Kickstarting the New Year!!
This month is the first month of 2026! We are delighted to introduce our Calendar, where every month will focus on a relevant theme and will be packed with helpful tips, events that are happening, creative ideas and key supports to boredom busters.
The start of a new year is often seen as an opportunity to make some changes in your life. Now is a good time to look back at the year just gone, plan for the year ahead and set yourself some goals. You’ll find plenty of information throughout this online calendar, so check out the months ahead.
Extra not different
You don’t need to reinvent yourself. Often it’s enough to do more of one thing and less of another.
Celebtrate the good stuff
Reflect on the year gone but don’t just focus on the bad stuff you want to get rid of. Remember the successes, the achievements and the things and people that made you happy.
Spin for vibes
January Events
| 01 | New Year’s Day |
| 03 | Full Moon January’s full moon is known as The Wolf Moon! |
| 06 | Nollaig na mBan |
| 06–17 | First Fortnight Festival First Fortnight is a charity that challenges mental health prejudice through arts and cultural action. More info |
| 07–10 | Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition There are options to visit in person or be a virtual visitor. More info |
| 20 | CAO Apply online by this date to avail of the discounted application fee of €35. |
Plan
Set priorities! There might be stuff that you really NEED to focus on. Some things are good ideas and ideally you’d like them to happen. While keeping things real is great for goal setting, it’s ok to hold on to some ‘you never know’ moments.
Plan the good stuff too!
Concerts, days out, holidays…all the treats. Whatever makes you happy, maybe there is a specific event you want to make sure you’ve planned for.
Set goals but keep it real
It’s a good idea to set some goals for the year ahead. Aspirations are great to have, but be real about what is achievable aim, and what is something you’re hoping will happen.
Sports Clubs
It’s not just about fitness, it’s about friendship, teamwork, and staying active in a fun way. There are hundreds of sports clubs, from traditional team sports like football, boxing, rugby, and basketball to niche activities like martial arts, dance, and horse riding. There’s a club out there for you, no matter what your interests or skill levels may be. It is also fun to become a supporter of your local Club, and being part of something!
Local Sports Partnerships
Local Sports Partnerships helps people to get active and removes barriers to sport and physical activity. Find your local LSP. Have a look at the Club directory on the Dún Laoghaire Sports Partnership for ideas.
Sports Inclusion Disability Officer (SIDO)
aim to increase the participation of people with disabilities in sport, fitness and physical activity throughout the country. You will find these in your Local Sports Partnerships.
Her Sport
The voice, the platform and the movement driving visibility, equity and opportunity in women’s sport. More info.
Create a year book!
Start the year by printing your favorite photos and creating a photo album or book that captures last year’s memories. It’s a perfect way to keep memories of 2025, from everyday moments to big milestones!!
Vikings your thing?
Here is a fun interactive map from Dublin City Council that shows you videos and info about Viking and Medieval Dublin.
Useful contacts
January is a time where some start thinking of college. Even if you are not going to college next year, it can be good to have a look around.
1. CAO (college application)
2. Further Education and Training Course Hub
3. NALA (adult literacy)
Tip!
Watch out for College Open Days/Evenings in colleges you are interested in.
This is your chance to explore the facilities, check out different courses, chat with lecturers, and hear from current students. Open Days are listed on careersportal.ie or College websites.
Your Info Your Way
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Have any questions?
The online chat service is staffed by Youth Information Officers from centres across Ireland. It is available from 4pm and 8pm, Monday to Friday!
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