Creative Ireland Fingal

Dr. Sorensen’s talk and slide show will offer insight into the rich history of Fingal's hosiery and textile manufacturing industry, which inspired the group exhibition 

Explore the intricate art of hand embroidery inspired by original historical samplers from Balbriggan’s renowned Smyth & Co hosiery factory. You don't need to have any previous experience, all materials and tools will be provided 

Presented by Petra Skyvova with support from Creative Fingal, opening on Saturday 12th April 2025 at 2 pm followed by a talk:  Balbriggan Stockings on the Global Stage by historian Dr Cora McDonagh in the Castle Drawing Room at 3 pm. 

 

Weekly sessions offered to senior community members as a recreational outlet, both educational and social. 

The Wizard of Creation, Aga Hutcheson is bringing her hugely popular Sustainable Arts and Crafts Workshop to Balbriggan Library!

Join Celtic Mythologist, Anthropologist, and Feminine Embodiment Coach, Jennifer Murphy on the 30th Jan at 5.30 pm for a nourishing two-hour gathering to welcome Imbolc, the Celtic season of new beginnings.

Join Celtic Mythologist, Anthropologist, and Feminine Embodiment Coach, Jennifer Murphy on the 31st of January for a nourishing two-hour gathering to welcome Imbolc, the Celtic season of new beginnings.

Creative Fingal, Fingal County Council, Our Balbriggan, Community Wellness, Luxe Landscape Theatre, and the entire Balbriggan community out on an illuminated and fiery procession.   

In partnership with Creative Ireland, Fingal Libraries welcomes Prosper Fingal to Malahide Library for a four-week painting tuition course with artist John Carpenter. 

Cruinniú na nÓg, a day of free creativity for young people, took place on Saturday 15th June 2024. 

This Shared Island initiative is sponsored by the Irish government and funded by Creative Ireland through Fingal County Council. The project spans two years - 2024/25 - where we create and nurture connections with these choir members, North and South, through singing, music, poetry, shared creative learning and public performances in both communities. The project will include the commission of two new songs, inspired by all choir members, which will be performed on both sides of the border and captured in a shared memory book.  

Over a series of three workshops in the Fingal Makerspace, participants will design their own Brigid’s cloak in the form of a quilt.

To celebrate our community on Brigid's bank holiday, Creative Fingal and Fingal County Council, invites you to join us for a spectacular, illuminated procession through Balbriggan on Monday 5th February 2024 from 6pm for approx. one hour. , invites you to join us for a spectacular, illuminated procession through Balbriggan on Monday 5th February 2024 from 6pm for approx. one hour. 

With the support of the Creative Ireland Programme and Fingal County Council, The Wizard of Creation, Aga Hutcheson, will run a series of Sustainable Arts and Crafts Workshops in Moorehall Lodge Nursing Home in Balbriggan, County Dublin. These Workshops will utilise recycled materials, promoting sustainability, recycling, and reusing. They will enable residents to explore their creativity, promoting positivity, giving motivation, and increasing social interaction.  

This initiative supports older people living in Fingal to write and collect memories through autobiography templates, memoir writing, photography, scrapbooking, and Art

To celebrate World Book Day Ireland 2024, acclaimed children’s authors Alan Nolan, Sadhbh Devlin, Nicola Pierce, Ellen Ryan and Sarah Webb are visiting libraries and schools across Fingal between the 4th and 8th of March. 

In this new collaboration with Fingal County Council and supported by Creative Ireland, Festival in a Van gets on the road again this June for a six-day tour called Sounds Like Summer: Fingal Festival in a Van, to celebrate this year’s summer solstice and create some sunny joy with local communities in the area – bringing music, spoken word, and dance to every corner of Fingal. Taking place over six days during the last two weekends of June, this tour is a free, open-air, open-to-all celebration of Fingal’s community spirit and creativity.  
 

This project aims to preserve and elevate Fingal’s rich textile manufacturing legacy through a collaborative arts and local heritage initiative. A group of artists will create original artworks inspired by the area's history, and also a number of unique artefacts originating from the Smyth & Co. hosiery factory, formerly based in Balbriggan. These artefacts serve as direct witnesses to Balbriggan's vibrant social history spanning two centuries, from 1780 to 1980.  

This exciting programme is designed to offer a holistic filmmaking education that addresses both technical skills and the nuanced approach needed when working with actors, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), fostering an environment of creativity and collaboration. 

Vintage Picnic 2024 will once again take place in Swords Castle. This is a collaborative event involving Fingal's Community, Communications, Events, Libraries, Healthy Ireland, Sports, and Operations Departments and supported by Creative Ireland.  

The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre is transforming their outdoor courtyard into a vibrant hub of creativity as they present their first ever Garden Party Creative Communities Crafternoons! This delightful series of FREE workshops is happening throughout the Summer. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a curious beginner, these workshops are designed for everyone to come along and immerse themselves in the world of arts and crafts. 

