Relevant News
Fundingpoint Local Access Digest December 2023 – January 2024
The Fundingpoint Local Digest provides up-to-date funding information for nonprofits in
the Fingal County Council area. Funding sources reflect both local and national funding
opportunities. All information is quoted directly from funder website / literature.
The bi-monthly Fundingpoint Local Digest is brought to you by Fingal County Council and
The Wheel. www.wheel.ie
A sparkling season of festivity in Fingal!
Brace yourselves for a dazzling season in Fingal, as we invite you to experience a magical journey through a host of festive events across the County.
The excitement begins with the opening of the Fingal Christmas Markets, transforming three enchanting locations to help kickstart your Christmas celebrations. Join us as we turn Swords Castle, Bremore Castle and Shackleton Gardens into winter wonderlands with twinkling lights, festive decorations and the delightful scents of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, will lead the way as he opens the Christmas markets at Swords Castle with a Tree Lighting Ceremony this Friday (24th November) at 6pm.
Thereafter, Santa Claus will make an appearance bringing the magic to Swords Castle to spread joy to boys and girls of all ages. For just €5 per child, delight in a selection box, receive an emailed photo with Santa, and savour a kid’s hot chocolate. Please anticipate the joy as your photo will be sent to your inbox within a week after your visit. Rest assured, Santa operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and to ensure a delightful experience, he takes a brief break for lunch. Be sure to join the merriment early as queues conclude 30 minutes before the scheduled finish time. Please note that our timings are designed for your convenience and may be subject to slight adjustments for an even more enjoyable experience.
Opening Hours:
Fri 24th Nov: 3 pm to 8pm
Sat 25th Nov: 11am to 6pm
Sun 26th Nov: 11am to 6pm
Sat 2nd Dec: 11am to 6pm
Sun 3rd Dec: 11am to 6pm
Santa Hours:
Fri 24th Nov: 6pm to 8pm
Sat 25th Nov: 12pm to 5pm
Sun 26th Nov: 12pm to 5pm
Sat 2nd Dec: 12pm to 5pm
Sun 3rd Dec: 12pm to 5pm
Bremore Castle, Balbriggan, will embrace the festive spirit as it transforms into a marketplace of unique gifts and treasures. Deputy Mayor, Cllr Grainne Maguire, also invites everyone to George’s Square, Balbriggan as she lights up the town on Thursday, 7th December, at 6pm.
Opening Hours:
Sun 26th Nov: 11am to 4pm
Sun 10th Dec: 11am to 6pm
Sun 17th Dec: 11am to 6pm
The Festive Lights Show also returns at Shackleton Garden from Monday, 20th November, until Sunday, 10th December, from 4.00 pm until 8.00 pm every night. Walk through our enchanted garden with dazzling lights — don’t miss out!
Last but not least, the Malahide Santa Parade will be happening on Sunday 26th November. All local businesses and community groups in the area are getting involved, as they make their way to from New Street to The Green with Music on New Street from 3.30pm.
As in previous years, Fingal will once again be looking to assist local businesses by encouraging citizens to “shop local”. To help support the initiative, the Council will shortly announce details of any free parking that will be available in key towns across the County on Saturdays throughout December in the run up to Christmas.
For more information please see: https://www.fingal.ie/christmas
Funding Workshops for Musicians over 50
This summer First Music Contact worked in collaboration with Age & Opportunity to survey professional musicians aged 50 & over, working in Ireland, to assess their needs and to hear about their experiences as they move forward in their careers.
One of the main areas of professional development that emerged from this survey was the need for more information on the funding and supports available for arts practices. In response, Age & Opportunity and First Music Contact are delighted to announce an online workshop on the topic of funding and bursaries with speakers from Kilkenny Arts Office, The Arts Council and Culture Ireland taking place online this December.
The online workshop will take place on Wednesday 13th December at 3pm.
Join us to learn more about different funding streams and opportunities available, and have any questions you have about when and how to apply answered.
Head to the link below to register for free now!
https://fundingworkshopoldermusicians.eventbrite.ie
Please note that while this workshop is of course open to everyone regardless of age, the content will be tailored somewhat to the experiences of those in the 50+ age bracket.
First Music Contact (FMC) is the leading organisation for resourcing musicians and the independent music sector in Ireland. FMC delivers projects at key stages of an artist’s development, helping them develop real careers.
Age & Opportunity is the national organisation that provides a range of opportunities for older people who want to get more involved in arts and culture, sport and physical activity, civic engagement and personal development. Their arts programme aims to create greater access to, and representation in, the arts for older people by supporting artists, arts participants and organisations.
Please sign up to our e-zine to stay updated: http://eepurl.com/cEJb6D
Festive Lighting experience – Shackleton gardens
Welcome to Shackleton Festive Lights at Shackleton Garden, Clonsilla!
