National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED) will take place on Thursday, 17th October, and the venue for the biggest event celebrating NWED this year is the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown.

The annual Dublin NWED event, organised by Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Fingal on behalf of the LEOs in the Dublin region, is a highlight in the business calendar for enterprising women across the region and offers a unique opportunity to celebrate female entrepreneurship.

The theme of this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day is ‘Making It Happen’ and the programme includes a variety of guest speakers, female entrepreneurs, lively panel discussion, small-business case studies, an exhibition of enterprise support agencies as well as plenty of opportunities to network with other female entrepreneurs and business owners.

Celebrated TV broadcaster Mary Kennedy was announced as this year’s NWED Master of Ceremonies, while a number of inspiring speakers from several business sectors were also unveiled, including Lorraine Heskin (CEO of Gourmet Food Parlour), Oonagh O’Hagan (MD of Meaghers Pharmacy), Fiona Buckley (CEO of She Speaks Agency), and Breda McCague (CEO of Aiming4Awesome).

The ambassadors announced for their respective regions are Michelle O’Keefe, Co-founder of Platform 55 (LEO Fingal); Aisling Tuck, founder of Naked Bakes (South Dublin LEO); Alicia Garrigan, Founder of GirlGottaChange (LEO Dun Laoghaire Rathdown) and Niamh Tallon, Founder of Hersport.ie (LEO Dublin City).

The event will also provide access to valuable information and resources from representatives of key organisations such as the Local Enterprise Office, Enterprise Ireland, Revenue, Intreo, Department of Social Protection, InterTradeIreland, AwakenHub, TU Dublin, TrailblazHER, and Microfinance Ireland.

Registration is at 8.45 am with the opportunity to network over breakfast. The event kicks off at 9.30 am and will conclude with a networking lunch, which finishes at 2 pm.

Speaking at the launch of the NWED Dublin event, the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, said: “Fingal is a thriving hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, and I’m delighted to celebrate the incredible women who are driving our region forward. National Women’s Enterprise Day is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the vibrant business community we have here, and to inspire even more women to pursue their entrepreneurial endeavours.”

The event is subsidised by the LEOs in the Dublin Region and a limited number of fully inclusive early bird tickets are available at only €25. Places are limited, so early booking is strongly advised. For further information and online bookings visit www.localenterprise.ie/fingal.

Celebrating 20 years next January, experience TradFest everywhere you go, from the Mountains of South Dublin across Dublin City and to the castles and coastline of historic Fingal.

Now in its third year in Fingal the festival will return to the many unique and historic venues across the region: Malahide Castle, Swords Castle Chapel, The Millbank Theatre, Skerries Mill, Draíocht Theatre and the iconic Seamus Ennis Arts Centre, while increasing its musical footprint in additional new venues: The Lark, Ardgillan Castle, The Abbey Tavern and Donabate Community Centre.

Fingal Acts for 2025 include: Karen Casey - The Women we will rise, Jacqui Martin & Derek Hickey, Tara Breen, Eoghan ó’Ceannabhaín, Mike Hanrahan and Eleanor Shanley, Luka Bloom, Ines Khai, Molly O’Mahony, Paudie O’Connor & Aoife Ni Chaoimh, Emma Langford, Stockton’s Wing -Voices from Fingal Mick Hanly with Anto Drennan and Eoin O’Neill, The Henry Girls, Bernadette Nic Gabhann, Frank, O’Rourke & John Feely, Molly Donnery, Brídín, Sorcha Costello, Evelyn Kallansee & Declan Sinnott
There will also be a special celebration of the actor, local resident and TradFest patron Stephen Rea. The Oscar-nominated and multi award-winning actor has for long had a global reputation for his exceptional skills on both stage and screen.

Over four nights in The Lark Theatre, Balbriggan, TradFest will honour Stephen through words and music. Joining Stephen over the 4 nights will be poet Paul Muldoon and musicians Neil Martin, Louise Mulcahy, Matt Molloy, Maighread Ní Dhomnaill, Paddy Glackin and Derek Hickey.

TradFest in Fingal will also celebrate the life of Barney McKenna, original member of the Irish band The Dubliners and Fingal resident across two days and nights in The Abbey Tavern, Howth in January 2025.
Mike Hanrahan and Stockton’s Wing will give a special concert in Donabate Community Centre where they will be joined on stage by the voices of Fingal Choir In line with its audience development objectives, TradFest also will deliver an expanded community programme later this year which will outline a series of new exciting, free community-led events in Fingal.

