Weekend Edition | November 14-16, 2025 | Issue #56

Author

Dirk Lauf
November 14, 2025

📬 WELCOME BACK, GORGEOUS NEIGHBOUR!

We're back! After a few weeks off to restructure and improve how we bring you the best of DLR, SouthSide Scoop returns with a fresh approach and the same commitment to keeping you connected to what matters in our community.

And what timing – we're returning just as the countdown to Christmas officially begins in DLR! While the rest of Dublin is already in full panic mode about holiday shopping, we're over here calmly preparing for what promises to be the best festive season our area has ever seen. This weekend, we're in that sweet spot between autumn and the Christmas madness – perfect timing to get your bearings before the Santa Parade kicks everything off next Friday.

During our break, we've been listening, learning, and restructuring to bring you more of what you actually need: real community news, practical updates that affect your daily life, and genuine opportunities to shape our area's future. Less fluff, more substance. That's the new SouthSide Scoop.

From major infrastructure consultations that'll shape how we get around for decades to come, to the opening of that magical illuminated walk we all love, this weekend is packed with opportunities to have your say and get involved in your community.

☁️ WEEKEND WEATHER: Partly cloudy with temperatures around 12-14°C. Perfect conditions for a harbour walk without needing full Arctic gear, but maybe bring that scarf you've been meaning to wear.

🎯 THIS WEEKEND'S ESSENTIALS:

  • Why next week's council consultation could transform your daily commute

  • The Christmas events starting next Friday that'll make December magical

  • Important M50 roadworks affecting your weekend travel

  • The illuminated walk that's already open (yes, you read that right!)

  • Plus: markets, libraries, and weekend happenings worth your time

So grab your reusable coffee cup and let's dive into what's happening in the neighbourhood that knows how to do weekends properly...

📰 NEWS & COMMUNITY UPDATES

🚴 CABINTEELY GREENWAY: YOUR CHANCE TO SHAPE THE FUTURE

The Big Picture: DLR County Council wants your input on the Cabinteely Greenway – a 2.3km walking and cycling route connecting Cornelscourt to Cherrywood through Cabinteely Park.

The statutory public consultation runs until Thursday, December 11th, 2025, and here's why it matters to you:

What's Proposed:

  • Safe, accessible route for walking, wheeling (mobility aids), and cycling between Cornelscourt and Cherrywood

  • Four distinct sections covering the full 2.3km route

  • Connection to schools, public transport, and green spaces

  • Features designed to enhance wellbeing and nature connection

The Problem It Solves: Currently, there's a lack of safe, accessible crossing points for people walking, wheeling and cycling along the route, with poor connectivity for pedestrians or cyclists wishing to travel from Cornelscourt through to Cabinteely Park and onto the wider Cherrywood area.

Key Dates:

  • Wednesday, November 19th, 7-8pm: Information webinar (register via Zoom)

  • Monday, November 25th, 4-8pm: Drop-in information event at St Brigid's Girls School, Cabinteely

How to Have Your Say: Submit feedback online at https://dlrcoco.citizenspace.com/infrastructure-climate-change/active-travel-cabinteely-greenway/ or drop hard copy surveys at Cabinteely Library.

Why This Matters: This isn't just about cyclists – it's about creating safer routes for school runs, reducing car dependency, and connecting our communities in ways that make everyday life easier. The closing date for receipt of submissions is Thursday, 11th December 2025.

🎄 CHRISTMAS IS COMING: NEXT FRIDAY!

Mark Your Calendars: Festivities kick off on Friday 21 November with the much-anticipated Santa Parade in Dún Laoghaire.

What's Starting This Month:

🎅 The Santa Parade

  • When: Friday, November 21st, 12pm

  • Route: Starting from County Hall on Marine Road

  • What to Expect: Santa arrives with his magical entourage, stopping at Myrtle Square for a Christmas entertainment show

  • Broadcast: 2FM's live show from the Roadcaster, 12-3pm

✨ Cabinteely Park Illuminated Walk

  • Already Open! Free to attend and open from 4pm to 8pm 7 days a week from Friday 21 November to Sunday 1 February

  • Accessibility: Fully accessible for wheelchairs and buggies

  • Special Features: Look out for the Curious Elf Tree with hundreds of little red elves

📬 Santa Post Boxes Magical post boxes will appear at:

  • dlr LexIcon in Dún Laoghaire

  • Marlay Park in Rathfarnham

  • Deerpark in Mount Merrion

  • Cabinteely Park

Tech Touch: Download the free Augmented Reality (AR) app at the Santa Post Boxes (appearing Nov 21st) to meet Mrs Claus, Santa, Elf, Rudolf and the Talking Tree. Instructions and QR codes will be available at each post box location.

Coming in December:

  • dlr Elf Dash (December 7th)

  • Wonderlights at Marlay Park

  • Alpine Skate Trail at St Michael's Pier

  • Traditional Fun Fair at Harbour Plaza

🚗 TRANSPORT & PRACTICAL INFO

What's Happening: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLR) has begun construction on the M50 Junction 14 Link Road Scheme in the Sandyford and Leopardstown Road area.

