👋 Hi FingalEMers,

Good morning! We've had a great run of sunshine but with that chill in the air, it seems autumn has finally caught up with us. The weather may be changing, but there’s still plenty happening across Fingal East, with local classes, talks and activities to enjoy over the next few days, though you might need to wrap up!

In this edition, we take a look at Naul’s new village park and look ahead to the Harvest Food Fair at the neighbouring Séamus Ennis Arts Centre. With an accessible connection between the two, Sunday’s fair could be a lovely opportunity to explore the new park and make a family outing of it.

We also celebrate former Donabate Community College student Darragh Brett’s achievement at WorldSkills and introduce this week’s Featured Business, Community Well Studio in Donabate.

Our quick poll asks how often you head out locally on a Monday–Thursday evening. We’d love to hear what your week usually looks like.

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

🌿 Community Well Studio — Donabate

If you regularly browse our events calendar, you’ll probably recognise Community Well. But you might be surprised by how much happens at this studio in Donabate. Based in Lambay House, Ballisk Court, beside Keeling’s Pub, it brings together a range of local teachers and practitioners, with opportunities to get moving, try something creative and meet people along the way.

Yoga is a familiar part of the timetable, including pregnancy and mum-and-baby classes, but there’s also Tai Chi and Qi Gong, meditation, baby massage and adult art courses. We particularly like the idea of the Yoga & Coffee mornings — a chance to make time for yourself and stay for a chat afterwards. Occasional workshops add more variety, from vision boards and journaling to Yin Yoga and sound baths.

You can also book individual treatments and appointments, including massage, reflexology, counselling and psychotherapy. Whether you fancy trying yoga, making time for something creative or finding a new way to connect locally, Community Well is worth a look.

Discover Community Well Donabate

🛠️ From Donabate classroom to WorldSkills recognition

Former Donabate Community College student Darragh Brett has earned a Medal for Excellence in Joinery at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, representing Ireland on an international stage. In its announcement last week, the school congratulated its former student from the Class of 2022 and reported that his competition challenge involved making a wooden staircase.

His journey with Sisk began during Transition Year work experience. According to the company, Darragh returned for another placement before undertaking and completing his apprenticeship at its training centre. What started as an opportunity to try a trade while still at school became the beginning of a career that has now taken him to Shanghai.

There’s a useful message in that journey for local students and parents thinking about what comes after school. Work experience gives a young person a chance to discover whether they enjoy the practical demands of a trade, while an apprenticeship offers a structured way to develop those interests into professional skills. Darragh’s story shows how valuable that early opportunity to explore can be.

It also puts a welcome spotlight on joinery and the skill involved in turning plans and measurements into a finished piece of work. His achievement gives his former school and the wider community plenty to celebrate. Well done, Darragh 👏

Read Darragh's story

🏗️ No significant planning events this week.

🚧🚦 Road closures & changes planned

• Swords — Seatown Road remains closed between St Columcille’s Drive and North Street for the Swords Cultural Quarter works, until 17:00 on 31 March 2027. There is no access through the closed section for vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists. Follow the signed diversions.

• Swords — North Street remains one-way northbound, with no through route to Main Street. Six parking spaces between Hyper Goat Coffee and Meta Hair remain suspended for five weeks from 21 September. Businesses remain open, and the Main Street bus stops and pedestrian crossing outside the castle have reopened.

• Swords — A temporary 50 km/h limit applies in both directions on the R132, from 140 metres north of Pinnockhill Roundabout to 450 metres north of Estuary Roundabout, plus specified adjoining approaches. The order runs until 28 February 2027. Follow the posted signs.

If your idea of a good Sunday involves browsing food stalls and bringing home something delicious, this one is worth putting in the diary. The annual Harvest Food Fair returns to The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre in Naul on Sunday 11th October, bringing seasonal flavours and a sociable market atmosphere to the centre’s courtyard.

Local growers, artisan food producers, bakers and florists will be taking part, with seasonal fruit and vegetables, breads, farmhouse cheeses, handmade jams and chutneys among the advertised offerings. It also makes a lovely family outing: a chance to wander around together, introduce the children to different foods and chat to the people who grow, bake and make them. With the fair running from late morning into the afternoon, you can fit a visit around your family’s Sunday plans.

For anyone who usually heads towards the coast at the weekend, it’s a good reason to turn inland and spend some time in Naul instead. Bring a shopping bag, take your time around the stalls and leave room for a seasonal treat.

