Tinahely, as well as being a picturesque and characterful town in the heart of the Wicklow hills, and near to several major towns including Arklow, Gorey and Carlow, it is also one of the most active and vibrant small towns in Ireland. We are proud to have a huge array of Community Groups and Organisations around town.
Tinahely Community Projects is made up of representatives of the community from all walks of life. The Committee is elected on an annual basis and they meet regularly to make important decisions on how our town is developed and improved. The hard work and dedication of these volunteers is evident in their achievements to date which have included the completion of the restored Railway Walk at Tomnafinnoge Woods just outside town, and projects include the extension of the Railway Walk, and a Community-owned Recycling Centre.
The Tinahely Walking and Tourism Committee is another group of dedicated volunteers who have been working closely with Failte Ireland and Wicklow Tourism, as well as Wicklow County Partnership and the Uplands Council, Coillte and local landowners, to launch Tinahely as a major hub for outdoor recreation. The first Tinahely Trail Walking Festival was launched in April 2010 by Minister Mary Hanafin, and the Committee plans to build on this great success.
Other sectors of the community have come together over the years to form groups concentrating on leisure and lifestyle. In 1999 a number of women from the Tinahely area came together to form a women’s group, to meet, have fun, share experiences and information, organize classes, formal discussions and interactive workshops, promote personal and skills development, promote a sense of belonging of all social groups and offer support and companionship.
The Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) is one of the largest organisations in Ireland. Founded in 1910, its aim was “to improve the standard of life in rural Ireland through Education and Co-operative effort”. From the start the organisation was non-denominational and non-party political, principles which continue to this day and members are drawn from every background and shade of opinion.
Tinahely ICA Guild are involved in many community projects and participate in many arts, crafts and performance events locally and on the County and National stage. They encourage all women in the area to come along to one of their regular meetings and get a flavour of the energy of the Tinahely Guild. They are a friendly bunch and they love to meet new people and promise all visitors a warm welcome! They meet in The Courthouse, Tinahely every 3rd Monday of the month at 7.30pm from September to June.
Contact: Madge Kenny madgekenny3@gmail.com. New members are always welcome.
Tinahely Active Retirement Association (TARA) is made up of a group of active, interested and talented people who share an interest in getting out and getting involved in the community, as well as developing their skills and sharing some laughter. TARA have partnered with many other local groups including the Courthouse Arts Centre to carry out some memorable projects, and they organise frequent trips to places of interest in Ireland and abroad. They are always on the lookout for new members. They meet every Tuesday morning from 10-30 to 12-30 at the Fairgreen Resource Centre. Liz Donohoe can be contacted at (087)2406838 and donohoelizz@gmail.com. Marley Kavanagh and Aide Lacey are also involved in the group.
Tinahely Community Playgroup and Creche was officially opened in September 2010 by Minister for Children Barry Andrews T.D. and offers a full Childcare service including Daycare Creche, Babyroom, Toddler room, Pre-school Montessori ECCE, and after school/homework club. The state of the art facility caters for 80 children with 15 staff including 5 FAS trainees. Jacqui is manager of the Community Playgroup/Creche.
Parent and Toddlers Group This group of parents and guardians meet every Wednesday morning at the Parish Hall from 10am to 12noon. New members are always welcome and your little one will enjoy a play with other children in a safe indoor environment. It is a great way to meet new people and get advice from other parents.
Foroige Crossbridge Foroige meets every Friday evening at Crossbridge Hall at 7.30pm until 9.30pm. It is a young people’s group, accepting members in secondary school until 18 years of age.
