This is a really interesting opportunity for us. The Dublin 8 region, as can be seen from the map above, covers a fair bit of geography, and I think its the only Dublin region which sits on both the south side (which is intensely populated) and the north side (which shows as a very green Phoenix Park). To gain insight, one of our early tasks was to create a themed Google map (https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1tFU2-jpCBzrXMqPp3SikYTyN75DipMs&usp=sharing), and to take every opportunity to walk, watch and listen, to learn by observing and talking to people.
A Community Like No Other
Dublin 8 is a truly vibrant and diverse area, bustling with all sorts of activity. It’s home to major employers like Irish Rail and Guinness, (at least) three major hospitals . The area also boasts a thriving startup scene across The Digital Hub, Guinness Enterprise Centre, and Baseline, showcasing a real spirit of innovation. While Deirdre has been actively engaged with the GEC and participated in many Baseline events, she's often scooted through the neighbourhood without properly engaging.
Education and creativity are also at the heart of Dublin 8, with institutions such as Inchicore College of Further Education, BIMM Dublin, and NCAD. And of course, there’s a wealth of heritage and culture, from St James Cathedral and St Patricks Cathedral to Kilmainham Gaol, IMMA, and the Phoenix Park, which hosts Dublin Zoo and Áras an Uachtaráin. Not to mention a lively music and entertainment scene with venues like Vicar Street and the National Stadium, and several hospitals serving the community.
Our Initiatives for Dublin 8
To support this fantastic community, AllSkills Education is bringing two impactful initiatives to Dublin 8 over the coming months:
FLIT Financial Literacy workshops: These practical workshops are designed for community groups and employers, aiming to build essential financial skills.
Women, Money & Place history/creative workshops: These unique workshops explore the intersection of women, finance, and local history through creative engagement.
Both programmes are carefully designed to help people build practical skills, foster economic empowerment, and ultimately strengthen the ties within the community. We believe that by offering these tools, we can help individuals and groups thrive.
Let's Connect and Collaborate
We’re keen to hear from everyone in Dublin 8! Whether you’re part of a local enterprise, an educational institution, a community group, or simply live in the area, we’d love to chat.
Are you interested in participating in one of our programmes, or perhaps even hosting a workshop? Please don't hesitate to get in touch. We’re excited to work together and shape what comes next for Dublin 8. Thanks to Ana Coughlan at the Smart D8 offices and Éabha McKeever at the GEC, we've been introduced to the organisers at the Fountain Resource Group, the F2 Centre and the Liberties Community Network. We have started to pull some dates and events together at the FLIT events page