Date: November 20th – December 10th Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm daily
Celebrate the magic of the season at Shackleton Festive Lights in the heart of Clonsilla’s Shackleton Garden. Join us for a dazzling display of festive lights that will enchant visitors of all ages. The event runs from November 20th to December 10th, transforming Shackleton Garden into a winter wonderland every evening from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Admission: Free! Just turn up and enjoy the festive magic.
To enhance your experience and contribute to a sustainable event, we encourage visitors to walk or cycle to Shackleton Garden, as parking is limited.
But the festive fun doesn’t stop there! Dive into the holiday spirit even deeper by exploring the Christmas Markets in Shackleton Garden on the following dates:
- Saturday, November 25th: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Sunday, November 26th: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Saturday, December 2nd: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Sunday, December 3rd: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Immerse yourself in the joyful atmosphere as you stroll through the markets, offering a delightful array of festive treats, handcrafted gifts, and seasonal delights. It’s the perfect opportunity to find unique presents for your loved ones while enjoying the festive decorations and live entertainment.
Make Shackleton Festive Lights and Christmas Markets a highlight of your holiday season. We look forward to welcoming you to this enchanting celebration in Shackleton Garden, Clonsilla!
Note: In case of adverse weather conditions, please check our website or social media channels for any updates on event cancellations or changes.
Events
Baldoyle Community Hall Christmas events
It’s that time of year again and the Centre would love to have you and your families join Baldoyle Community Hall for their annual Christmas Event.
2pm- 3pm Tea/Coffee/Hot Chocolate Social with delicious homemade cakes from Baldoyle’s own local baker Classic Bakery Dublin & face painting for the little ones.
Are delighted to have Robbie Kane from Dublin Live who will MC the Variety show.
Raffle tickets on sale for Christmas Hamper.
3.15pm-4.15pm Variety Show which includes:
>The Odette School of Ballet
>Brady Dance Academy
>Mary Grimes school of Irish Dancing
>Baldoyle Music Society
>Song and Dance Stage School
>Canbeltos Choir
4.15pm Mr & Ms Claus will lead the following local clubs and groups in a light parade from outside the hall to the Tree Lighting ceremony in the Village Green.
Please join the Centre for the celebrations;
>Mo’s Montessori
>Jennifer Brady Irish Dancing
>Odette School of Ballet
>Mind Crash – Hip Hop – Amy
>Margaret Grimes – School of Irish Dancing.
>Baldoyle United FC
>Na Dubh Ghall – GAA
>Baldoyle Musical Society
>Song and Dance Stage School
>Canbelto Women’s Choir
>All of you!
5pm – Mulled wine at White House
There is something for everyone and it’s all free.
Huge thanks to Fingal County Council for supporting this event.
Come along and bring all your family.
Parslickstown House Santa experience
Back by popular demand!
Parslickstown House – with support from Fingal’s Communities Development Office – Free Santa Experience is aimed at people who need it most. If you know any community services who might have families interested in the event please feel free to get in touch on 01 8151779.
The Centre would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
Holywell Community Centre are hiring
Holywell Community Centre are seeking a part time Centre Attendant to join their team. Duties for this role include room set up, maintaining the Centre and administrative work to name a few.
*To note this position will be split across two Centre’s in the Swords area.
If your are interested in this position send your CV to or phone 01 907 8592 for further details.
Donabate Portrane Community Centre Gift tree and kids disco.
Gift Tree
Donabate Portrane Community Centre are hosting a Christmas Gift tree with all presents donated going to Temple Street hospital, St. Vincent de Paul and Local Communities.
If you would like to take part in this great initiative – simply pick a tag from the Christmas tree in the Donabate Portrane Centre, purchase a gift and return it with the tag to the reception of the Centre before Thursday the 21st of December.
Happy Shopping!
Kids Disco
Donabate Portrane CC are also hosting a Kids Christmas disco from 7 to 9pm on the Friday the 15th of December, for kids aged 10 to 14 years old. DJ James Foran will be providing the entertainment on the night.
Tickets can be purchased at the Centre’s reception at a cost of €5.
SafeTalk – Suicide Alertness
The office for Suicide prevention would like to inform you that there is a safeTALK: Suicide Alertness for Everyone training taking place in Blakestown & Mountview Youth Initiative (BMYI) on December the 6th (Wednesday week) from 9:30am – 1pm. This is open to frontline workers in the area. For more information on the training please see the attached above.
You can book a place on this course by clicking on the following link: safeTALK for frontline workers in D15 – BMYI Dec 6th
For information on other trainings that is being delivered across Dublin North City and County, please click on the following: Dublin North City and County training booking site