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Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
The Little Museum of Dublin reopens on St Stephen's Green after €4.3m refit
The museum had closed its temporary address on 33 Pembroke Street in May to move back into its original refurbished location. Today's official re-opening, attended by Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain, will allow visitors to enjoy an expanded and reimagined exhibition space and a new reception area. The museum will also welcome a new youth education space, an integrated lift to improve accessibility, a sun-trap patio and an enriched collection of artefacts donated by the people of Ireland. Since its first opening in 2011, the museum has welcomed over one million visitors and remains the titular placeholder for the top spot for Things To Do in Dublin, according to TripAdvisor. The reimagining of the Little Museum of Dublin was partly funded by Fáilte Ireland, along with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sport & Media. Dublin City Council and private donations got renovations over the line. The museum will open seven days a week from 9.30am to 5pm and will continue to offer guided tours every forty minutes. A new walking tour, The Little Walking Tour of St Stephen's Green, will take place each afternoon at 2.15pm. The walking tours include The Official Walk of Shame, The Football Walking Tour, The Freedom of Dublin and more. Speaking at the launch, Sarah Clancy, CEO of the Little Museum of Dublin, said: 'Thanks to the generosity of the Irish people, the support of the state and the talent of our team, we have managed to reimagine the Little Museum of Dublin for generations to come. 'We are so proud to be reopening our doors and welcoming guests back into our newly renovated and accessible museum at 15 St Stephen's Green.' Lord Mayor Emma Blain added: 'I am delighted to see the Little Museum of Dublin on St Stephen's Green reopen its doors after two years. It is such a great addition to the city centre, bringing Dublin to life in a very real way.' Among the newest artefacts on display are everything from the first ever medal awarded to William Deans under the states Bravery Act 1947, to Mary McAleese's First Holy Communion Rosary beads donated by the [former] President herself. Mary Stack, Head of Product Development – Attractions at Fáilte Ireland said that projected visitor numbers are expected to rise to over 5,000 annually by 2035, with the redevelopment is set to generate an economic impact of €24.7m over the next decade.
Irish Post
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
Brendan Gleeson honoured for 'commitment to social justice'
BRENDAN GLEESON has been honoured in his hometown for his acting success and his commitment to 'social justice'. The Dubliner, who has starred in the likes of Braveheart, Michael Collins and the Harry Potter films, more recently won critical acclaim for his role in The Banshees of Inisherin, for which he was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. This week the star was one of seven people to receive an award from the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain, which marked his 'outstanding achievements in acting and social justice'. Brendan Gleeson pictured with the Lord Mayor, Emma Blain and his award in recognition of his outstanding achievements in acting and social justice His fellow recipients included the groundbreaking athlete Rhasidat Adeleke, former Ireland rugby star Johnny Sexton and Fair City actor Bryan Murray and his partner Úna Crawford O'Brien, for their "contribution to the arts, on stage and on screen and for raising awareness of dementia". Croatian twins Allen and Jay Bobinac were also recognised with awards marking their 'outstanding voluntary service to the people of Dublin and their dedication to helping the homeless in the city'. Johnny Sexton receives his award from Lord Mayor, Emma Blain Team Power of One received an award in recognition of their work raising awareness and funds for Heart Children Ireland and Children's Heart Centre – CHI Crumlin in memory of Saoirse. And an award was given posthumously to Isobel Henderson 'in recognition of her outstanding service and unwavering dedication to the Girls' Brigade Ireland'. Ms Blain presented the awards at a ceremony held at Dublin's Mansion House. 'These awards are a chance for me to say thank you, on behalf of all the citizens of Dublin, to some people who have made a real difference to the social fabric of life in our city,' she said. 'Some of the award recipients will be well known to many of us, others not so. 'However, they are all very worthy of this award and I am delighted to be able to honour them in this way.'
