Hey {{first name | Blanch}}, welcome to the third edition!
Welcome to the third edition of the Blanch Bulletin. What an amazing start it’s been with so many of you subscribing in the first two weeks - thank you for all your support!
This week is packed with food, events, and new facilities coming to the area. 🍕🎾
New Facilities 🏓
New Padel Courts Now Open in Dublin 15 🎾
Padel fans (or padel-curious 👀) — there’s a new spot to know about.
Druid Padel Club opened its doors at Coolmine Rugby Club, Ashtown back in mid-November and is already adding to Dublin 15’s growing padel scene.
With brand-new courts now up and running, it’s another great option for:
Casual games with friends
Trying padel for the first time
Or adding a new weekly sport into the mix
More courts, more matches, and more ways to get active this winter. 🚀
Coolmine RFC Padel. Photo Credit: Druid Padel
Adult Education 🧑🎓
Breadmaking, Pickleball & Mindfulness: Courses Starting Near You 🍞
Looking to learn something new this spring? Castleknock Community College has a great mix of evening classes and weekend workshops kicking off over the next few weeks.
🍞 Saturday 7th February
Breadmaking Workshop (10am–3pm) – Learn the basics of homemade bread in this hands-on session.
Candle Making (10am–2pm) – A relaxing creative workshop, perfect if you’re into crafts.
Breathing & Meditation (10am–12pm) – A gentle introduction to mindfulness and stress reduction.
🧘 Weekday Evening Classes (Starting Now)
Chair Yoga (Wednesdays, 6pm) – Ideal for beginners or anyone looking for low-impact movement.
Mindfulness for Real-Life Stress (Wednesdays, 7pm) – Practical tools for everyday calm.
Pickleball (Mondays & Tuesdays) – A fun, social way to stay active indoors.
✍️ Saturday 28th February
Menopause Health & Wellness Workshop (10am–1pm) – An informative and supportive session.
Basic Jewellery Making (10am–2pm) – Create your own pieces and learn core techniques.
📍 All classes take place at Castleknock Community College
In The Community 🏡
Castleknock Ramblers: New Walking Group🚶
Looking for a gentle way to get moving and meet people locally?
The Castleknock Ramblers are a newly formed, community-based walking group that launched at the end of 2025.
They meet every Tuesday morning at 11am at the Castleknock Gate in the Phoenix Park, with walks open to all ages and abilities.
Whether you’re:
Walking the dog 🐕
Getting some fresh air with the buggy 👶
Or just looking for a good excuse to get out, move a bit and meet new faces
📍 Castleknock Gate, Phoenix Park
🕚 Tuesdays at 11am
A lovely, low-pressure way to add a bit of movement and community into the week.
In The Community 🏡
New Slimming World Group in Clonee
Looking to kick-start a healthier routine in 2026? A brand new Slimming World group has launched in Clonee, offering weekly support for anyone who wants to feel healthier, more active, or lose weight in a welcoming, community setting.
The group meets every Wednesday at 7pm in The Grasshopper Inn, Main Street, Clonee, and is open to all — whether you’re just starting out or getting back on track.
You can find the group on Facebook at Slimming World Clonee with Tara, or contact Tara directly on 086 384 8951 for more details.
A great local option if you’re looking for motivation, support, and a friendly face midweek.
Parking Charges 🚗
No Barriers to Blanchardstown: Petition Almost at 10k
The “No Barriers to Blanchardstown” petition, led by locals in Dublin West, is opposing the planning application that would introduce barrier-controlled, paid parking alongside wider changes to the area.
The campaign have raised concerns around:
Loss of free, accessible community parking
Impact on elderly and disabled users, retail workers and families
Increased traffic congestion and air pollution
Removal of mature trees and biodiversity loss
A lack of meaningful community consultation
Blanchardstown Shopping Centre has been a shared community space for decades — not just a retail hub, but a place people work, meet, and rely on daily. These changes would fundamentally alter how accessible it is for the local community.
The petition is close to 10,000 signatures, and there is still an opportunity for residents to make their voices heard.
No Barriers To Blanch. Image Credit: Change.org
Food 🥩
Review: The Black Wolf 🐺
Popped into The Black Wolf in Blanchardstown Village recently with my little brother and food-wise, it really delivered.
We went for a pepperoni pizza and a steak sandwich, and both were very good — the steak in particular was a highlight and cooked really well.
The only downside was the overall experience. The bill came to around €50, which felt a bit on the pricey side for what it was, and the service felt slightly uncomfortable at times, with the manager hovering more than necessary.
That said, the food itself was strong, and the place definitely has real potential. With a more relaxed service approach, it could easily become a solid local favourite and compete with the bigger spots.
The Black Wolf. Image Credit: Blanch Bulletin
In The Community 🏡
Weekly Activities at Hartstown Community & Leisure Centre
Looking for something new to try locally this week? Hartstown Community & Leisure Centre has a packed weekly timetable with activities for all ages and interests — from fitness and dance to football, mindfulness and community groups.
Highlights include:
- 💃 Dance Fusion & Crossan Dance
- 🥋 Taekwondo & Zumba Fitness
- 🧘 Mindfulness workshops & Heart & Soul Group
- 👩👧👦 Slimming World, Foróige Youth Club & Women’s Shed
Sessions run Monday to Friday in the main hall, boardroom and astro pitch, with both daytime and evening options available.
Whether you’re looking to get active, meet new people or try something different, there’s something here for everyone.
📍 Hartstown Community & Leisure Centre
📧 General enquiries: [email protected]
A brilliant local hub with loads happening every week — well worth a look if you’re hoping to add something new to your routine.
Hartstown Community Centre. Image Credit: Aleksandra/Google
That’s it for this week and our third 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 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.
Thanks {{first name | Blanch}}! 😊