Mud Island Community Garden

Fiesta del Mate y el Terere
2024-06-02 11:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | Mud Island Community Garden, Newcomen Court, N Strand Rd, North Strand, Dublin 3, Dublin, Dublin, D03 CX37, Ireland
We are delighted to invite you to this amazing event. The Uruguayan and Paraguayan community in Ireland, together with South American Shop and ArgentoFest have teamed up with the garden for our 1st ‘Fiesta del mate and terere’ to be held on Sunday, 2nd of June, from 11p am until 5pm in the garden!
You will be able to buy homemade cornstarch alfajores perfect to accompany mates! There will also be some Paraguayan and Argentinian typical food to try.
Bring your mate, your thermos, and those who don’t have come, share and taste part of our culture… If you don’t have Yerba mate, no worries, there will be some to buy in our South American Shop on the day.
There will be music, handcrafts & everyone is welcome to bring their own musical instruments too!
For the ones who don’t know what mate is, it is a traditional South American caffeine-rich infused herbal drink. It is made by soaking dried leaves of the yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) in hot water and is traditionally served with a metal straw (bombilla) in a container typically made from a calabash gourd. Today, mate is sold commercially as “yerba mate” in tea bags and as bottled iced tea.
Mate was consumed by the Guaraní and Tupí peoples indigenous from South America. It has many health benefits and nutritions, and more antioxidant that normal green tea.
Come and join us!
**Please use public transport as there is no parking available**

Open Day
2024-06-15 14:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London)
Our annual Open day to celebrate what we have created in the middle of Dublin 3
Come and join us to see our new bespoke stage and rest area made by engineer & architecture students from DCU!
Meet volunteers and neighbours, taste the raspberries and the delicious home made food by members of the garden.
See you there!

Repair Café
2024-06-30 14:30 - 17:30, 2024-07-28 14:30 - 17:30, 2024-08-25 14:30 - 17:30, 2024-09-29 14:30 - 17:30, 2024-10-27 14:30 - 17:30 (Europe/London)
Join us on a day of repairing!
We have kind volunteers who like to try and fix things… blunt tools, knives and scissors, bikes, garments, broken cups and plates!
It’s free of charge but you can bring food to share. We also have some bric a brac and a few plants to give away.
Donations appreciated & help welcomed.

Climate Action: Workshop 1 / KIMCHI
2024-07-06 12:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London)
Thanks to Mary Kennedy for organising a great 2nd workshop in our #ClimateAction series, inspired & supported by #CommonKnowledge‘s #HomeworksProject.
Making kimchi and keffir with #BreiffniNiBhroin.
Keep an eye out for more workshops in the series!

Hope Blooms: The Mud Island Story Exchange
2024-07-13 10:00 - 15:30 (Europe/London)
Presented by Festival in a Van, Narrative4, and Mud Island Community Garden
Funded by Dublin City Council Arts Office
When?
STORYTELLING WORKSHOP & EVENT | Saturday 13 July, 10pm – 3:30pm

Where?
Mud Island Community Garden, Clinch’s Ct, North Strand, Dublin 3, D03 CX37
Cost?
FREE!
How does it work?
Narrative 4’s story exchange is an engaging and eye-opening workshop where you get to “walk in someone’s shoes’ by inhabiting their story. Picture this: a group of people from different backgrounds, gather in a welcoming space. There’s a buzz of excitement in the air because today is all about sharing stories and, in doing so, discovering new perspectives.
Everyone pairs up, and each person takes a turn telling a story about their lives—perhaps about a challenge they’ve faced, a moment of triumph, or an experience that shaped who they are. The participants have to listen really well, as later back in the circle they will tell their partner’s story as if it happened to them. It’s a day of connection, empathy, and learning about others in ways you might never have imagined.
It’s more than just repeating words; it’s about truly understanding another person’s journey and seeing the world from their perspective.
Through this process, everyone gains a deeper appreciation for the unique stories that make us who we are. It’s not just about listening—it’s about embracing the differences and similarities that connect us all. It’s a fun, informative, and heartwarming way to bridge gaps and build a stronger community, one story at a time.
Following the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to tell a story on the Festival in a Van stage as part of a celebratory event. If you’d prefer to just take part in the workshop, that’s OK too! We are happy for you to do whatever you feel comfortable with.
Who should take part?
EVERYONE! We would love to hear from people from all backgrounds and walks of life. No matter who you are or where you come from, we believe that you have a unique and important story to tell. Narrative4 will help you to tell yours. Our main goal is to have fun and get to know each other better.
The workshop is capped at 14 people, so we encourage you to sign up in advance so we know you’re coming. To sign up, contact Elizabeth at director@festivalinavan.com.
FROM 5PM on the same day we will continue celebrating Hope and Resilience with an open Mike and stage + sing along. WE already have 2 confirmed performers… Will you join us?