Whether you’re a fan of live music, or just looking for a night of Irish culture and craic, TradFest is where you want to be in January 2025.

By Jon Kavanagh

Like many great ideas it all started more or less by accident. Back in 1999 a few friends were socialising in the village of Ballyboughal when someone said, “Wouldn’t it be nice to go for a walk?” They began a fortnightly walk around the surrounding area. Word spread quickly and the idea literally gained legs, as more and more people joined the now weekly event. The meeting points expanded to cover the entire Fingal area and beyond. The members see hidden gems and pick up a bit of local history as they cast their shadow on just about every nook and cranny, from Newbridge House to Oldbridge House, from Balbriggan to Blessington and everywhere in between.

The celebration weekend included a dinner dance and a special walk, led by David O’Connor, former Mayor of Fingal, and sadly the sole survivor of the founder members. Dave retraced the steps of the first walk from Naul village to the Four Knocks Passage Tomb, which incidentally has a larger interior than New Grange. Lockdown was difficult but thankfully the gregarious lot managed to keep in touch on social media. As soon as restrictions were lifted the club sprang back bigger than ever. On an average Sunday morning around forty turn out to walk and talk whilst getting a bit of fresh air and exercise. The club has a strong social aspect and many long-lasting friendships have been formed over the years.

Get ready for a scorching Halloween night like never before on Thursday, October 31st, as Events in Fingal proudly presents the “Festival of Fire.” This thrilling event will ignite your Halloween spirit at four incredible locations across Fingal: Bremore Castle in Balbriggan, Swords Town Park, Malahide Castle, and Millennium Park in Blanchardstown.

Experience the Magic of Music: The Festival of Fire kicks off with an electrifying musical prelude that will set the mood for an unforgettable night. From spine-tingling tunes to haunting melodies, our musical lineup will captivate your senses and keep you grooving.

Spectacular Fireworks Displays: As the clock strikes 7:30 PM, brace yourself for an awe-inspiring spectacle! Our breathtaking fireworks displays will light up the night sky, casting vibrant colors and patterns that will leave you mesmerized. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with friends and family.

Event Locations: Bremore Castle, Balbriggan: Step into the enchanting world of Bremore Castle, where history meets the mystical allure of Halloween. 6.30pm Enjoy a Scary DJ, 7.30pm Fireworks. Please note No Parking is Available. Please walk or cycle.

Swords Town Park (Behind the Castle): Join us in the heart of Swords for a Halloween celebration like no other. The park will come alive with the spirit of the season. 6.30pm Enjoy a Scary DJ. 7.30pm Fireworks.
Malahide Castle: Explore the grounds of the magnificent Malahide Castle, surrounded by the magic of Halloween. 7pm Enjoy a Scary DJ. 7.30pm Fireworks.

Millennium Park, Blanchardstown: Get ready for an explosion of Halloween fun in Blanchardstown’s Millennium Park. 7pm Enjoy a Scary DJ. 7.30pm Fireworks.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening of music and fireworks. Bring your family, friends, and a sense of wonder as we light up the Halloween night in Fingal. It’s a celebration you won’t want to skip!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 31st, and join us at one of our four fantastic locations. Festival of Fire promises to be the highlight of your Halloween season.

Sporting clubs across County Fingal are to benefit from €143,500 that has been released as part of the Dormant Account Funds which is being overseen by the Minister of State for Rural and Community Development Joe O’Brien, under the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2012.

The Dormant Accounts Funding allows unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be utilised for projects focused on overcoming the barriers and challenges to participation in sport for those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability.

Speaking about the funding, Minister O’Brien said: “The Dormant Accounts Fund allocation announced today is a crucial investment in our communities, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas.”

“In Fingal we are supporting the ‘Her Moves’ initiative which aims to keep girls in sport during adolescent years and the wider ‘Activie Citiies’ initiative which people may have seen at events over the summer but also at the boxes of free to rent sports equipment around Fingal.”

Looking to take advantage of its strategic position on the Dublin-Belfast corridor, its strong transport connections and as home to a broad mix of key sectors, Fingal has unveiled its plan to ensure the long-term economic resilience and sustainability of the county and highlight itself a key driver of growth in Ireland.

The Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers TD, joined the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, to launch “Future Fingal: An Economic Development Strategy” at an event in Blanchardstown which was attended by business representatives, councillors and Oireachtas members.