📅 Sunday 11th October
🕗 11:00–16:00
📍 The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre, Main Street, Naul

View event details

Monday 5th October

• Online | Online — Local Enterprise Office | Canva for Beginners | Learn to create clear, eye-catching graphics for your business. | 09:30-12:30

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | English Language Classes | A regular community session; contact the centre for places. | 09:30-13:30

• Swords | Swords Library | Using Your Android Phone | Build confidence with everyday smartphone tasks. Booking required. | 10:00-11:30

• Balbriggan | Forever Beauty Salon, 8 Mill Street | Pink Coffee Morning | Pop in for a cuppa and support a breast cancer fundraiser. | 10:00-12:00

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Space on Canvas | Paint a colourful space scene. Ages 7–10; booking required. | 15:00-16:00

• Rush | Rush Library | Chess Club | A weekly chess session for children aged 8–12. | 15:15-16:15

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | From A to Art | A regular community session; contact the centre for places. | 16:00-18:30

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

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | McFadden O’Shaughnessy Irish Dance | A regular community session; contact the centre for places. | 18:00-19:00

• Donabate | Donabate Library | In Her Own Words: The Diaries of Eleanor Cobbe Corbally | Dr Susan Byrne explores a century-old window into life at Newbridge House. | 18:30

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Irish Conversation Group | Practise Irish in a relaxed adult conversation group. | 18:30-20:00

• Balbriggan | The Lark | The Phantom of the Opera: Cinema Club | See the classic 1925 silent horror film on the big screen. | 19:00

• Donabate | Donabate Portrane Community Centre | Fingal on the Move | A friendly indoor exercise course for all levels. Booking required. | 19:00-19:45

• Swords | Swords Castle entrance | Men’s Walk & Talk | Enjoy an easygoing walk and some good conversation. | 19:15

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

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | Sound Bath | A regular community session; contact the centre for places. | 20:10-21:10

• Balbriggan | The Lark | Lark After Dark: The Phantom of the Opera | A late screening of the classic silent horror film. | 21:00

Tuesday 6th October

• Swords | Brackenstown Parish Centre | Hatha Yoga | A welcoming morning practice with Caroline. | 09:30-10:45

• Donabate | Community Well Studio, Lambay House | Yoga & Coffee Morning with Aisling | Enjoy a welcoming session with the studio’s local team. | 10:00-11:00

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

• Swords | Swords Library | Baby Book Club | Share stories and rhymes with your little one. | 10:30-11:30

• Swords | Carnegie Library, North Street | Five Ways to Wellbeing | Discover practical ways to support your mental wellbeing. | 11:00

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

• Swords | Brackenstown Parish Centre | Chair Yoga | A welcoming morning practice with Caroline. | 11:15-12:15

• Donabate | Donabate Library | Nordic Walking | Discover a low-impact walk using poles. Booking required. | 11:30-12:30

• Swords | Carnegie Library, North Street | Tips for a Healthy Sleep Routine | Practical advice from HSE Occupational Therapy. | 12:00

• Malahide | Malahide Library | Tai Chi | Learn gentle flowing movements in this beginners’ course. | 14:00-15:00

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

• Rush | Rush Library | Community Art Group | Make space for creativity in a friendly group. | 15:00-17:00

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | From A to Art | A regular community session; contact the centre for places. | 16:00-20:00

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | Foróige | A regular community session; contact the centre for places. | 17:00-18:00

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Sports Centre, Pine Ridge entrance | Fingal on the Move | A friendly indoor exercise course for all levels. Booking required. | 18:30-19:10

• Swords | Swords Library | Italian Conversation Group | Practise Italian in a friendly evening group. | 18:30-19:30

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Creative Poetry Writing Club | Share ideas and enjoy a creative evening with fellow writers. | 18:30-19:45

• Malahide | Bridgefield Car Park | Green Nuts Men’s Walk & Talk | Fresh air and relaxed conversation with a welcoming group. | 19:00

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | Social Badminton | A regular community session; contact the centre for places. | 19:00-21:00

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | Dance Fitness | A regular community session; contact the centre for places. | 20:00-21:00

Wednesday 7th October

• Rush | Rush Community Centre | Tiny Jingles — Under 2s | A cheerful music and movement class with Jo Jingles. Term booking required. | 09:30-10:15

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | Irish Language Classes for Adults | A regular community session; contact the centre for places. | 09:30-11:30

• Online | Online via Zoom | LinkedIn for Business | Learn practical ways to use LinkedIn for your business. | 09:30-12:30

• Swords | River Valley Community Centre | Iyengar Yoga with Sue | Stretch, strengthen and take a midweek breather. | 10:00-11:00