The Project: The scheme involves the construction of a new link road connecting the existing signalised roundabout at M50 Junction 14 on Leopardstown Road to Blackthorn Road, including:

  • New signalised junction on Blackthorn Road

  • Upgrades to existing M50 J14 roundabout

  • Enhanced pedestrian and cyclist crossing on Leopardstown Road

  • Dedicated active travel facilities to support walking and cycling

Timeline: Construction is underway with works expected to continue into 2026.

Weekend Impact: Expect potential traffic delays around Junction 14, particularly during peak hours. Plan extra time if you're heading to Sandyford, Leopardstown, or accessing the M50 from these areas.

📍 Contractor: BAM Civil Ltd. (main contractor)

🚂 DART & RAIL: NO MAJOR WEEKEND DISRUPTIONS

The Good News: No scheduled engineering works affecting DLR this weekend.

Normal Service: Weekend DART services running as scheduled between Greystones and Howth/Malahide.

Reminder: Woodbrook DART Station opened on August 10th, 2025, providing additional access between Shankill and Bray. Sunday services run approximately every 30 minutes.

Looking Ahead: The expansion of Dart to Drogheda using battery-electric trains has been delayed until 2027 due to a supply issue with the battery units for the new trains.

🚌 BUS SERVICES: NORMAL WEEKEND OPERATIONS

Status: No major disruptions reported for Dublin Bus or Go-Ahead Ireland services serving DLR this weekend.

Reminder: All valid rail tickets are accepted on Dublin Bus/Go-Ahead Ireland services during any weekend engineering works affecting rail services.

📍 Service Updates: Check the TFI app before traveling

🎉 WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

📚 DLR LIBRARIES: CHAIR YOGA CONTINUES

What: Mindful Chair Yoga with Sally Dunne When: Wednesdays in November (next session Nov 19th & 26th) Where: Cabinteely Library Why Attend: Gentle, accessible yoga suitable for all fitness levels and ages. Perfect for those new to yoga or preferring seated exercise. Cost: FREE Booking: Check dlr Libraries events page

🎨 ART & CULTURE AT THE LEXICON

Artist Talk: Alison Kay When: Friday, November 14th, 7pm Where: dlr LexIcon What: Evening talk with established artist Alison Kay Cost: FREE

Trails In Motion 13 Film Tour When: Friday, November 14th, 7pm
Where: LexIcon Library and Cultural Centre What: Adventure film screening celebrating outdoor pursuits Booking: Check Eventbrite

📍 LexIcon: Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire

🎭 PAVILION THEATRE: WHAT'S ON

The Pavilion Theatre continues its busy autumn/winter season with various performances. While specific shows for this exact weekend are being finalized, the venue's programme typically includes theatre, cinema, comedy, and family shows.

Pro Tip: Check Friday morning for any last-minute ticket releases – cancellations often mean premium seats at standard prices.

📍 Box Office: Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire | Check paviliontheatre.ie for current programme

🗓️ EVENTS BY CATEGORY

🛍️ MARKETS & SHOPPING

🏪 BLACKROCK MARKET When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am-5:30pm Where: 19a Main Street, Blackrock What: Over 30 stalls featuring antiques, vintage finds, clothing, home furnishings, international food stalls, and the Michelin-starred Liath Restaurant Why Go: One of Dublin's most eclectic markets. Perfect for gift hunting, vintage browsing, or just grabbing lunch at one of the excellent food stalls Cost: FREE entry Parking: Paid parking required nearby

Pro Tip: The market can get busy around midday – arrive before 12pm for the best selection and easier browsing.

🌿 DÚN LAOGHAIRE COCO MARKET When: Sunday, 10am-4pm (check current hours) Where: Two locations:

  • Food Village: Near the LexIcon Library

  • People's Park: Arts, crafts, and artisan products

What: Over 50 vendors selling hot food, baked goods, artisan products, seasonal produce, handmade crafts, and contemporary art

Why Go: Support local producers, grab fresh ingredients for the week, and enjoy the harbour atmosphere

Cost: FREE entry

📍 Location: Marine Road area, Dún Laoghaire

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILY FUN

🎄 PREPARE FOR NEXT WEEK'S FESTIVITIES

With the Santa Parade and Christmas events kicking off next Friday (Nov 21st), this weekend is perfect for:

Family Activities:

  • Scout out the Santa Parade route along Marine Road

  • Visit Cabinteely Park to see where the illuminated walk will be

  • Check out potential spots for watching the parade at Myrtle Square

  • Write letters to Santa to post in the magical post boxes (appearing Nov 21st)

Getting Ready:

  • AR app details will be available at Santa Post Boxes starting Nov 21st

  • Register for email updates about Christmas events

  • Plan your December calendar around key dates like the Elf Dash (Dec 7th)

📖 LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

Regular Programming: DLR Libraries continue their excellent range of free events for all ages. This month's highlights include:

  • Mindful Chair Yoga (Wednesdays at Cabinteely)

