Pearse Park Community Garden

Nestled behind the Swan Leisure Swimming Pool car park on Windmill Road, Pearse Park Community Garden is a vibrant green haven run by local volunteers. Established in 2023 following the insights of the Pearse Park Survey, our garden provides an inclusive space where people of all ages and abilities grow food, learn new skills, and build community connections.

 

History & Formation

  • 2022: Bloomin’ Crumlin met with Dublin City Council’s Crumlin Office and Parks Department to request use of the under‑utilised land. that was a location for anti-social behaviour The Council agreed and supported the initiative, installing a boundary fence, storage container, and water connection.

  • Early 2023: The inaugural meeting at St. Mary’s Parish Hall brought together neighbours keen to form a Community Garden Committee. Funding from the AXA Parks Community Fund and Community Foundation Ireland enabled construction of vegetable beds, a polytunnel, and purchase of tools and equipment based on designs conceptualised by the committee and volunteers.

  • Garden Model: Inspired by visits to neighbouring community gardens, the committee adopted a communal model—volunteers share in all tasks and, in return, share in the harvest.

Location & Access

  • Entrance: Via Swan Leisure car park on Windmill Road, behind the Crumlin United outdoor storage room.

  • Map Coordinates: 53.32449, –6.31332

Opening Hours & Drop‑In Days

  • Wednesdays: 1:00pm – 3:00 pm

  • Saturdays: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

  • Watering Rota: Volunteers also attend midweek to water and tend plants.

  • Drop‑In Format: Committee members highlight tasks—planting, weeding, pruning, composting, light woodwork, organising materials—and newcomers receive guidance on whichever activity most interests them. There is no onus to do volunteering and people are also encouraged  to attend to have a cup of tea and a chat.

Facilities & Infrastructure

  • Polytunnel: Houses seed germination and early growth; volunteers pot on seedlings before transplanting them to outdoor beds.

  • Storage Container: Secures tools, compost, and equipment.

  • Community Orchard: Young fruit trees planted in 2024, with more varieties planned.

  • Native Hedgerow: Over winter and spring 2024, we planted hawthorn, blackthorn, and dogwood (supplied by Dublin City Council Parks Department) to boost local biodiversity.

Events, Workshops & Festivals

Our garden is more than soil and spades—it’s a community hub for:

  • Children’s Bug Safaris and bat walks

  • Tomato‑planting and seed‑saving workshops

  • Plant giveaways and tree‑planting days

  • Seasonal festivals featuring live music and films

  • Biodiversity talks led by local experts

Community & Social Life

We believe gardening is best enjoyed together. After each Wednesday and Saturday session, volunteers gather with flasks, homemade cakes, and snacks for a relaxed catch‑up. New members quickly find friends, share tips, and build lasting relationships in a welcoming environment.

Funding & Partnerships

We are grateful for ongoing support from:

  • Dublin City Council (fence, water, trees)

  • Community Foundation Ireland

  • AXA Parks Community Fund

  • National Parks & Wildlife Service and the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage’s Community Biodiversity Fund (launched by Minister Malcolm Noonan, Feb 15, 2025)

If you or your organisation would like to sponsor the garden, please get in touch.

Future Plans (2025)

  • Dryloo Toilet: A self‑contained composting facility for volunteers and visitors

  • Wildlife Pond: To attract amphibians and aquatic invertebrates, further enhancing biodiversity

  • Expanded Orchard: Additional fruit tree varieties and pollinator‑friendly underplantings

Communications & Governance

  • WhatsApp Group: All volunteers are encouraged to join for real‑time updates, task allocations, and social chats.

  • AGM: The Pearse Park Community Garden holds its own annual general meeting, separate from Bloomin’ Crumlin’s AGM, to elect committee members and set priorities for the coming year.

Get Involved & Stay Connected

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply curious, there’s a place for you here. To join our WhatsApp group or learn more, email pearseparkgarden@gmail.com.
Follow us on Instagram: @pearsepark.garden

Come dig in, share your skills, and grow community spirit with us at Pearse Park Community Garden!