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 offer seasonal family and children’s activities, for example: our Kid’s Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween crafts and Santa’s visit.
Cycle Skills programme for kids aged 3-11: Offered during Easter break and in July. A fun half day camp to work on skills and confidence. Facilitated by the amazing Bike Wizard Ulich O’Beirne.
Seasonal Camps and group activities: Run during school holidays for kids and teens. Different themes such as outdoors activities, creative writing or arts and crafts are offered. Spaces are limited and pre booking is required, check our social media or contact us for updates.
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.
A supportive social space to enjoy hands on activities, build confidence and connections. A chance to explore crafting, wellbeing, DIY and many other fun activities. All ages 18+ welcome. 5€ Contribution. Booking Essential, contact us 023 8855 6818 / info@dfrc.ie
Women's Group
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.
Walk and Talk group : Runs on Monday mornings with Emma. Connects newcomers and locals alike with the natural beauty of the area.
Playgroup: Runs on Tuesdays with Anna at the Inchigeelagh Lake House.
Wellness Sessions: Gentle movement and relaxation with Emma. Runs on Thursdays at the Clonakilty Lodge and Tuesdays starting February 2026 at the DFRC .
Throughout the year, group trips to family friendly fun places such as 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 fortnightly 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: 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.
Starting up again in February 2026!
Community Garden
The Dunmanway Community Garden is located in the Tonafora neighborhood, walking distance to the town centre, sport complex and MICC. It’s a shared space where people come together to grow food, learn new skills and enjoy the outdoors in a spirit of community. The Garden has 2 polytunnels and a range of beds with edible plants and herbs.
Volunteer Meet Up: on Wednesday mornings 10am-12pm.
The Community Garden Needs You! We are actively looking for new volunteers, who can join us at least twice a month to help maintain and get the garden ready for growing season! Jobs can include mowing, trimming, weeding, pruning, planting, and minor repairs.
Interested in running an event in the Garden?
The space is open for facilitators to run learning activities as well as for community events.
Contact us at 023 885 6818 / info@dfrc.ie to discuss your ideas or to volunteer.
Men’s Shed
Dunmanway Men’s Shed : A social space for men to meet, share skills, work on projects and enjoy camaraderie. New members welcome!
Men’s Shed Workshop: Open on Tuesdays 10-3pm and Wednesdays 7pm for tea and chats. No booking required.
Dunmanway Men’s Shed Choir: Meets fortnightly 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.
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.