  • Various children's activities and storytimes

  • Adult learning programmes

Winter Reading: With darker evenings upon us, visit your local library for:

  • New releases and bestsellers

  • Cozy mystery novels

  • Christmas-themed books for children

  • Free Wi-Fi and comfortable reading spaces

📍 Eight Branch Locations: Blackrock, Cabinteely, Dalkey, Deansgrange, Dundrum, Shankill, Sallynoggin, and dlr LexIcon

🎯 WEEKEND STRATEGY GUIDE

SATURDAY PLAN

Morning (9am-12pm):

  1. Blackrock Market early visit (beat the crowds)

  2. Coffee on Blackrock Main Street

  3. Harbour walk in Dún Laoghaire while weather's decent

Afternoon (12pm-4pm):

  1. Check out the Cabinteely Greenway consultation materials online

  2. Library visit for weekend reading

  3. Scout Santa Parade route for next week

Evening: Catch the Artist Talk at LexIcon (7pm) or Trails film screening

SUNDAY PLAN

Morning (10am-1pm):

  1. Dún Laoghaire CoCo Market browsing

  2. Harbour walk (bring the family)

  3. Brunch at a local spot

Afternoon (1pm-5pm):

  1. Blackrock Market if you missed Saturday

  2. Register for Cabinteely Greenway webinar (Nov 19th)

  3. Family planning session for Christmas events

Evening: Cozy night in with library books and hot chocolate

📱 COMMUNITY CORNER

🗣️ HAVE YOUR SAY

Active Consultations:

1. Cabinteely Greenway Your input shapes how we'll move around our area for decades to come. The consultation runs until December 11th, with information sessions scheduled for November 19th and 25th.

2. General Feedback DLR County Council regularly seeks community input on various projects. Check their Public Consultation Hub for current opportunities.

💡 GOOD NEIGHBOUR TIPS

Preparing for Christmas Events:

  • Christmas traffic will increase significantly from November 21st

  • Consider taking the DART for Christmas shopping and events

  • Support local businesses during the festive season

  • Be patient with increased footfall in town centres

Winter Wellness:

  • Library yoga sessions are free and accessible

  • Harbour walks are excellent for mental health

  • Community events help combat seasonal isolation

🔮 LOOKING AHEAD

NEXT WEEK (Nov 21-23)

Friday, November 21st:

  • 🎅 Santa Parade in Dún Laoghaire (12pm start, Marine Road)

  • ✨ Cabinteely Park Illuminated Walk Opens (4-8pm daily through Feb 1st)

  • 📬 Santa Post Boxes Appear (Four locations across DLR)

Coming Soon:

  • November 25th: Cabinteely Greenway drop-in event (4-8pm, St Brigid's School)

  • December 7th: dlr Elf Dash in Cabinteely Park

  • Throughout December: Wonderlights, ice skating, fun fair, and more

DECEMBER PREVIEW

The full Christmas programme promises to be spectacular:

  • Alpine Skate Trail at St Michael's Pier

  • Wonderlights at Marlay Park

  • Traditional Fun Fair at Harbour Plaza

  • Santa at Dún Laoghaire Shopping Centre

  • Illuminated East Pier bandstand

  • Traditional Crib display at St Michael's

Pro Tip: Start planning now – the best Christmas events book up quickly!

💌 CLOSING THOUGHTS

Here's what makes this weekend special: we're in that calm before the wonderful storm of Christmas festivities. Next Friday, our area transforms into a winter wonderland, but right now, we have the perfect opportunity to prepare, plan, and have our say on projects that'll shape our community for years to come.

The Cabinteely Greenway consultation isn't just bureaucratic box-ticking – it's a genuine chance to influence how safe and accessible our area becomes for everyone, from school kids cycling to parents with buggies to older residents wanting better walking routes. That's the kind of stuff that makes living here even better.

And the Christmas events? They're not just festive fluff. DLR Christmas 2025 promises to be the county's most magical celebration yet, with twinkling lights, snowy scenes and joyful outdoor experiences for all ages. From the Santa Parade to the illuminated walks, ice skating to Wonderlights, we're getting a month-long celebration that rivals anything in Dublin city centre – without the crowds or hassle.

This weekend, whether you're browsing Blackrock Market, planning your consultation submission, or simply enjoying a harbour walk, remember that we're part of a community that actually listens and delivers on what matters to residents.

Weekend Challenge: Do one thing this weekend that contributes to making DLR even better – attend an event, submit feedback on the Greenway, support a local business, or simply connect with a neighbor. Small actions, big community.

🔔 STAY CONNECTED WITH SOUTHSIDE SCOOP

Got Local Intel? See something happening? Spot a new development? Know about upcoming events?

📧 Email: [email protected]
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Next Week: Complete Santa Parade coverage, Cabinteely Greenway consultation report, Christmas event survival guide, and everything you need to know about December in DLR.

Until then, enjoy your weekend by the bay! 🌊

SouthSide Scoop is written by locals, for locals, with just enough insider knowledge to keep you informed 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 | Bray | Greystones | And everywhere in between where community matters