NEWS & UPDATES
👋 Greetings from The Fingal Scoop
The end of February in Fingal is not messing about. Between the castle dinners in Malahide, the indie authors and K-Pop camps, the oysters-and-Guinness combos in Howth, and a walker's group that comes with free tea, this week has something for basically every version of yourself. Whether you're feeling cultural, coastal, active, or just hungry, we've got your plans sorted. Let's dive in 👇
Here's what's in store this week:
⚫️ Traditional music, theatre & literary events across the county
⚫️ Oysters, whiskey tastings & a taco residency in Balbriggan
⚫️ Castle dinners, K-Pop camps & family workshops for the kids
Let's dive in 👇
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
ALAW - Traditional Music Saturday, 28 February The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
Welsh trad trio ALAW make the trip to the Séamus Ennis Arts Centre in Naul for what promises to be a special evening of Celtic traditional music. The Ennis Centre is one of those venues that genuinely elevates a gig - intimate, dedicated, and built around the music. Worth the drive out. Book tickets
All Shucked Up - Howth Oyster Weekend Thursday 27 February to Sunday 1 March McNeill's of Howth & Crabby Jo's, Howth
Howth's best oyster pop-up returns for a long weekend, with the Rhythm & Blues Smokin' Stage setting up at McNeill's of Howth and a 1 oyster + 1 pint of Guinness deal for €9.50 at Crabby Jo's. Des Hopkins Jazz plays at Wrights of Findlater on Sunday from 1pm, free entry. Three venues, three days, and an unreasonable amount of bivalves - this is the Howth weekend you plan your week around. McNeill's details | Crabby Jo's details | Festival website
Souleymane's Story Thursday, 5 March The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre, Naul, Co. Dublin
This acclaimed French film follows an asylum seeker navigating the Dublin bike delivery scene while preparing for his interview with immigration authorities - shot in a bold, real-time style that puts you right alongside him. Powerful, current, and not to be missed if you like cinema that actually means something.
LIVE MUSIC
Lenten Programme with Musical Sessions Ongoing through Lent St. Sylvester's Parish, Malahide
St. Sylvester's Parish in Malahide is running a series of musical sessions as part of their Lenten programme. A quieter, more reflective form of live music - worth knowing about if this type of event is your thing. More details
The Songs and Poems of Percy French Tuesday, 3 March, 20:00 Main Auditorium, Draíocht, Blanchardstown €20
The Percy French Troubadours bring an evening of songs, poems, and sketches to Draíocht, with proceeds going to CASA. Percy French wrote some of the most enduring comic songs in Irish tradition - "The Mountains of Mourne," "Phil the Fluter's Ball" - and the Troubadours do them full justice. Book tickets
Legends of the 60s Show Thursday, 5 March Main Auditorium, Draíocht, Blanchardstown
A live tribute show celebrating the music of the 1960s - the decade that gave us the Beatles, the Stones, and most of the songs your parents still know by heart. Good fun, loud, and precisely what a Thursday night sometimes needs. Check listings
FOOD & DRINK
Tour and Whiskey Tasting at Malahide Castle Saturday, 28 February Malahide Castle and Gardens
A guided tour of Malahide Castle followed by a whiskey tasting - history, atmosphere, and a dram in one of the country's most striking settings. A solid weekend afternoon out, whether you're a whiskey aficionado or just like a good castle. Book tickets
La Cocina Cuevas Taco Residency at Dempsey's, Balbriggan Every Wednesday through March Dempsey's of Balbriggan
Dempsey's in Balbriggan have brought in the taco experts at La Cocina Cuevas for a Wednesday residency running every week from February through March. If you're in Balbriggan on a Wednesday evening and you haven't tried this yet, you should. More info
A Dinner to Die For - Malahide Castle Thursday, 26 February Malahide Castle and Gardens
A murder mystery dinner experience at Malahide Castle - a proper date night with a theatrical twist. You're at an 18th-century table trying to figure out who did it while hopefully not spilling the wine. Book tickets
The Hunt Dinner Party: A Night of Intrigue & Elegance Friday, 27 February Malahide Castle and Gardens
Another evening in the castle's dining calendar - this one takes you back to the heyday of the Talbot family with a formal dinner in period-appropriate surroundings. Theatrical, indulgent, and a long way from a Friday takeaway. Book tickets
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Millennium Park Active Steppers Walking Group Thursday, 26 February, 12:00 Millennium Park
