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- Weekend Edition | June 7-8, 2025 | Issue #47
Weekend Edition | June 7-8, 2025 | Issue #47
Dirk Lauf
June 06, 2025
📬 HELLO THERE, GORGEOUS NEIGHBOUR!
Welcome back to your favourite weekend read – the one that knows exactly why you chose to live in the most spectacular corner of Dublin!
Another glorious weekend is upon us, and while the rest of Dublin is stuck in traffic, we're here living our best coastal life. From Dundrum to Dalkey, Blackrock to Bray's doorstep, this weekend is packed with more local gems than you can shake a seaweed-covered stick at!
☕ QUICK WEEKEND WEATHER CHECK: Partly cloudy with sunny spells – perfect for those harbour walks we keep promising ourselves we'll do more often!
🎯 THIS WEEKEND'S MUST-KNOWS:
Why Saturday's environmental session could change your beach days forever
The French éclair invasion that's (maybe) hitting our shores
Property prices that'll make you feel like a genius for buying when you did
Plus: The weekend events that actually matter to us locals
Grab your coffee (or morning G&T, we don't judge) and let's dive in...
🎪 WEEKEND EVENTS: THE GOOD STUFF
SATURDAY SCORECARD
🦭 SEAL RESCUE SPECTACULAR Saturday, June 7 | Dún Laoghaire Harbour What: DLR & Seal Rescue Ireland Blue Flag Environmental Information Sessions
Why You'll Love It: Finally understand what those adorable seals are up to in our waters! Plus, your kids will think you're the coolest parent ever.
Insider Tip: Bring binoculars – seal-spotting becomes an obsession once you start!
📍 More Info: DLR Events
📚 LITERARY MAGIC FOR THE LITTLE ONES Saturday, June 7 | DLR Library What: "The Cat & The Devil" - Special children's library event
Why You Should Go: It's free, it's fun, and it gives you an hour to actually finish your coffee while it's still hot.
Pro Parent Move: Check if other parents want to grab coffee afterward – instant weekend social plans!
📍 More Info: DLR Events
SUNDAY SITUATION
Honestly? Sunday's looking pretty chill, which means...
Beach walks without the crowds ✅
Leisurely brunches at your favourite local spot ✅
That Netflix series you've been meaning to start ✅
🍴 FOODIE FLASH: THE FRENCH ARE COMING!
ÉCLAIR INVASION ALERT 🥐
Hold onto your berets, DLR foodies – there's whispers of something très magnifique heading our way!
The Buzz: French Revolution, the Romanian chain famous for making "exceedingly pretty eclairs," is eyeing up a Dún Laoghaire location. While we can't confirm exactly when or where, our spies (okay, fine, our friend who knows someone in the food industry) suggest it's more than just pastry dreams.
What This Means for You:
Say goodbye to those weekend trips to the city centre for decent pastries
Hello to Instagram-worthy breakfast spots right on our doorstep
Possible excuse to practice your French ("Deux éclairs, s'il vous plaît!")
Already Amazing: Let's not forget we've got DopeTapas on Lower George's Street serving up Spanish vibes, and the incredible China Tang that opened in Monkstown earlier this year, bringing fine-dining Chinese cuisine to our neighbourhood.
Pro tip: While we wait for the French invasion, 1909 Restaurant & Wine Bar in Dalkey is still serving up those steaks that make you question why you ever bother cooking at home.
📍 Source: AllTheFood.ie Restaurant News
📍 DopeTapas: OpenTable Listing
📍 1909 Restaurant: 1909.ie
🏠 PROPERTY PULSE: FEELING FANCY?
THE MARKET THAT MAKES US FEEL LIKE GENIUSES
Remember when your aunt said "property by the sea is too expensive"? Yeah, about that...
The Numbers That Matter:
Dublin house prices up 12.2% this year (highest in 8 years!)
