Groups & Activities
Our centre is home to a range of groups and activities that promote social connections, wellbeing, life long learning and community development in West Cork.
Click on the icons below for more info on each activity.
Families & Kids Activities
Parent/Toddler Group: A relaxed weekly gathering where parents and carers can connect while children play in a safe and welcoming environment. We have seasonal themes which incorporate crafts, baking and outdoor play. Parent/Toddler Group takes place on Thursdays from 10am-12pm, 5€ drop in fee per family. Ages 0-5 are welcome.
We also offer seasonal family and children’s activities, for example: our Kid’s Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween crafts and Santa’s visit.
During school breaks we offer a fun Cycle Skills programme for kids aged 3-11, this is facilitated by the amazing Bike Wizard Ulich O’Beirne.
We also offer Seasonal Camps and group activities for kids and teens that have different themes such as outdoors activities, creative writing or arts and crafts. Spaces are limited and pre booking is required, check our social media or contact us for updates on our latest offerings.
Singing Mamas is a beautiful therapeutic singing group for women and carers with small children, its aim is to reduce stress through singing. They meet on Mondays from 10:30am-12pm in our hall. This group is facilitated by Tara Mestre of Wild Atlantic Wellness, contact Tara to book (083) 417 8421.
Teen Groups
The Den: YMCA Youth Group meets on Fridays at 1:15pm at our centre, for ages 13-19. This is a fun and inclusive social and peer support group that does a range of activities, including quizzes, board games, table tennis and outdoors activities.
Our Space: ARCH Autism Social and Support Group for Parents and Teens meets on Saturdays from 11am-1pm. It’s a chance for parents and neurodiverse teens to enjoy a relaxing space to connect, develop social skills, play games and go on outings. Contact Ann for more information (087) 765 4226.
We offer Seasonal Camps and Workshops for teens as well, that may include outdoors activities and/or professional, personal and creative development activities.
Carer and Older Person’s Activities
Memory Cafe at the Parkway Hotel: A free monthly meeting that provides a warm and welcoming place for people to meet others also living with dementia/memory loss, their friends & family as well as health & social care professionals. There is something different to enjoy each month, whether it be an information/educational session, or fun and games e.g. a quiz and bingo. All are welcome! Takes place the fourth Wednesday of every month 10:30-12:30pm.
Singing for the Brain: This is an Arts and Health initiative programme recognises the therapeutic effects of music on the brain and body and utilises singing to stimulate memory and promote health and wellbeing. Check our Facebook page for the latest updates as this program runs in blocks of 6 or 8 sessions. Runs on Thursdays from 2pm-3:30pm.
Community Cafe for Ballineen/Enniskeane and the surrounding areas: A warm and welcoming monthly meeting place for everyone in the Ballineen, Enniskeane and surrounding areas to meet, chat and enjoy a refreshment. Taking place at BEDA Hall the second Friday of every month, 10:30am-12:00pm.
Carer’s Events: We host special workshops and events for carers, such as our Creative Carers Art Therapy Group. For more information, contact Debbie and check our social media.
Migrant Family Support Activities
Our dedicated Migrant Family Support Support Workers host activities to support wellbeing and integration into local life.
On Monday mornings, Emma leads a relaxing Walk and Talk group that helps them get to know the natural beauty of the area.
On Tuesdays, Anna and Emma run a playgroup at the Inchigeelagh Lake House.
On Thursdays, Emma holds a wellness session at the Clonakilty Lodge.
Throughout the year, group trips to family friendly fun places such as Fota Wildlife Park and the Warren Beach are organised.
Contact Emma and Anna for more information about their programming.
ETB Courses & Awareness Talks
Seasonal courses and workshops to support learning, personal development and skills-building in the community. Some examples of courses we run are Creative Writing, Aromatherapy, Upcycling and Creative Arts. Courses run for 4 to 6 weeks and have a small participant fee. Pre registration online through the ETB website or our centre are required. For more information on upcoming courses, check the Dunmanway FET Facebook page.
Awareness Talks are single events to provide information on health, wellbeing and social issues. Regular talks we host include BabyTalk, Parenting and Psychology related themes.
Choirs and Musical Activities
Dunmanway Community Choir meets weekly on Monday evenings from 7pm-9pm.Come and sing a variety of songs and try harmonies in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. 5€ recommended donation.
Contact Jane for more info: 085 166 5936.
Singing for the Brain Runs on Thursdays from 2pm-3:30pm. This is an Arts and Health initiative programme recognises the therapeutic effects of music on the brain and body and utilises singing to stimulate memory and promote health and wellbeing. Check our Facebook page for the latest updates as this program runs in blocks of 6 or 8 sessions.
Dunmanway Men’s Shed Choir meets weekly on Tuesdays from 2pm-4pm. Friendly meeting for gents to sing well loved songs and have the craic.
Contact John for more info 087 250 7957.
Community Jam is a monthly music session on the first Wednesday of the month. Open to adults. This is a fun atmosphere to play music together or just come and enjoy others playing.
Facilitated by Trace, contact her for more details at 087 953 3379.
Men’s Shed
A social space for men to meet, share skills, work on projects and enjoy camaraderie. The Men’s Shed Workshop is open on Tuesdays 10-3pm and Wednesdays 7pm. No booking required.
Dunmanway Men’s Shed Choir meets weekly on Tuesdays from 2pm-4pm. Friendly meeting for gents to sing well loved songs and have the craic.
Contact John for more info 087 250 7957.
Community Garden
A shared space where people come together to grow food, learn new skills and enjoy the outdoors in a spirit of community. Volunteers meet on Wednesday mornings 10am-12pm. The Garden has 2 polytunnels and a range of beds with edible plants and herbs. The space is open for facilitators to run learning activities as well as for community events.
Yoga
We host an all levels Gentle Flow yoga class in our main hall on Friday evenings at 6pm with Anja. This class helps connect to breath through gentle movement.
Contact Anja to book: 086 126 6036 / anyasyoga@proton.me
Walk and Talk
Walk and Talk is an easy going walking and social group that meets weekly on Mondays, 10:30am-12pm, starting from our centre on Kilbarry Road. It’s a great way to connect and get outside. Enjoy a cosy cuppa after the walk. Led by Wellness coach Emma Fitzpatrick.
