Give yourself a boost of dopamine with these wonderful initiatives, charity events and feel-good stories from around the country
Forget doom-scrolling! Going through this list will hopefully leave you with a fuzzy feeling in your heart and a smile on your face. If you like a story, make sure to share it to someone else who might like to read it.
Guinness Open Gate Brewery announced as a certified autism and sensory-friendly venue
It was recently announced that the Guinness Open Gate Brewery is a certified autism and sensory-friendly venue, accredited by Ireland’s Autism Charity, AsIAm.
The collaboration between the Guinness Open Gate Brewery and AsIAm aims to ensure that autistic and sensory-sensitive people, and their families can visit the taproom with confidence and comfort. To achieve this certification, Guinness Open Gate Brewery employees completed training to better understand autistic customers, their families, and those with sensory processing differences – and how to create a welcoming, inclusive environment for all.
From November, the venue will also offer specific sensory-friendly hours, with adapted lighting and sounds. Click here for more information.
Galway Music Residency brings joy of music to nursing homes across the county
Music in the Afternoons has returned once again, bringing the joy of music to nursing homes across Galway from Galway Music Residency (GMR). They will be visiting Brampton Care Home, Little Flower Nursing Home, and St Brendan’s with amazing musicians from the Ivernia String Quartet, Jazz Quartet and Galvian Way.
“We are honoured to have such talent in situ for our three mini-residencies in care homes in Galway county this autumn. We’ll be creating magical afternoons filled with Classical, Jazz, and Traditional music – inviting residents to sing, move, and enjoy the gift of music. Also, a huge thank you to Creative Ireland Galway County for their support,” said a representative of the Galway Music Residency.
Over the past 19 years, GMR has developed a remarkable and ever-evolving suite of education and performance programmes to serve diverse audiences and under-served communities in Galway, presenting some of the best music ever composed in new and unexpected ways.
Wicklow wedding showcase event is raising funds for My Lovely Horse Rescue and Oxfam
West Wicklow’s multi-award winning The Wicklow Escape hosts a one day exclusive wedding showcase event for engaged couples to explore their intimate wedding venue and enjoy creative wedding workshops together. Taking place on Sunday 27 October from 2pm until 5pm, soon-to-be brides and grooms can look forward to an afternoon filled with wedding inspiration from a create your own wedding rings demo, a pre-loved wedding dress catwalk to expert advice from celebrants, florists, photographers and much more.
Limited tickets are available for this bespoke wedding showcase event at €30 plus booking fee per couple (admits 2 persons), with all ticket proceeds going to animal welfare charity My Lovely Horse Rescue and Oxfam. My Lovely Horse Rescue will also be bringing furry friends who are looking for their forever home along to the event with potential adoptees starring in a not-to-be-missed ‘doggie catwalk show’ – a ‘pawfect’ fit for the pet-friendly wedding venue. Click here for more information.
Krispy Kreme launches new Ghostbusters collection to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic film
There’s something sweet in the neighbourhood this Halloween…the all-new Krispy Kreme® x Ghostbusters Collection, four doughnuts that are a haunting fusion of flavours and fun for the holiday!
The Krispy Kreme x Ghostbusters Collection arrives during the iconic Columbia Pictures 1984 film’s 40th anniversary celebration. Available now for a limited time at participating Krispy Kreme shops, grocery stores and Click and Collect, guests can enjoy a spine-tingling selection of doughnuts in a limited-edition custom Ghostbusters dozens box. For more information about this Halloween range, please visit krispykreme.ie.
A public library-based book club has a book club for adults with an intellectual disability
‘Book Buddies’ at Gorey Public Library in CoWexford, is challenging stigmas around intellectual disability, according to a support worker.
The unusual book club takes place in the library each month and allows participants choose materials which interest them. Because they all have different abilities and curiosities, this prompts the development of thought around their chosen theme.
The concept is part of the National Public Library Strategy 2023-2027, which contains a commitment that every library user should have access to a book club suitable for them in terms of age and reading level by the end of 2024. Visit librariesireland.ie to find out about similar initiatives in your area.
Irish dog brand does Buy One, Give One for the DSPCA
If you’re a pet owner and want to do something nice for charity, this is a great way to do it! Harley & Marley – who recently came Highly Commended in the Pets Category at the Irish Made Awards – have reduced all of their 70% fresh fish treats to allow customers to save 50% off each pack. And for every packet of these treats that are sold during this deal, they are donating a packet to the DSPCA to reward animals in their care who deserve a special treat too.
Already they have sold a total of 150 packets of treats so this amount and hopefully much more will be donated directly to the DSPCA. It’s double the love with Harley & Marley! Deal runs until 31 October.
