There was great interest in and turn-out for Conn Flynn’s Wildlife talk. Conn brought us on a fantastic journey of discovery through history and around the world to explain where our local biosphere fits in within the broader picture. He was prompted and tested by very knowledgeable children and members of the audience, making it a very engaging and informative evening. Conn’s love for birds and engaging with local nature was infectious.
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After his talk, Conn led the group around Griffith Park to observe the wildlife.

On Saturday, 26th May, between 400 and 500 members of our community came together for DTRA’s first annual Picnic in the Park. Organised by our enthusiastic social committee, Shona, Martina and Bob, and with fantastic support from Dublin City Council, the event was a huge success. It was a very enjoyable, relaxed, inclusive day for all the community, and brought our neighbours together. The top hill was covered with picnic blankets and picnickers revelling in the afternoon sunshine.

Live Music was provided by Tempo House Band and Ukulele Valentine. Tempo Music School entertained the younger children with a Baby Beats Music Workshop. 

Dogs arrived in style for the Best Fancy dress dog competition, while others sought to convince the judge, Suzi Walsh, of their likeness to their owner. There were also prizes for cheekiest dog and Golden Oldie. 
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For children, there were games and sports organised with the assistance of Dublin City Council’s sports officer. 

Lots of new members joined the Residents association on the day.

Sincere thanks to all the local businesses who sponsored the event: Drumcondra Credit Union, San Sab, Corrigans Butchers, the Skylon Hotel, Restaurant 104, Thunders, Nelly's Cafe, Small Changes, Lloyds Pharmacy, Homepharm Pharmacy, Kennedys pub and John Creaby Carpenter.

Thanks to all the volunteers who made the event a huge success and thanks to those who baked and donated cakes for the cake stall.
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Finally, many thanks to the whole community for turning out and making our area such a fantastic place to live.

​The DTRA Committee visited Mud Island Community Garden in North Strand. Mud Island have done some really amazing work in recent years getting their community garden up and running, and hosting a variety of events throughout the year. The Committee enjoyed a very warm welcome from the Mud Island folks on a beautiful, sunny Spring day. They described what they've achieved with their community garden, provided helpful tips and gave a tour of the garden, which has a lovely laid-back but 'can do' vibe.

Huge thanks and appreciation to Maeve Foreman and the Mud Island Community Garden committee for hosting us. We hope to be able to work together in the future.

Resident Conn Flynn met us at the library on a beautiful sunny Saturday morning. We were brought on a journey through the park hearing about all the plants and animals that frequent it. The river was a delight. Big trout basking in the shallows, shoals of minnows darting about and sand martins and swallows skimming the surface. There were ducks and swans and an egret made a show of his beautiful white feathers and bright green feet. We also learnt about the importance of the park as a Wildlife refuge in an urban setting and the efforts the council goes to support biodiversity. 

Some pictures from the event below.

​On a very sunny Saturday, we participated in Dublin City Council’s Spring Clean for the first time. Having been equipped by Dublin City Council with spades, litter-pickers, shovels, hi-vis vests and gloves, we were well-prepared to tackle the streets. We found the area mainly clean, with some rubbish and a lot of cigarette butts. We were delighted to be able to leave it in a gleaming state.
We plan to participate in the Clean-up again next Spring.