The new strategy emphasizes a balanced approach to economic development, leveraging Fingal’s strategic advantages and focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, said: “Fingal is a place where innovation and opportunity meet. Through our Economic Development Strategy, we are committed to ensuring that Fingal continues to be an exceptional place to work and do business. This Strategy is not just a plan; it is our ambitious vision for the future of Fingal. Our aim is to lead by example by being both practical and forward-thinking.”

Prepared by Fingal County Council’s Economic Unit and Grant Thornton, the strategy, aims to support business in Fingal to grow and thrive in a sustainable way, with a strong emphasis on working with business to implement sustainable business practices, aligning with best European and global practices and working in parallel with the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan.

It builds on the socio-economic profile which was prepared as part of the process for Fingal County Council’s Local Economic and Community Plan 2023-2028 and outlines the actions that need to be taken to support the local economy over the next 15 years.

The Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers TD, said: “Fingal is one of Ireland’s most rapidly expanding areas in the country, with key infrastructural assets, and industries of considerable scope and scale. To help ensure its continued growth, it’s clear Fingal will need even greater collaboration across various stakeholders, including central government, the private sector, state bodies, representative groups, and educational institutions. The national economy is performing well currently but there are various economic and social challenges in the years and decades ahead. This report is an important piece of work which ensures the Fingal region is taking the necessary action to prepare its people, its business and it communities for this period of change, transformation and opportunity ahead.”

Covering almost half of County Dublin and with a population of 330,000 that is the youngest and best educated cohort in the country, Fingal is a major driver of Ireland’s economy.

The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, said: “The goal of this Strategy is to attract inward investment, stimulate job creation, and allow us to develop and retain our highly skilled local talent. The Strategy has analysed global megatrends and the approaches of other areas, in Ireland and across Europe, to economic development and identified examples of best practice. This has informed the six opportunities, 19 objectives and the comprehensive action plan that will now drive us towards our goal of creating an economy that is dynamic, sustainable, and inclusive, enabled by strong infrastructure, collaboration, and skills.”

Future Fingal: An Economic Development Strategy can be read here: https://www.fingal.ie/media/17902

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Volunteer Ireland Awards. The public is being invited to nominate volunteers in their community across 11 categories, with one volunteer being named Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year at the ceremony in December. The Volunteer Ireland Awards take place annually and celebrate the immense contribution volunteers make to communities across Ireland. Nominations can be made at www.volunteer.ie/nominate.

Fingal VC Manager said: “Volunteers make an enormous contribution to our communities and in many cases, deliver critical services that may not otherwise be delivered. Their impact cannot be overstated and that’s why it’s so important to recognise their efforts at a national level. It’s not just to show that we value what volunteers do but also to showcase the incredible work that goes on across the country and inspire others to get involved.”

Aside from the 12 awards handed out on the night, every single volunteer that is nominated will receive a special thank you card from Volunteer Ireland. The awards are made possible thanks to the support of the Department of Rural and Community Development, and award partners Healthy Ireland.

Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke, said: “I am proud that the Department of Health, through Healthy Ireland, is once again supporting the Volunteer Ireland Awards. This is a great opportunity to acknowledge the work of our volunteers who give their time willingly for the common good, helping to foster a sense of connection for people in their communities. I’d like to encourage you all to take the time to nominate a volunteer in your local area as a way of thanking them for all that they do.”

This year’s Volunteer Ireland Awards will take place in Dublin on 8th December.

Anyone can nominate a volunteer, and the 11 categories are: Arts, Culture & Festivals ; Campaigning & Activism; Children & Youth; Environmental & Animal Care; Health & Wellbeing ; Safety & Emergency Services; Social Inclusion & Community Support; Sports & Recreation; Small group (3-19 volunteers); Large group (20+ volunteers) and Volunteer Manager.

All individual awardees (except Volunteer Manager) are eligible for the overall Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year Award. Nominations close at midnight on 11 October and can be made online at www.volunteer.ie/nominate.

The annual Fingal Poetry Festival returns to Skerries on 13-15th September with the local festival connecting people with poetry, music and each other — creating shared moments that inspire people to find their voice.

In celebration of the event’s fifth anniversary, this year’s programme is full of exciting events for all ages.
On Friday 13th September, join land artist Mayumi Nakabayshi in making a giant mandala with natural materials on Red Island. Later that evening, come along to the Little Theatre for the Grand Slam Final to crown the Skerries Slam Champion — who will perform in the Word Tent at Electric Picnic 2025! Featuring host Sheila Ryder, the finalists of our four regional Poetry Slams in Fingal Libraries, and multi-championship winning guest poet Samuel Yakura. Music by Amano.