Organic Gardening Course
2024-07-13 10:30 - 12:00 (Europe/London)
Welcome to Mud Island’s Free Organic Gardening Classes!
Come join us at Mud Island Community Garden for our six week, hands-on classes to learn all about organic gardening from soil types and plants’ nutritional needs to propagation, seed sewing and garden planning. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, these classes will cover everything from soil health to pest management.
Get ready to get your hands dirty and grow some green thumbs! Don’t wear your Sunday best but do bring a notebook and pen, the course book will also be available either to purchase or share. You won’t need tools or gardening gloves either as we have them all here.
Event Details:

Date: Every Saturday until the 27th of July

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Mud Island Community Garden

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and learn how to grow your own organic produce.
Mud Island has partnered with Amma Ireland’s Greenfriends project, the international environmental branch of Embracing the World. They work in environmental conservation and sustainability and are the creators of this organic gardening course.

Composting Workshop!
2024-10-19 10:30 - 23:30 (Europe/Dublin)
Do you have an interest in sustainability? Self sufficiency? Would you like to create your own plant fertilizer from literal rubbish? Or maybe you’d just want to dump less into your brown bin?
If you have answered ‘yes’ to at least one of these questions, I have great news for you! You should join us at the Mud Island Community Garden this upcoming Saturday – 19th October – for our composting workshop!
It is our third workshop in the Climate Action series, and our own Paul will show us the five bay composting system he made for the garden, and will be happy to answer any questions; we will be also happy to exchange knowledge, tips and tricks with our guests.
The workshop is free, but places are limited, so you need to register by emailing us at mudislandcommunitygarden@gmail.com.
The workshop is supported by Common Knowledge – https://www.ourcommonknowledge.org

Samhain Fest, Christmas Market, and more!
2024-11-24 14:00 (Europe/London)
The time has come!
This Sunday we’re continuing our tradition of celebrating the Celtic calendar feast days with Féile Samhna. Samhain festival. This year, despite it being only November, we’re blending in our Christmas market!
We’ll have a craft fair supporting local artists, cafe, entertainment from local musicians, history talks on the origins of Samhain and the King of Mud Island, a Celtic fire show and we’re delighted to have Liam Ó Maonlaí back on the stage, as well as a lively group of Irish musicians from Ceoltóirí Chluain Tarbh, under the guidance of Frank Flynn.
With whistles, flutes, fiddles, banjo’s, concertinas, harmonica, accordions and uilleann pipes, they play all things trad—jigs, reels, hornpipes, and more! They love practicing en plein air at Mud Island and gathering at Cusack’s for lively sessions. Let’s hope they bring out the sun
See you there!