Swords Youth Choir Summer Song Camp is a free five-day camp for 10–17-year-olds, which aims to introduce the joy of group singing and music making to the youth in Swords. Four expert tutors from the locality will lead the 36 singers in numerous group sessions, workshops, games, and individual singing lessons all focusing on the art of ensemble singing. 

SongTales sa Spéir is coming to The Lark, Balbriggan! Featuring music and singalong songs by some of Ireland’s top musicians

Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature is back … and it’s bigger and better than ever! We’ve got amazing writers, illustrators, theatre, music, art, games, and so much more packed into the incredible Swords Castle.

The African Scholars Association of Ireland (AFSAI) is partnering with the Irish Institute of Music and Song (IIMS) to host a series of events in October and November 2024. These events are designed to foster creativity, promote migrant well-being, and encourage community integration. Through these activities, participants will gain access to opportunities for exploring individual and group creative expressions, with a particular focus on African cultural heritage.  

To celebrate Grandparents Day 2024, join this Sustainable 3D Intergenerational Art Masterclass in Malahide Library with the Wizard of Creation!

As part of a series of inclusive, sustainable art workshops, The Wizard of Creation, Aga Hutcheson will hold this Sustainable 3D Art Workshop with members of the Prosper Fingal Swords branch. This workshop offers participants an outlet to explore their creativity together in a welcoming environment and to benefit from the advice and support of an experienced art teacher.  

Helium Arts empowers children with lifelong health conditions through creativity and the arts, giving them an opportunity for connection, belonging, imagination and joy.

As part of the Fingal Creative Ireland Programme 2024,  Dr. John Nutekpor will host the topic 'Decolonizing The Mind Through Artistic Expressions: The Afro-Irish Cultural Dialogue'.

COPD Support Ireland is a charity set up to support all those living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They are Ireland’s only national COPD support and advocacy body, bringing together local support groups from around the country, to help those living with, and caring for someone with, COPD.  

Learn how to craft a bespoke, eco-friendly Christmas outfit for any age using pre-loved clothes, shoes, handbags, sustainable f lowers, and unwanted/ broken jewellery. Watch as The Wizard of Creation transforms everyday items into one-of-a-kind holiday attire that embodies the spirit of sustainability and creativity.

The Skerries ForgetMeNot Café is free of charge and open to people living with Dementia, their families, carers and friends. The Wizard of Creation, Aga Hutcheson will run this very special Sustainable Vintage Fashion Workshop on Saturday, November 30th 2024 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm at Skerries Bowls Club. All materials will be supplied.  

Learn how to craft a bespoke, eco-friendly Christmas outfit for any age using pre-loved clothes, shoes, handbags, sustainable flowers, and unwanted/ broken jewellery.

The Wizard of Creation, Aga Hutcheson is bringing her amazing Sustainable Clutch Bag Masterclass to Swords Women's Shed on Thursday 5th December at 18:00 pm. Swords Women's Shed's mission is to unite & empower women within the community through creative craft & socialisation.  

Mulhuddart Winterfest is a free community festival taking place in the Mulhuddart Community Centre on 17th November from 3 - 6 pm. Mulhuddart Winterfest is a free community festival taking place in the Mulhuddart Community Centre on 17th November from 3 - 6 pm.

Irish Aphasia Theatre will be running a series of free, accessible workshops for people who have brain injuries, aphasia, or early brain diseases. Irish Aphasia Theatre uses theatre and the performing arts tools to empower participants and enhance communication skills and confidence.

Five artists will be paired with science, engineering, and manufacturing experts in North County Dublin. Each artist learns how one of five (5) everyday objects is made: a t-shirt, a hamburger, a mobile phone, a car, or Lego blocks.

Cuidiú aims to bring parents, primarily those without local family and support structures, together by organising activities for families to get to know others in their community.

This initiative supports older people living in Fingal to write and collect memories through autobiography templates, memoir writing, photography, scrapbooking, and Art.

Castleknock Sister Shed aims to support women through creative projects, connection,
learning and love whilst encouraging self-empowerment, positivity and personal development.

Rush has a rich heritage engrained across many industries, from market gardening to tourism to fishing. 

Balbriggan Community Council (BCC), in partnership with long-established local musicians from Balbriggan who have written a collection of new original songs commemorating seminal elements of the local history of Balbriggan, and its districts, present a Musical History of Balbriggan.

Bayside Community Centre engages with a wide variety of community groups of all ages and interests.

Swords Women's Shed is a community group based in Swords, which meets three times per week and facilitates craft sessions and information evenings. 

The Strawberry Beds (Na Ceapóga Sú Talún) is a locality and small settlement 7km west of Dublin City on the edge of Phoenix Park.