Irish artist releases limited edition print for a very worthy cause
Every year, Audrey Hamilton chooses a charity to support for her AHA Giveback initiative and this year, she has created a beautiful print in honour of Cliona’s Foundation. This is an Irish charity that provides financial assistance to families with seriously sick children to help with the non-medical costs related to caring for their child. The Foundation was set up by Brendan and Terry Ring in honour of their daughter Cliona whom they sadly lost in 2016 at the age of 16.
Speaking on her Instagram page, Audrey said: “Butterflies have a special meaning to the family and Cliona as they are a symbol of hope and a reminder of loved ones.”
50% of all sales of FLUTTERFLY will go to Cliona’s Foundation. In purchasing, not only do you have a special piece of art to hang in your home but you will also be helping support families in need across Ireland. This print is available now to purchase on the website.
Nova’s PJ and Jim call on Ireland’s men to skip the speedos and take on The Dickie Dip in November!
The Mater Hospital Foundation has teamed up with Radio Nova’s Morning Glory presenters PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe to encourage men from all across Ireland to take part in The Dickie Dip; the annual, all-male, life-affirming skinny dip fundraiser, taking place in Skerries, Co Dublin on Saturday, 16 November.
If you know someone who is up for the challenge, tell them to leave the swimming trunks behind, strip off and take a dip in the sea in nothing but a dickie bow all to support men’s cancer care in the Mater Hospital! Click here to sign up and learn more.
Dogs Trust launches Ireland’s first ever Dog Census
Dogs Trust has launched Ireland’s Dog Census, a first of its kind initiative in Ireland. It is calling on the dog-loving public to help them ‘count every dog, so every dog counts.’ The short questionnaire can be completed by those who currently have a canine companion, as well as those who love dogs but don’t necessarily have one in their lives.
The aim of this new project is to fill knowledge gaps on Ireland’s owned dog population and their needs. The landscape for our canine companions is constantly evolving and they want to understand more about how issues like the cost of living and scarcity in the housing market are affecting dogs and their owners.
By completing the survey and sharing their views, dog owners and dog lovers will enable Dogs Trust to gain a deeper understanding of what Ireland’s dogs truly need. Visit dogstrust.ie to take the census.
Landmark Kerry jewellers celebrates 125 years in business
All anniversaries are special but reaching 125 years in business is a huge achievement and John Ross Jewellers in Tralee is celebrating this venerable occasion by giving its customers gifts!
The landmark shop, beloved of Kerry people for generations, and a whole tranche of new customers given its’ online presence, is run by cousins Heather O’Sullivan and Sandrene Brassil, whose great-grandfather, John Ross, founded the business in 1899.
To mark this historic milestone, they have curated a bespoke line of free gifts for each customer who spends over €50. (while stocks last!) See johnrossjewellers.com for more information.
Do a Halloween Conga Line for Childline!
Skeletons, witches and ghosts, you’re all very welcome to this Childline get-together – as long as you’ve got your dancing shoes on!
ISPCC is asking teachers, coaches and young people alike to dress up during any day in October, flaunt their fang-tastic outfits and then get ready to show off their moves. Each group can form a conga line, spreading joy and awareness for Childline. Every participant is invited to donate €4 as part of this fundraiser for Childline, a service that provides support for all children and young people, no matter what’s on their mind. Visit ISPCC.ie or click here for more information.
Impact of choir initiative shines through in powerful documentary
A choir for Ukrainians living in Ireland, set up by Local Development Companies (LDCs) across the country, has led to 90% of its members feeling a greater sense of belonging in Ireland. That’s according to a survey by Empower, the local development company for Fingal, which recently assessed the lasting impact of the initiative on choir members.
Twenty-eight of the thirty-nine choir members completed the survey which highlighted the project’s significant impact.
- 92% said they feel valued as a member of society in Ireland.
- 90% reported feeling a greater sense of belonging in Ireland.
- 82% said they developed personal and social connections.
- 75% reported improved mental health.
- 71% reported an increase in how integrated they feel.
National Arts in Nursing Homes Day: A celebration of creativity and connection
In May 2025, nursing homes across the country will come together for the annual National Arts in Nursing Homes Day, part of Age & Opportunity’s Bealtaine Festival, which celebrates its 30th anniversary. This event highlights the vital role of art in nursing home care, enriching the lives of residents through creativity, expression, and joy.
The aim is to connect local care settings with local artists for one-to-one meetings. These initial meetings will serve as the foundation for future collaborations, where the artists may offer residents an immersive, hands-on art-making experience. This programme will help nursing homes and artists develop unique, resident-led projects, deepening the connection between care settings and the arts sector.
For more information on how to participate or get involved, contact Nursing Homes Ireland on communications@nhi.ie or visit nhi.ie. The deadline for submissions is 16 October.