Irish Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Construction work begins on landmark social housing project in Dublin
THE sod was turned this week on a much-anticipated social housing project in Dublin. Construction work has officially begun on Blackbird Park in Cabra, north Dublin for the Focus Housing Association development, which is part of the homeless and housing charity Focus Ireland. When completed, the 2.03-hectare site, which was gifted to the charity by the Dominican Sisters, will provide homes for 95 families in need, as well as two community rooms and a public green area and children's play space. Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain joined Ireland's Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne and local councillors at the sod-turning event. (L-R) Pat Dennigan, Focus Ireland CEO, Sr Stan, Focus President and co-founder, Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain and Housing Minister James Browne at the event 'Dublin City Council is delighted to support and work with Focus Ireland and Focus Housing Association to deliver these much-needed homes, which will provide secure, permanent housing for individuals and families in a wonderful part of the city,' Ms Blain said. Minister Browne added: 'I'm delighted to be here today in the constituency of Dublin Central to turn the sod at this important housing scheme which showcases the positive impact of environmental regeneration can have on our housing situation. 'As we work towards addressing the challenges, to resolving and increase the supply of housing, all forms of housing an achieving the targets outlined under a new Housing for All plan, developments such as The Blackbird Park site in Ratoath Road, Cabra will alleviate some of the pressure on the housing market and provide quality and sustainable homes for families, young people and the wider community.' Minister for Housing, Local Government, Heritage, James Browne addresses the sod-turning event Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Pat Dennigan, CEO of Focus Ireland, said the development is their largest housing scheme to date. 'These energy-efficient, sustainable, and high-quality homes will be provided to families and individuals most in need and is only possible because of the generous donation of land received from the Dominican Sisters, Cabra to Focus Housing Association,' he explained, 'This year, marks Focus Ireland 40th Anniversary, however, we don't see it as something to celebrate when so many people are affected by the current housing situation and upward challenges of homelessness in our society. 'Therefore, developments like Blackbird Park are the type of scheme helping us meet our new build social housing delivery targets and allowing us to strengthen social cohesion and grow community life for long-term homeless families and individuals struggling to find a place to call home.' He added: 'In every town and city nationwide, there is under-utilised land in urban and built-up areas including empty, derelict buildings of which could be used to relieve significant housing demand and help bring lasting resolution to the housing shortages. "If used well, they can be a source of urban renewal and value for the surrounding community.' Many of the families and individuals who will get homes at Blackbird Park have been 'stuck' on Dublin City Council's social housing waiting list for many years, according to Focus Ireland . 'They are set to become part of a vibrant and inclusive community, close to wonderful community schools and other amenities such as hospitals, community sports and recreational facilities,' they explained. 'At Focus Ireland we say every project makes a difference, every donation counts, every home delivered changes lives. 'Each success brings us closer to our goal—ensuring that every person in this country has the right to a secure, decent quality home, and a great place to live. 'In so doing, our team is proud to be actively involved in shaping the future of housing in Ireland, providing high-quality homes that will make a real difference to people's lives.' See More: Blackbird Park, Cabra, Dublin, Focus Ireland
The Journal
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Brendan Gleeson and Johnny Sexton among those honoured with Lord Mayor's Awards
BRENDAN GLEESON AND Johnny Sexton are among those who have this evening been awarded with Lord Mayor's awards in Dublin. Seven awards were presented by Dublin's Lord Mayor Emma Blain this evening at the Mansion House. The awards have been presented annually since 1989. 'These awards are a chance for me to say thank you, on behalf of all the citizens of Dublin, to some people who have made a real difference to the social fabric of life in our city,' Blain said. 'Some of the award recipients will be well known to many of us, others not so. However, they are all very worthy of this award and I am delighted to be able to honour them in this way.' Gleeson was given an award in recognition of his 'outstanding achievements' in acting and social justice, while Sexton received his for his achievements in rugby. Athlete Rhasidat Adeleke received an award for her achievements in athletics and 'inspiring a new generation of female athletes'. Brendan Gleeson with the Lord Mayor, Emma Blain and his award in recognition of his outstanding achievements in acting and social justice. Leah Farrell / © Leah Farrell / © / © Identical twins Allen and Jay Bobinac were given an award for their voluntary service to the people of Dublin and their 'dedication to helping the homeless in our city'. Advertisement The brothers, originally from Croatian island Krk, began their time in Ireland sleeping rough and with the help of homeless charity Tiglin have gone on to graduate with masters' degrees in Social Care. A posthumous award was given to Isobel Henderson, who passed away earlier this month. She was previously the Vice President of the Girls' Brigade Ireland , which has been described as a 'international, interdenominational youth organisation which strives to help girls develop new skills, knowledge and confidence in a safe and fun environment'. She was given the award as a result of her 'outstanding service and unwavering dedication' to the organisation. Team Power of 1 were given an award in recognition of their achievement in the World's Toughest Row. The team rowed 5,000km across the Atlantic in memory of Saoirse O'Driscoll to raise funds and awareness for Heart Children Ireland and Children's Heart Centre. Saoirse passed away as a result of congenital heart disease at the age of 13 in April 2024. The team have continued on her legacy by raising awareness of the disease and stressing the importance of organ donation. Bryan Murray and Una Crawford O'Brien pictured at the launch of the 30th anniversary of Alzheimer's Tea Day in March 2024. Sasko Lazarov / © Photocall Ireland Sasko Lazarov / © Photocall Ireland / © Photocall Ireland Actors Bryan Murray and Úna Crawford O'Brien are known for their roles in Fair City. They were given an award in recognition of their 'outstanding contribution to the arts, on stage and on screen and for raising awareness of dementia'. Bryan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease six years ago at the age of 69. His longtime partner Úna has been involved with Alzheimer Society of Ireland and has been behind several initiatives to raise awareness of the disease. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Dublin Live
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Dublin Live
Funtropolis returns to Dublin city centre over two Summer weekends
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Dublin City Council has announced the return of Funtropolis for the fourth year in a row. The free family fun event is set to take place over two weekends, one in June and another in July. It will kick off on the weekend of June 14 and 15 in Mountjoy Square park. It will then move to the southside of the city, taking place in Merrion Square park on July 12 and 13. Both weekends will see the event take place from 12pm to 6pm. There will be exciting circus performances, interactive workshops, super tunes, hilarious comedy and delicious food and drink. This year will also see the addition of a Funtropolis dog show. Art fans will also be able to get their face painted while Dublin City Council is also providing fairground rides. There'll be events from toddler to adult with dance workshops, circus fun and stories. Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain said: "I am delighted to see 'Dublin City Council Funtropolis' back for the 4th year. It's always very popular and I'm sure this year will be no different. This kind of event is exactly what our city is about, good fun for all the family. Whether you're 5 or 85 you'll have a great day out! So come on into town and enjoy the show." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