Brigid's Festival - Féile Brigid 2025
2025-02-02 12:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
Féile Brigid at Mud Island is on!
Join us on the first Sunday of February for Brigid’s Festival – La Féile Brigid!
Come over to the garden on 2nd day of February from noon to 5 pm for an afternoon filled with song, craft, storytelling, and as usuall, the best craic!
Among other cool stuff, we will of course weaving Brigid’s crosses, and listen to good music, poetry, storytelling and watch performances including fireshow and the Armagh Rhymers! Here’s the full itinerary:
12.00 Armagh Rhymers
1.00 Dublyon writing (workshop)
2.00 Liffey Loves (singing)
2.30 Siobhan McMahon (poetry)
3.00 Irish language choir
3.30 Catherine Ann Cullen (poetry)
3.50 Ray and the lads (music)
4.20 Brian Treacy (story telling)
4.30 Ceoltas (music)
5.00 Bern (music)
5.20 Aidan with Yvonne (fire show)
So, what are you waiting for? Put this date in your diary, grab your family and loved ones, and meet us at the Mud Island Community Garden on the first Sunday of February!
Féach leat ansin!

Repair Café
2025-04-27 14:30 - 17:30 (Europe/London)
Join us on a day of repairing!
We have kind volunteers who like to try and fix things… blunt tools, knives and scissors, bikes, garments, broken jewelry !
It’s free of charge but you can bring food to share. We also have some bric a brac and a few plants to give away.
Donations appreciated & help welcomed.

Bealtaine
2025-05-04 14:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London)
Come to celebrate with us the Irish summer! The garden is joyful and on Sunday we will sing and laugh and play in English & Irish! Don’t be shy, come and listen to some tunes, maybe try a new thing or get back into it…
The garden is the place to meet neighbours, friends, try some adventures (on Sunday you can learn Circus in Gaeilge!) and discover talents we have in our area with many poets, performers, storytellers and musicians.
We’re looking forward to seeing you!

Poems at Dusk
2025-05-10 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London)
Are you a poet and you know it? Join us this Saturday from 6 for an evening of poetry with an Open Mike followed by performances by poets Jan Brierton and John Cummins

Jan Brierton’s poems are honest, candid and often hilarious, and, from an opening gambit that went viral in 2021, has seen her work find a huge audience. Since that accidental notoriety, the intervening years have seen her publish a book four months after her first Instagram prose, launch a podcast (currently on hiatus) and compose a second collection.

John Cummins Poetician, one of Ireland’s most unique voices, has brought his spoken word poetry to every corner of our isle. From festival fields to our national concert hall, John shares poetry that aims to highlight, uplift, and inspire. His words break down the border between audience and performer. John’s story is the story of us. He is also singer and writer with Dublin band Shakalak.

2025 Community Gardens Cycle & Biodiversity Workshop
2025-05-24 11:00 - 11:30 (Europe/London)
Community Gardens Cycle 2025

Saturday, 24 May 2025 – 11:00am
Meet at Mud Island Community Garden, North Strand

Join the 2025 Community Gardens Cycle & Biodiversity workshop!
Hey there, bike and plant enthusiasts!
Get ready for the 2025 Community Gardens Cycle, an event filled with community garden tours, cycling, and biodiversity tips. Our gathering will bring together cycling and gardening lovers from Dublin City and beyond. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, gardener or both, this event is perfect for anyone looking to grow their fitness, knowledge, and green thumb. Mark your calendars and come connect with fellow nature enthusiasts! Let’s grow together!
This year there is only one route:
We will meet at 11am at Mud Island Community Garden in North Strand, (check google maps).
Cycling to Raheny Community Garden
From Raheny Community Garden we will cycle to Mucky Lane for the Biodiversity workshop with Aaron Foley who is Dublin Community Growers Biodiversity officer.
From Mucky Lane we will cycle to Killester Blooms Community Garden. We plan to arrive by 2.15pm and we will join their Streetfeast.
More details, including full details of the route, to be published shortly
SPACES ARE LIMITED. Please book your space to avoid disappointment. If your plans change and you are unavailable to attend, cancel your booking to facilitate others in the reserve list to attend.