National average hitting €346,048
Only 9,300 second-hand homes available nationwide (lowest since 2007)
Translation: If you already own in DLR, you're basically a property wizard who can see the future.
WHAT'S ACTUALLY FOR SALE NEAR US
Curious about what your neighbours' houses might be worth? Here's what's currently on the market:
The "I've Made It" Bracket:
Monkstown stunners: €1,950,000 (5 bed, 4 bath, 340m²)
Glenageary gems: €1,700,000 (4 bed, 3 bath, detached)
The "Realistic Dreams" Range:
Dún Laoghaire apartments: €495,000-€599,000
Family terraces: €545,000 (Oliver Plunkett Villas)
The Reality Check: With fewer than 10,000 homes available nationwide, finding anything decent is like finding a parking spot in Dalkey village on a sunny Sunday – technically possible, but you'd better be quick!
📍 Current Listings: Daft.ie Dún Laoghaire Properties
🏗️ DEVELOPMENT DIARY: YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD UPDATE
SHANGANAGH'S SHINING MOMENT
The big housing development everyone's talking about is finally here, and it's actually pretty impressive...
What's New:
597 new homes (mix of affordable purchase, cost rental, and social housing)
Affordable homes starting at €334,600 (with government equity support)
Cost rental apartments from €1,250/month
Includes crèche, local shop, café, and resident amenities
Why This Matters: Finally, some options for people who want to live in our area without selling a kidney. Plus, new neighbours who'll actually appreciate living here!
📍 More Info: LDA Shanganagh Castle Estate
📍 Apply: DLR Affordable Housing Scheme
BUILDING BOOM CONTINUES
88 new homes coming to St. Laurence's Park, Stillorgan (end of 2025)
13 additional homes in various DLR locations
Translation: More people discovering what we already know – this is the best place to live in Dublin.
📍 Source: DLR County Council Build Programme
🎭 COMING ATTRACTIONS: MARK YOUR CALENDARS
BLOOMSDAY BONANZA (June 11-16)
Because nothing says "sophisticated local" like celebrating James Joyce...
The Highlights:
Ulysses aWake at Blackrock: 80 minutes of Joyce compressed into something actually entertaining (and it's FREE!)
Bloomsday Cycling Tour: Costumes essential – because why not look fabulous while cycling?
Joyce Tower Events: Multiple Bloomsday experiences in Sandycove
📍 More Info: DLR Tourism Events
DALKEY BOOK FESTIVAL (June 12-15)
The literary event that makes our neighbours jealous...
Star Power: Steven Pinker, Charlie Mackesy, Michael Lewis, and more
Why You'll Love It: World-class speakers in our backyard – no need to fight Dublin traffic or pay city centre prices for parking!
JULY'S BIG BASH
Dún Laoghaire Summerfest (July 4-13): 70+ acts across two weeks. Start planning your annual leave now!
📍 More Info: Summerfest 2025
🚲 TRANSPORT TALK: THE DLR CONNECTOR
CYCLING REVOLUTION COMING
Big news for anyone who's ever tried to cycle safely between Dundrum and the coast...
The Scoop: DLR County Council is consulting on the DLR Connector – an 8km continuous cycle route from Dundrum to Carrickbrennan Road in Monkstown.
What This Means:
Safe cycling from the mountains to the sea
Bye-bye to those terrifying roundabouts
Hello to being even more smug about living in the most cycle-friendly part of Dublin
The Controversy: They're planning to remove the Stradbrook roundabout (you know, the scary one). Some locals are upset, others are throwing parties.
Have Your Say: Consultation runs from June 3rd – your chance to shape the future of getting around our neighbourhood without a car.
📍 More Info: IrishCycle.com DLR Connector Report
PLACES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
The Pump Track at Apna Park: Multi-use track for bikes, skateboards, and roller skates. Perfect for convincing teenagers you're still cool.
Dún Laoghaire Anseo Urban Art Trail: "Anseo" means "here" in Irish – and here is exactly where you'll find some surprising street art gems.
