Journal •
Neighbourhood Network’s vision for a more connected society
As Ireland’s cities, towns and villages continue to evolve, the places that endure are not only those of architectural merit, but those that carry meaning, memory, and a sense of belonging. Neighbourhood Network, an Irish social enterprise founded in 2020, is reimagining the foundation of our shared spaces—not through bricks and mortar, but by cultivating connection, trust, and collective resilience at the heart of our communities. Emerging from the uncertainty of the pandemic, Neighbourhood Network began as a grassroots initiative helping neighbours look out for one another. Through innovative community-led projects, their mission is to spark neighbourhood connections by empowering people to build happy, healthy communities.
Neighbourhood Network’s projects include Our Shared Plate, which supports communities to grow, cook and eat together. In nine communities across Laois, Longford and Kildare, it brings communities together to reconnect with food, the land, and each other through shared gardens, skill-sharing workshops, and social gatherings rooted in climate action. Home Together, a collaboration with Cairn, aims to foster a culture of connectedness in new Cairn neighbourhoods. Through community events and grassroots support, Home Together’s ambition is to shape happy places where people feel supported by one another.
Our Fabric, a partnership with Fingal County Council, aims to support residents to build meaningful connections with each other. Through community events and activities, Neighbourhood Network’s goal is to enhance social cohesion and bolster the overall well-being and resilience of the community. These initiatives don’t just build stronger communities – they lay the groundwork for places that future generations will value not only for their design, but for their sense of shared ownership and vibrancy.
At the core of Neighbourhood Network’s philosophy is the belief that the places we cherish tomorrow will be shaped by the connections we nurture today. As Ireland grapples with the challenges of housing, climate change, and social isolation, Neighbourhood Network’s work offers a blueprint for how the future of our towns and cities can be co-created with communities. In an era where community is more essential than ever, our most enduring legacy may not be what we build, but how we come together to live well within it.
Journal Article by Cairn Homes for Open House Dublin 2025
Neighbourhood Network website: https://neighbourhoodnetwork.ie/