A free gentle walk for all ages and abilities at Millennium Park, with free tea and coffee included afterwards. The kind of community activity that sounds simple but consistently delivers - good company, fresh air, and a proper cup of tea at the end. More info
Traditional Firewood Sauna and Cold Plunge - Howth Ongoing - book sessions in advance Balscadden Bay Beach, Howth
A wood-fired sauna and cold plunge pool set up on the seafront at Balscadden Bay in Howth. Sessions available throughout the week - evening slots in particular are popular, so book ahead. The combination of heat, sea air, and cold water is about as effective a reset as you'll find in North County Dublin. Book a session
ARTS & CULTURE
Artists & Makers Meeting for the 2026 Art Trail Tonight, Tuesday 24 February, 19:00 Gillespie Centre, Swords
Fingal's annual Art Trail is in planning, and tonight's meeting at the Gillespie Centre in Swords is for artists and makers interested in taking part. If you make things and want your work in front of a wider audience this summer, this is the room to be in. More info
Fairytales and Fiction Workshop - Deirdre Sullivan Saturday, 28 February Swords Library
Award-winning YA author Deirdre Sullivan runs a workshop on examining and repurposing old stories - how the bones of a fairytale can become something entirely new. Perfect for teen writers, aspiring storytellers, or anyone who's ever wondered what happens if you rewrite the ending. Book here
Rewind Anthology: Indie Authors Panel Saturday, 28 February Swords Library
A panel discussion with Indie Authors Ireland about their anthology and the state of indie publishing in Ireland. If you're a writer curious about the self-publishing route, or just interested in how books get made outside the traditional system, this is worth an afternoon of your time. More info
Leon Diop: Mixed Up Saturday, 28 February Swords Library
Leon Diop discusses his memoir "Mixed Up" and the work of Black and Irish in addressing racism in Ireland. A timely, honest conversation at Swords Library - the kind of event that tends to leave you thinking long after you've left. More info
For the Love of Milseáin Wednesday, 4 March Main Auditorium, Draíocht, Blanchardstown
Áine Gallagher performs in this Seachtain na Gaeilge celebration - a show about sweets, nostalgia, and the Irish language delivered with warmth and wit. A lovely way to mark the week of Irish. Check listings
Make Your Own Mini Assemblage Workshop Saturday, 28 February Ardgillan Castle, Co. Dublin
Multi award-winning artist Maria Atanacković leads a creative workshop at Ardgillan Castle, guiding participants through the art of assemblage - building small sculptural works from collected materials. A hands-on afternoon in a genuinely beautiful setting. Book here
Ardgillan Castle Studio Spaces Available from May 2026 Applications open now Ardgillan Castle
Eight artist studio spaces on the grounds of Ardgillan Castle are being made available from May 2026 - a genuine opportunity for artists looking for a serious working space in a remarkable setting. Apply here
FAMILY FRIENDLY
K-Pop Camp at Malahide Castle Wednesday, 25 February Malahide Castle and Gardens
A high-energy camp for kids inspired by the music, dance, and performance style of K-Pop. Great for young fans of the genre who want to dance, perform, and have a proper day of it. Book here
Wanda Broom and Magical Mayhem with Ciara Geraghty Saturday, 28 February Rush Library
Author Ciara Geraghty brings her character Wanda Broom to life at Rush Library - a whirlwind of magical mayhem for younger readers. A lovely, relaxed library event for kids who love stories. More info
A Wicked Easter at Malahide Castle Sunday, 1 March (and through Easter) Malahide Castle and Gardens
Easter is earlier than usual this year, and Malahide Castle is already gearing up for it with their Wicked Easter programme of family events. Worth checking the castle website for the full schedule. More info
Ireland's Largest Indoor Ninja Park - Swords Pavilions Ongoing Swords Pavilions (Leisure Box)
The Total Ninja course at Leisure Box in Swords Pavilions has over 40 obstacles across a purpose-built indoor arena. If you have a child who needs to run, climb, and jump things out of their system, this is where to take them. More info
BELIEVE Balbriggan Digital Detox Launch Ongoing Balbriggan
Balbriggan's community-led digital detox initiative has officially launched, encouraging residents to step back from screens and reconnect locally. Worth knowing about if you're based in Balbriggan and curious. More info
UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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