggan | Vauxhall St | Warehouse of No Return - The Spook-tacular Tales of Halloween | Scéal Collective and Brigg Bus are hosting a special Halloween event filled with poetry, storytelling and music. | 20:00-23:30

• 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

• Balbriggan | Bridge Street | The Haunted Jack Party | Halloween live music and DJ night; fancy dress encouraged. | 20:00-21:00

• Skerries | The Bus Bar | Funky Monks Halloween Night | Halloween live music with Funky Monks. | 20:00-23:30

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

• Balbriggan | The Lark | Night of the Living Dead (1968) | Round off Halloween with a classic horror screening. | 21:00-22:00

• Swords | The Chalk Venue | Halloween Night: Sharp Shooter Live | Live music with Sharp Shooter, DJs and fancy dress. | 22:30-00:30 (next day)

Sunday 1st November 2026

• Balbriggan | Bremore Castle | Balbriggan junior parkrun | Free weekly 2 km community parkrun for juniors aged 4–14 and their families. | 09:30-10:30

• Donabate | Newbridge House & Farm | Newbridge House junior parkrun | Free weekly 2 km community parkrun for juniors aged 4–14 and their families. | 09:30-10:30

• Malahide | Malahide Castle & Gardens | Malahide Castle junior parkrun | Free weekly 2 km community parkrun for juniors aged 4–14 and their families. | 09:30-10:30

• Rush | Kenure Park | Rush junior parkrun | Free weekly 2 km community parkrun for juniors aged 4–14 and their families. | 09:30-10:30

• Swords | River Valley Road | River Valley junior parkrun | Free weekly 2 km community parkrun for juniors aged 4–14 and their families. | 09:30-10:30

• Lusk | The Cottage | Yoga for All | Yoga for All sessions. | 09:45-10:45

• Swords | North Street | Día de los Muertos | A free family celebration with music, storytelling, art and remembrance. | 12:00-18:00

• 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

• 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 | 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 | 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

📢 Finally, stuff from Fingal East we just like — 📖 Pat Ingoldsby - The People's Poet from Malahide

Did you know that one of Dublin's best-loved poets and most colourful characters was born right here in Malahide? Pat Ingoldsby, who passed away in March 2025 aged 82, was known for his wonderfully quirky poetry, gentle humour and unmistakable presence on the streets of Dublin.

Born in 1942, Pat spent much of his childhood looking out from his family home towards Malahide Green and the sea. Having contracted polio as a baby, he often missed school, but those hours watching boats, birds, visiting circuses and everyday village life helped shape his extraordinary imagination.

Many will remember him from RTÉ children's programmes Pat's Hat and Pat's Chat, while others will picture him selling his own poetry books on Dublin's Westmoreland Street, always ready for a conversation. He remained fiercely independent, finding humour, beauty and a little bit of magic in ordinary life.

His remarkable story was captured in the documentary The Peculiar Sensation of Being Pat Ingoldsby, a lovely reminder of the creativity and individuality that came from our own little corner of Dublin.

Thanks for reading and for being part of this 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 weekend, and we’ll talk again on Monday morning.