The Secret Silence Sessions: 50 minutes of pure silence with friends or family. Apparently, "they are only thoughts" and pass by "like waves." Worth trying if meditation apps aren't working for you.
📍 Discover More: DLR Tourism Activities
This week's local social media highlights (because we all scroll, let's be honest):
🔥 TRENDING:
"Anyone else think the new China Tang is better than anything in the city centre?"
"Parking in Dalkey on a sunny day should be an Olympic sport"
"Why does my coffee taste better when I drink it looking at the sea?"
📸 INSTAGRAM GOLD:
Sunrise shots from the East Pier (hashtag #DLRMornings is having a moment)
Food pics from local restaurants (our restaurants are definitely winning the food photo game)
🎯 WEEKEND INSIDER TIPS
SATURDAY STRATEGY
Morning Mission (9-11am):
Hit the Environmental Info Session at the harbour
Grab coffee at your local spot while it's still quiet
Beach walk before the Dublin daytrippers arrive
Afternoon Adventure (12-4pm):
Family library time (if you've got little ones)
Explore the urban art trail you keep meaning to check out
Lunch somewhere with a sea view (because you can)
SUNDAY SUCCESS
The Perfect Sunday Formula:
Sleep in (you've earned it)
Brunch somewhere local
Beach time without the Saturday crowds
Sunday roast dinner at home or your favourite pub
🌟 COMMUNITY CORNER
RANDOM ACTS OF LOCAL KINDNESS
Because good news deserves sharing:
Spotted: Neighbour helping elderly resident with shopping bags near the DART station
Local café giving free coffee to healthcare workers
Someone left a "Little Free Library" box near Blackrock Park (keep an eye out!)
LOST & FOUND
Because we look out for each other:
Lost: Small white dog, last seen near Dún Laoghaire pier (contact DLR Tourism if spotted)
Found: Set of house keys with sailing club keyring (handed in to Gardaí)
🎪 NEXT WEEK PREVIEW
Why you should stick around for next weekend...
Coming Up:
Bloomsday festivities begin (prepare for literary tourists)
Father's Day planning (local restaurant recommendations incoming)
Summer festival season kicks into high gear
Rumour Mill:
Whispers of a new boutique opening in Dalkey village
Possible outdoor cinema announcements for Marlay Park
Secret location scouting for mystery restaurant opening
💌 CLOSING THOUGHTS
Here's the thing about living in DLR – we might complain about parking, debate roundabout removals, and roll our eyes at weekend tourists, but deep down, we all know we've won the Dublin location lottery.
This weekend, whether you're learning about seals, hunting for éclairs, or just enjoying a quiet coffee with a sea view, remember that thousands of people spend their weekends in traffic just to visit where we call home.
So here's to us: The locals who chose wisely, stayed smart, and get to live where others vacation.
Weekend Challenge: Share one thing you love about living here with someone who doesn't. Spread the DLR love (but not too much – we don't want everyone moving here).
🔔 Stay Connected with SouthSide Scoop
See something happening in our neck of the woods? Spot a new opening? Have gossip about local developments?
Drop us a line: [email protected]
Follow us: @SouthSideScoop
Share this newsletter: Because good neighbours share good news
Next week: Father's Day dining guide, Bloomsday survival tips, and the café openings everyone's talking about.
Until then, enjoy your weekend by the bay! 🌊
SouthSide Scoop is written by locals, for locals, with just enough insider knowledge to make you feel special and just enough community spirit to make you want to share it.
📍 Proudly covering: Blackrock | Booterstown | Cabinteely | Dalkey | Dún Laoghaire | Dundrum | Foxrock | Glenageary | Killiney | Monkstown | Mount Merrion | Sandycove | Shankill | Stillorgan | And everywhere in between*
📱 SOCIAL BUZZ: WHAT EVERYONE'S TALKING ABOUT