• Rush | Rush Community Centre | Jo Jinglers — Ages 2+ | A cheerful music and movement class with Jo Jingles. Term booking required. | 10:30-11:15

• Swords | Swords Library | Crafting Circle | Bring your project for a relaxed morning of making. | 10:30-12:30

• Swords | Carnegie Library, North Street | Mind Yourself Workshop | Explore supportive ways to look after your mental wellbeing. | 11:00

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

• Swords | Carnegie Library, North Street | Find Your Way: Educational Pathways | Find guidance on further education and career options. | 12:00

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

• Balbriggan | Flemington Community Centre, Hamlet Lane | From A to Art | A regular community session; contact the centre for places. | 15:30-20:00

• Donabate | Donabate Parish Hall | Strength & Conditioning | A community workout to build strength and fitness. | 17:00-18:00

• Swords | River Valley Community Centre | Connect Café with Thrive Swords | Meet new people and enjoy a relaxed chat over a cuppa. | 18:00

• Swords | Swords Library | The Birth of the Solar System | Explore our cosmic beginnings with the Irish Astronomical Society. | 18:00-19:00

• Malahide | Malahide Library | From Crown to Harp: How the Anglo-Irish Treaty Was Undone | Dr David McCullagh explores a pivotal chapter of Irish history. | 18:30

• Rush | Rush Library | Adult Book Club | Share thoughts on this month’s read. | 18:30-19:30

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

• Rush | Zen Soul Studio, 48 Upper Main Street | Beginners Yoga with Tara | A welcoming hour of yoga for beginners. | 18:45-19:45

• Kinsealy | Fingal Liam Rodgers Community Centre | Fingal on the Move | A friendly indoor exercise course for all levels. Booking required. | 19:00-19:45

• Skerries | The Little Theatre | Brace Brace | Skerries Theatre Group presents Oli Forsyth’s gripping drama. | 20:15

Thursday 8th October

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

• Online | Online via Zoom | Building an AI Ready Business | Explore how to prepare your business for useful AI tools. | 09:30-12:45

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

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Combined Clubs, Dublin Street | Active for Life | A welcoming exercise course for adults aged 55 and over. | 10:30-11:15

• Swords | Meet at Carnegie Library, North Street | Historical Walk & Talk | Explore local history with Swords Historical Society. | 11:00

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | Five Ways to Wellbeing Workshop | Discover simple ways to support your wellbeing. Free; reserve a place. | 11:00-12:00

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

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

• Swords | Brackenstown Parish Centre | Flex & Stretch | Move, stretch and enjoy a little time to unwind. | 11:15-12:15

• Malahide | Malahide Library | Age Action Computer Classes | Build confidence with computers in a supportive class. | 12:00-14:00

• Donabate | Donabate Library | Junior Book Club | Share stories and reading discoveries. Ages 7–11. | 16:00-17:00

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | CV Success: Build Your Future | Develop a professional CV. Ages 16–20; bring a laptop. | 17:00-18:00

• Malahide | Malahide Library | Spanish Conversation Group | Practise Spanish and meet fellow learners. | 18:00-19:30

• Balbriggan | Balbriggan Library | The Building of Balbriggan’s Inner Harbour 1818–1872 | Dr David Sorensen traces the story of the harbour’s development. | 18:30

• Rush | Rush Library | The Mysterious Mrs Christie | Dr Myles Dungan explores Agatha Christie’s career and disappearance. | 18:30

• Swords | Forrest Little Golf Club | Women’s Social Golf Community Meetup | Meet fellow golfers for a friendly Chip & Chat evening. | 18:30

• Swords | Brackenstown Parish Centre | Mat Yoga | Move, stretch and enjoy a little time to unwind. | 19:00-20:15

• Donabate | Newbridge House & Farm | Pumpkins After Dark | Explore glowing pumpkin displays on a discounted Thriller Thursday. | 19:15

• Swords | River Valley Community Centre | Fingal on the Move | A friendly indoor exercise course for all levels. Booking required. | 19:15-20:15

• Donabate | Community Well Studio, Lambay House | Breathwork and Ogham Healing with Clodagh | Enjoy a welcoming session with the studio’s local team. | 19:30-21:15

• Naul | The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre | Familiar Touch | A thoughtful film about ageing, connection and finding joy. | 20:00-22:30

• Skerries | The Little Theatre | Brace Brace | Skerries Theatre Group presents Oli Forsyth’s gripping drama. | 20:15

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.