Saturday 14 September - The Big Poetry Day Out kicks off bright and early with a morning Poetry Walk at the Harbour. Led by poet Enda Coyle-Greene with readings by poets Lani O’Hanlon and Gormfhlaith Ní Shíocháin, Sean Nós dancer Nada Ní Chuirrín, and music by Brenda Castles. From 2-4pm, Floraville Park will transform for the Family Poetry Fest! Fun for all the family with children’s author Lucinda Jacob, young local poets and musicians. There will be creative art, games, and an open mic for children and young adults.

At 15:30, join Prosper Fingal for poetry, song and a cuppa, as we celebrate with the winners of the Fingal Poetry Prize and An Fiach Dubh — our international poetry competitions.

Hailed by the BBC as Ireland’s King of the Blues; Nigel Mooney’s much acclaimed organ trio features Scott Flanigan (organ) and Dominic Mullan (drums). For this concert they will be joined by their old friend, Ireland’s greatest jazz chanteuse Honor Heffernan.

To round out the festival, poet Damien B. Donnelly will guide us through an Ardgillan Poetry Walk in the high woods on Sunday 15th September. Finishing in Ardgillan Castle Library with a reading by poet Brian Kirk. Music by Mick Morris. All participants are invited to bring a poem written by themselves or a poem they like, for sharing.

Funding for the 2024 festival comes from Fingal County Council, the Arts Council, Fingal Local Community Development Committee, Dublin UNESCO City of Literature, DHL Global Forwarding, and Roadstone is gratefully acknowledged. With support from Fingal Libraries and Poetry Ireland.
Visit the festival website for full details: www.fingalpoetryfestival.com

There were great scenes on the Fingal coastline when the Fingal Rowing Club Regatta took place off the coast of Balbriggan.

Clubs from the Fingal area and further afield took to the waters on Saturday 13th July, much to the delight of rowing enthusiasts and locals alike.

Personality TV host and food writer Donal Skehan has welcomed a new Fingal Food & Drink Policy which looks to create a sustainable and vibrant food community in the County, celebrating local food provenance and positioning Fingal as a premier culinary tourism destination.

The well-known Fingal native was at Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate ahead of Flavours of Fingal - Ireland’s largest county show - for the launch of the new policy which has a strong focus on sustainability and tourism development.

Fingal boasts a thriving food and drink sector encompassing diverse culinary traditions, local producers and a flourishing hospitality sector. Recognising the ongoing importance of fostering a long term, sustainable and thriving food sector, the policy was developed following an extensive process of consultation and research.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, said: “Food and drink are significant sectors within Fingal, and it is vital that we have in place a co-ordinated, proactive, and sustainable approach to their ongoing development. The launch of this policy is positive step that will help make Fingal a leader in the agri-food sector nationally and further develop our food tourism potential.
“By adopting an innovative piece of work like this, we will be able to showcase our thriving local food culture, promote artisan produce and highlight wonderful food experiences, thereby ensuring that Fingal can be put firmly on the map as a premier culinary tourism destination.”

Along with a focus on sustainability, the new policy will look at helping support businesses and economic growth, develop greater food tourism experiences, engage the community on the benefits of their local food provenance, celebrate Fingal’s horticultural history and celebrate culinary excellence across the county.

Attending the event, Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, said: “As a local resident I am delighted to see a focus on the promotion and enhancement of the food and drink sector in the region. Fingal is home to an impressive number of heritage attractions where food is of paramount importance. What’s more, it is a place that gives visitors and locals alike access to some amazing experiences like Flavours of Fingal, the Howth Maritime and Seafood Festival, craft beer and whiskey tastings and so much more. I look forward to seeing the impact this policy will have on enhancing Fingal as hub for culinary excellence.”

Through strategic partnerships, innovative programmes and effective communication, the Policy aims to create a thriving and resilient food community that contributes to the economic, social and cultural well-being of Fingal.

John Quinlivan, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, commented: “For many years Fingal’s food and drink sector has played a significant role in the local economy. We want to encourage further development of the sector in a way that is not only sustainable but is done in close collaboration with the many communities and stakeholders across the county. By working together, we can boost tourism, generate employment opportunities, and ensure that Fingal plays a crucial role in shaping the growth and future of the Irish food and beverage industry.”

The Policy, commissioned by Fingal County Council, is a collaboration between the Tourism and Economic Development Departments and the Local Enterprise Office Fingal. The launch event at the historic Newbridge location included a lunch and showcase marquee from the members of Fingal Food Network who have been supported by Fingal County Council since their inception.