Dolphin House wins award for turning derelict site into community garden

Dolphin House Community Garden won top prize at the Dublin City Neighbourhood Awards 2026 for turning a derelict pitch into a thriving community space

Add to preferred sources News Stephen Holland Local Democracy Reporter 16:45, 05 Oct 2026 View Image The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daryl Barron, with representatives of Dolphin House Community Garden, Overall Winners of the Dublin City Neighbourhood Awards 2026, at the Mansion House (Image: Fennell Photography)

Dolphin House Community Garden has been crowned the overall winner of the Dublin City Neighbourhood Awards 2026.

Lord Mayor Daryl Barron presented the award and a total prize fund of €4,500 at a ceremony in the Mansion House on Saturday night. The judges commended residents and volunteers together with Dolphin House gardening group and Dolphin House Community Development Association for transforming an unused, derelict gravel pitch into something special.

What was once a hot spot for anti-social behaviour turned into an inviting, thriving community space for all to enjoy. The garden was described as “a great example of the true spirit of the City Neighbourhood Awards ”.

“The Dublin City Neighbourhood Awards recognise the extraordinary efforts of residents, community groups and businesses who work year-round to make our city a better place for everyone. I am delighted to congratulate Dolphin House Community Garden on being named the overall winner,” Lord Mayor Barron stated.

“Their remarkable transformation of a derelict site into a thriving community space is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through local pride, partnership and volunteering. I would also like to congratulate all of this year's winners and participants whose dedication continues to make Dublin a greener, more inclusive and more vibrant city."

The recipient of the overall runners-up award was The Meeting Place located at Greenview Community Garden in Dublin 11. They received a prize of €3,500 for their achievements in transforming an unused site into a working garden for children and adults with additional needs.

The Meeting Place club is a steering committee made up of parents, volunteers and children who have been members of the club and have gone on to support those with additional needs including autism, dyslexia and ADHD.

Wink Hair Salon, St. Assam’s Road, Dublin 5 were winners of the Overall Business Category and received an award and a prize of €1,000. Wink Hair Salon is a sustainability-led organic hair salon.

The salon stands out as an early adopter of sustainable hairdressing practices in an industry traditionally associated with a high level of chemical use, packaging waste and water consumption. At a time when organic and eco-conscious alternatives were scarce, the owner committed to finding a better way.

Sinéad Mooney and Aideen O’Brien, organisers of Dublin City Council ’s Dublin City Neighbourhood Awards said: "We've met such wonderful and passionate people along the way who are so committed to their city.

“The annual awards are all about recognising, in a meaningful way, the improvements made through the hundreds of hours of voluntary work carried out by people across Dublin. They recognise the work put in by residents, businesses and schools to create, shape and enjoy all that is good about their area. Year after year, the commitment and dedication of communities and businesses never cease to amaze us and, on behalf of Dublin City Council, we would like to say a huge thank you and congratulations to everyone involved."

This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

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