Emergency Meitheal
2025-05-24 14:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
Emergency Meitheal this Saturday!
We need lots of help this Saturday to prepare for our annual Open Day and to catch up with lots of planting. If you could commit to an hour or so tomorrow it would really help us. Activities will include:
– Preparing beds for planting.
– Planting out our abundance of seedlings. Painting (but not the artistic kind!).
– Labelling plants & making labels.
– A bit of DIY.
– Weeding pathways.
– Watering thirsty plants and trees.
– Enjoying our fecund garden ; )
Thanks,
Mud Island.

Free workshop to celebrate Dublin Inclusion & Integration Week
2025-05-25 14:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London)
The May Edition of the Repair Café will be celebrating inclusion, integration and second chances with a one-off one hour free workshop delivered by the sewing expert Mary Lally, one of the incredible volunteers who make the Repair Café possible. This workshop will be in addition to our normal services of mending and repairing all sorts of broken things!
This event is part of the Social Inclusion & Integration Week organized by DCC. We’ll finish the day with tea, coffee and treats from @Fineperuvianpastries & @ch_sweets_world graciously sponsored by DCC 🥳
Dublin City Inclusion – Celebrating inclusivity in Ireland’s capital city

Poetry in the garden
2025-06-07 15:00 - 20:30 (Europe/London)
🎤 Join Us for a Poetry Open Mic Night at Mudisland Community Garden! 🎤
Unleash your creativity and share your voice at our Poetry Open Mic Night! Whether you’re a seasoned poet or a first-time performer, this is your chance to shine. Enjoy an evening of inspiring words, meet fellow poetry enthusiasts, and soak in the supportive atmosphere. Bring your favorite poems or original works and let your voice be heard. Let’s celebrate the power of poetry together!
Come and be part of our poetic community! ✨📖
3-5pm Poetry/rap Workshop with John Cummins
6-8:30pm Open Mic with John Cummins / Roxanna Nic Liam / Sean Corrigan
Free entry

Open Day 2025
2025-06-14 14:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
🌻 Celebrate Mudisland Community Garden Open Day 2025! 🌻
We’ve lots of treats coming up at our Open Day this Saturday, and not just in the Cottage Cafe! To name just a few, lineup on caravan stage includes renowned Russian gypsy violinist Oleg A Ponomarev, as well as singer Kiruu, we’ll have clown Richard Kane teaching circus skills and games galore with the 99th Dublin North Strand Sea Scouts! If you haven’t booked a slot in Paul Redmond‘s Purple Feather Cake Design workshop yet you can do so at https:// http://www.eventbrite.ie/…/cupcake-decorating-class…. We’re in the middle of an Irish summer so dress warm and bring a brolly! 🌿🌼
Stage line up:
2 pm Ceoltoiri Chluain Tarbh youth group, Fleadh Ceoil winners thís Year!
2.30 pm Oleg Ponomorav Russian Gypsy Violinist
3.15 pm St Vincent’s primary school samba band
3.30 pm Ukulele Valentines
4 pm Uncut Diamonds (Bloom’s day is around the corner!)
4:20 pm Kiruu

Music in the garden
2025-06-19 17:00 - 19:00 (Europe/London)
On June 19th, our garden will come alive with the vibrant sounds of music! This event, set before the highly anticipated performance by Kneecap in Fairview Park, promises to be an invigorating experience. Local musicians (TBC) will showcase their talents with the garden’s lush greenery as the perfect backdrop for the start of the evening. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate music and community spirit in Mudisland! 🎶🌳
(Remember we have a ‘Leave No trace’ policy so thank you for taking any rubbish/thing back with you)

Shakalak in the garden!
2025-06-19 18:00 - 19:30 (Europe/London)
It’s starting to hot up in the Strand. The gigs in Fairview Park have started this week with Kneecap playing on Thursday evening! To welcome them and their fans to the area we’re hosting a pre concert gig by Dublin band #
Shakalak at 6pm in the garden. Free gig sponsored by DCC.

