Hey Blanch, ready to learn something new in 2026? 🧑🎓
Welcome to the second edition of the Blanch Bulletin. What an amazing start it’s been with so many of you subscribing in the first week - thank you for all your support!
This week is packed with community events, adult classes, fitness, culture, and more. 🎵💃
Adult Education 🧑🎓
Castleknock Community College – Adult Education
Looking to learn something new in 2026? Castleknock Community College has opened enrolment for 8–10 week courses and one-day workshops across a range of subjects. Whether you want to upskill, retrain, or just explore a hobby, there’s something for everyone.
📚 Highlights:
Bake & Cake like a Pro – 8 weeks, Monday evenings, €139. Learn professional techniques to impress family and friends.
DIY Home Maintenance – 8 weeks, Monday evenings, €149. Perfect for tackling those household fixes yourself!
Creative Writing – Beginners & Improvers – Tuesdays, €112. Sharpen your storytelling skills or start journaling seriously.
Yoga & Pilates – Mondays/Tuesdays, €75–€112. Great for fitness, flexibility, and mental wellbeing.
Pottery & Ceramics – Mondays, €179. Explore hands-on creativity and bring home your own artwork.
✨ Workshops:
Candle Making, Indian Cookery, Breadmaking, Pilates for Core & Balance – various Saturdays, €15–€68. Ideal for a one-off experience or gift idea.
Menopause Health & Wellness – 28 Feb, €23. An informative session focused on wellbeing and lifestyle advice.
💻 Online registration: Castleknock CC Adult Ed
📱 Follow @nightclassesccc on social media for updates and inspiration.
Castleknock Community Centre. Photo Credit: Castleknock Community Centre.
In The Community 🏡
Huntstown Community Centre Line Dancing: Get Your Boots On! 💃
Get your boots on! 🕺
Line Dancing Classes: Wednesdays from 28 Jan, 11:30am–12:30pm, €30 for 6 weeks.
Learn classic steps, improve coordination, and meet new people.
Booking essential: 01-8220847 or [email protected].
Huntstown Community Centre: Photo Credit: Huntstown Community Centre
Music & Culture ☘️
TradFest Fingal – 21–25 Jan 2026
You’ve probably seen the sign all over Blanch recently. Celebrate Irish music and culture with Ireland’s largest traditional music festival, happening across Dublin, including Fingal venues.
🎶 Fingal Highlights:
Freddie White – 22 Jan, Draiocht, €25: Legendary Irish folk singer and founder of Scullion. Expect classics and unique guitar-driven songs from a career spanning 40+ years.
SOLD OUT: Altan – 23 Jan, Draiocht, €30: Donegal’s iconic traditional music band, blending energetic dance tunes and soulful songs.
TradFest brings music to castles, community centres, and cathedrals, creating unforgettable experiences for all ages.
💡 Tip: Keep an eye on the Smithwick’s Sessions in Temple Bar for free, unticketed live performances during the festival.
Learn more here: https://tradfest.com/
TradFest 2026: Photo Credit: TradFest.ie
Food 🥩
Wright’s Anglers Rest Review: Best Steak in Dublin 15!
Wright’s Anglers Rest: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.5/10)
A proper Dublin pub and restaurant done right, and a brilliant spot for a special meal.
I went over Christmas with a big group of family and it still felt warm, cosy and relaxed — not rushed or chaotic, which is rare at that time of year.
The striploin steak was one of the best I’ve ever had and the staff were genuinely lovely too: welcoming, attentive, and happy to chat, which always makes a place feel special.
Wrights Anglers Rest: Photo Credit: Wrights Anglers Rest
In The Community 🏡
Draíocht & Blanch Library: What’s On 📚
Draíocht
Leaving Cert Art Appreciation (Ends 🔜) – Self-led gallery exploration ends 17 Jan. Perfect for students wanting to expand their understanding of visual arts and prep for exams.
Cinderella Panto – Coolmine Panto Group (Ends 🔜): Runs until 18 Jan. A magical, family-friendly show packed with music, laughs, and classic fairytale fun. A sensory-friendly performance is also available.
Blanchardstown Library
Quiet Wisdom: Enabling Change – 22 Jan to 12 Feb. Explore mindfulness, wellbeing, and personal resilience. Booking required.
Intro to Sewing for Adults – Learn beginner sewing techniques and practical skills.
Migraine Information Seminar – Understand triggers, symptoms, and management techniques with an informative Q&A.
Why go?
From interactive theatre to practical skills and self-development workshops, this month’s arts and learning events are perfect for students, families, and adults looking to try something new.
Draíocht. Photo Credit: Draíocht
In The Community 🏡
Castleknock Boxing Club 🥊
Exciting news! Castleknock now has its own IABA-affiliated boxing club. Whether you want to compete or simply get fit, Castleknock Boxing Club provides a supportive space to learn boxing, improve fitness, and challenge yourself.
Michael Avetisian, founder, said:
"Really excited to see what we can build together here in Castleknock!"
Keep your eye out for more information!
Castleknock Boxing Club. Photo Credit: Michael Avetisian
In The Community 🏡
Ongar Community Centre – Fitness & Kids Classes
A hub for fun, fitness, and creativity in Ongar:
CORE Fitness / Zumba with Hanna – Next: 19 Jan. Burn calories and boost energy with upbeat music.
Little Kickers – 18 Jan. Soccer fundamentals for 2–5-year-olds, great for confidence and coordination.
Master Joe Taekwondo – 19 Jan. Martial arts training for kids and adults, promoting fitness and discipline.
Anne Walsh & Clare Connolly Irish Dance Schools – Weekly classes. Traditional Irish dancing for all ages.
Check out more Ongar Community Centre activities and see which one suits you.
Ongar Community Centre. Photo Credit: Bhanu Prakash
That’s it for this week and our second edition.
We hope you liked it and if you have any feedback or stuff you’d like added we’d love to hear it!
Alternatively, if you have:
a local business to promote 🔊
a news story or review 🗞️
or someone special who’s story deserves to be told 📖
Reach out to us here with the details and we can discuss getting it into the next issue!