Audiences of all ages can enjoy a variety of cultural events in Malahide Library on Friday 22 September 2023.

Audiences of all ages can enjoy a variety of cultural events in Blanchardstown Library on Friday 22 September 2023.

Clonee Women's Shed brought 30 of their members together to paint and create in Castaheany Community centre on 4th August 2023.

Am Scríbhneoireachta: Ceiliúradh ar Chruthaitheacht & Scríbhneoireacht i bhFine Gall / The Write Time:  A Celebration of Creativity & Writing in Fingal 1st to 16th November.

The Fingal United community art project aims to create one united piece of art - a symbol of connectivity. 200 people of all ages will be invited to a series of workshops over 2 weeks (8 two-hour workshops in total with 25 people at each workshop) to participate in a group art project.

Tales Beneath the Thatch is a community-based initiative that aims to give older adults living in Naul and its surrounding areas the opportunity to socialise, share stories and engage creatively.

Several creative workshops for the members of Prosper Fingal have taken place in Malahide Library and these proved to be such a success that the library will organise two further art sessions with artist John Carpenter and members of Prosper Fingal this Autumn.

Mountview Community Centre in Dublin 15 opened a toy library which was launched on 1st April with a Messy Play Family Day. 

Swords Youth Choir (SYC) is a diverse community choir comprised of mixed voices from secondary school, ages 13 to 18. 

Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme’s Creative Youth Plan to enable the creative potential of children and young people. This year it will take place on Saturday 10th of June. Please find a full list of events taking place in Fingal.  View the Brochure here and Press release here

This project is a collaborative creative project between artist Chris Judge and the students and teachers of two local Deis schools

There will be an exhibition of old Blanchardstown Brass band memorabilia in Blanchardstown Library on June 19th, 20th, 21st. and the band will give a concert in Blanchardstown Library on Wednesday June 21st at 6.30 pm for all the family. 

The Rewrite Music programme will support young music artists (aged 18 - 25 years old) to develop their own music practice with input from industry professionals. The finished piece of work will finally be showcased at a listening party/ music launch in the Irish Institute of Music and Song, Balbriggan on 19th May.

This summer the Irish Street Arts, Circus and Spectacle Network (ISACS) will distribute Spinning Plate sets to Fingal Libraries. Each set includes  a postcard with a QR code linking to video tutorials

Fingal Libraries launches its programme for the Bealtaine Festival in Rush Library on Tuesday, 2nd May at 11:30am, with a performance from the Forget-Me-Nots choir, an inclusive community choir for older people. Everyone is welcome to what promises to be an enjoyable and uplifting musical experience.

Fingal Libraries will host three concerts from the renowned Mobile Music Machine to celebrate the Bealtaine Festival in Fingal. Each concert will feature some of Ireland's most acclaimed musicians, performing songs from the musicals, popular and classical eras. A popular hour of entertainment for all.

Fingal Libraries is delighted to host Viewpoints, a touring art exhibition, available through The Glucksman’s Art Library, an innovative approach to sharing art and knowledge driven by the principles of creativity, inclusion and participation.  It will be on view across the Library Branches from January to June 2023

The Fingal Libraries World Book Tour is a series of workshops by five published Irish children’s authors who will visit Fingal Libraries and schools, and deliver hour-long events for invited audiences of Primary School children. Some of these workshops will be delivered as Gaeilge. This series of events is timed to coincide with the week of World Book Day 2023, which falls on Thursday 2nd March. 

In 2022, Malahide Library welcomed members of Prosper Fingal to the library to take part in an Inclusive Creativity project funded by Creative Ireland. Prosper Fingal supports adults with an intellectual disability. This year, Malahide Library will continue the Inclusive Creativity partnership with Prosper Fingal and the project will branch out to two new locations, Rush Library and Skerries Libraries

The Silver Lining virtual sessions are 44 weekly musical appreciation sessions delivered via zoom throughout 2023 to older people, including people living with dementia and in particular the members of the Forget-me-not choir

Fingal Libraries, with the support of Creative Ireland, is delighted to offer a four-week series of classes in July, facilitated by Orlaith O’Sullivan, to the younger members (ages 8 – 12 years) of The Bright Side of Dyslexia Support Group.

In 2022 a group of volunteers opened the Skerries Forget-me-Not Café and there have been over 45 visitors to each monthly café since October. Skerries Forget-me-Not Café are proposing to host 3 dementia and creativity awareness talks over the Spring and 3 over the Autumn months in 2023.

It is a fully equipped mobile performance venue showcasing singers, musicians, poets, and storytellers. Festival in a Van is being brought to Fingal with the assistance of Fingal County Council and Creative Ireland

As part of the Elephantintheroom.ie initiative to raise awareness of Mental Health, Baldoyle Forum wants to install an 'Elephant' in the public Green Space beside the Community Hall.