Poems at Dusk
2025-07-12 12:30 - 20:30 (Europe/London)
Free haiku workshop with Maeve O’Sullivan to @mudislandcommunitygarden members at 12:30 (for two hours) #haiku #workshop this #Saturday followed by poetry on the sunset stage (open mike + Catherine Ann Cullen and Sean Corrigan.

Lughnasa Festival
2025-08-08 17:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London)
Come to celebrate Lughnasa on Friday evening 8th August, beginning at 6 pm with a Sun Spoke Mandala (or Mini-Wreath Making workshop) with artist Rachael Kelly Ryder, followed by traditional Irish music, stories and song on the caravan stage with the Tolka Trad Group, story teller Brian Treacy, the Annesley Players and Liam O’Maonlai!

6.30 to 9.00 pm on the Caravan Stage
6.30 pm Ceoltoiri Chluain Tarbh’s Tolka Trad Group
7.00 pm The Story of Lughnasa with Brian Treacy
7.15 pm The Annesley Players
8.00 pm Liam O’Maonlai

Sun Spoke Workshop at Mud Island
2025-08-08 18:00 - 19:00 (Europe/London)
Join us in the community garden for a relaxing, hands-on workshop celebrating the sun’s energy and the turning of the seasons, led by artist and facilitator Rachael Kelly Ryder. Rachael has been working with the Fire Station Artists’ Studios in Buckingham Street as part of the Neighbourhood Project and has led workshops on sustainable craft activities for local neighbours and community groups in Scotland, London and Ireland over the years. Together, we’ll create sun-shaped mandalas or mini-wreaths using natural, foraged, and upcycled materials including dried flowers, ribbons and foliage. Open to all ages and artistic abilities, this gentle, creative activity invites us to mark the cycles of growth and harvest at the heart of Lughnasa. Come weave, connect, and celebrate summer’s light!

All participants can leave with their own wreath or sun spoke to hang on their front door or garden walls – some images from previous workshops attached. Numbers are limited so please let us know by return email if you’d like to take part to ensure your place.

Fermentation Workshop
2025-08-09 10:30 - 12:30 (Europe/London)
Join us for an immersive and hands-on fermenting workshop that promises to awaken the alchemist within you! You will be introduced to fermenting materials and tools, hand cutting and mixing techniques, recipes and ideas. See poster attached. It’s free to paid up members of Mud Island but places are limited, so please book through garden member Mary Kennedy at tel: 087 131 9554

Festivalito 2025
2025-09-13 12:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London)
🎉 Celebrate at Rathergather Festivalito 2025! 🎉
Join us for an unforgettable experience at Rathergather Festivalito 2025! Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of music, art, and community. Enjoy live performances, creative workshops, and delicious local food. Connect with friends old and new in a joyful, inclusive atmosphere. Whether you’re here for the music, the art, or just the good vibes, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the fun!
Let’s gather and celebrate together! 🎶🎨🥳

Yoga in the garden with Maria
2025-09-16 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/London)
We’re pleased to announce two 6-week yoga classes starting this month in the garden with yoga teacher and garden member Maria. Beginners course Wed 6 to 7 pm and Intermediate course on Tues or Wed lunchtime 1 to 2 pm, TBC. For paid up members of Mud Island, the cost of the course is subsidised by our North East Inner City – Dublin grant – you only pay €5 per class, payable up front at start of the course. Just a few places left on each course so email mudislandcommunitygarden@gmail.com without delay if interested!

Repair Café
2025-09-28 14:30 (Europe/London)
🌿 Join Us at the Mudisland Community Garden Repair Café! 🌿
Discover the joy of fixing things together at our Repair Café! Bring your broken items (nothing with a plug) and learn how to repair them with the help of skilled volunteers. From mending clothes to fixing bicycles, we tackle it all. Enjoy a friendly, supportive atmosphere, meet new people, and reduce waste. Let’s make our community more sustainable, one repair at a time. See you there!
Let’s fix it together! 🌱🔧
