Solas Project

Solas Project Helping children & young people of Ireland take advantage of their full potential. RCN 20064570.

We are a charity based in South Inner City Dublin with a vision to see an Ireland where all children and young people truly know their self worth and can take full advantage of their potential.

A picture is worth a thousand words, so we’ll let the photos do most of the talking on this one. 🏈🍦☀️🎨We just want to sa...
24/06/2026

A picture is worth a thousand words, so we’ll let the photos do most of the talking on this one. 🏈🍦☀️🎨
We just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in our recent Summer Programme Launch event!

From lively games of American flag football to bouncy castles, face painting, boxing, ice cream, and some impressive fitness challenges, it was a day to remember. More than that, it was a great reminder of the importance of community and the power of bringing people together.

A special thank you to for their generous support in helping make the event possible along with . Thank you to for the use of their pitch, and to for capturing the day so brilliantly 📸

As we celebrate the launch of our summer activities this week, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on some of the wonder...
18/06/2026

As we celebrate the launch of our summer activities this week, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on some of the wonderful moments shared across our programmes throughout the term.

Our Step Up Mentoring Programme had a fantastic year, with new relationships formed and existing ones continuing to grow and flourish. There was incredible commitment from both our volunteer mentors and the young people involved, creating memorable moments through baking and cooking, competitive pool games, football out the back, and trips to the cinema.

One of our youth workers shared:
"Week on week, both mentors and young people tried something new and stepped out of their comfort zones while getting to know each other. They learned about different cultures and, in some cases, mentors even learned TikTok dances! I loved seeing young people grow in confidence through engaging with their mentors, youth workers, and other young people."

The programme has enabled young people to flourish, build confidence, and participate in a wide range of activities. One mentor and young person even worked together on glass mosaic making, creating the fantastic Jimi Hendrix piece pictured.

A huge thank you to all of our mentors and young people for making this year such a success. We hope you have a wonderful summer!

As we conclude our series responding to the findings of “A Socioeconomic Analysis of Dublin’s South West Inner City” by ...
15/06/2026

As we conclude our series responding to the findings of “A Socioeconomic Analysis of Dublin’s South West Inner City” by Dr. Barra Roantree, we want to focus on a topic that is often discussed in isolation but is deeply connected to many of the issues highlighted throughout the report: crime.

The report found that serious crime in the South West Inner City has increased by more than 20 per cent since 2023, while the area's crime rate is more than double the national average. While these figures are concerning, they cannot be viewed in isolation. As discussed in the recent Irish Penal Reform Trust report: behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community shaped by wider social and economic circumstances.

In our latest blog, we share how our Rua Programme works with young people aged 15-22 who are involved in, or at risk of becoming further involved in, the criminal justice system. Through a restorative approach and long-term support model, the programme helps young people build positive pathways through education, training, employment, and community engagement.

While the statistics highlighted in these reports are stark, they also reinforce why this work matters. They remind us of the importance of investing in young people early, creating opportunities for connection and participation, and providing consistent support when challenges arise.

Read the full blog here: https://solasproject.com/blog-posts/our-rua-programme-a-different-response-to-crime

Last Friday, we had the pleasure of hosting our annual Tag Rugby Blitz: the highlight and grand finale of our Solas@Scho...
10/06/2026

Last Friday, we had the pleasure of hosting our annual Tag Rugby Blitz: the highlight and grand finale of our Solas@School Tag Rugby programme.

The event brings together schools from across the community for a day of friendly competition, teamwork, and fun, giving young people the opportunity to showcase the skills they’ve developed throughout the programme while connecting with students from other schools.

This year, more than 300 young people took part in an active and memorable day, filled with great rugby and plenty of sunshine ☀️🏉

Events like this are only possible because of the incredible support of our staff, volunteers, and corporate partners. We were delighted to be joined by over 70 corporate volunteers who helped create a positive experience for every young person involved.

Most importantly, thank you to the young people who brought such energy, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship to the day. It was a joy to celebrate all that you have achieved throughout the programme.

A huge congratulations to all the amazing women from our programmes who recently completed the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon...
08/06/2026

A huge congratulations to all the amazing women from our programmes who recently completed the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon! 💜🏃‍♀️

Each person crossed the finish line with their own story of determination, courage, and perseverance. We are so proud of every step taken, every challenge overcome, and every personal victory achieved along the way.

As the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon says, “The best time isn’t always the fastest one. It’s the one that matters most.” And every one of your achievements matters.

It was great to meet our local TD Senator Catherine Ardagh in her new role as Minister of State in the Department of Jus...
04/06/2026

It was great to meet our local TD Senator Catherine Ardagh in her new role as Minister of State in the Department of Justice this week.

We had a good discussion about our work with young people in the community, particularly our youth justice interventions. We look forward to working with her in this new role, as well as working together to bring positive change to our local community.

Responding to the Research Part 2: Sports.As we continue our series on responding to the research by Dr. Barra Roantree,...
04/06/2026

Responding to the Research Part 2: Sports.

As we continue our series on responding to the research by Dr. Barra Roantree, A Socioeconomic Analysis of Dublin’s South West Inner City, the next topic we want to focus on is sport and physical activity.

With just two of Dublin City Council’s 248 public pitches located in the SWIC, these statistics reinforce something we see regularly through our work: young people want opportunities to be active, develop new skills, and participate in sport, but too often face barriers in accessing facilities and organised activities. That is why sport plays an important role across all of our programmes.

Read more in our latest blog about how the lack of facilities has forced us to be creative with our sports programmes and how we continue to advocate for better amenities for the young people growing up in the SWIC, and are actively involved in the Sporting Liberties campaign for increased sports facilities.

https://solasproject.com/blog-posts/creating-space-for-sport-in-the-swic

Last week was National Volunteer Week and what better way to mark the occasion than with our Volunteer Celebration!It wa...
28/05/2026

Last week was National Volunteer Week and what better way to mark the occasion than with our Volunteer Celebration!

It was a special opportunity to recognise the incredible people who give their time, care, and energy to support our young people week in and week out. But more than that, it was a chance to celebrate the young people themselves and all they continue to achieve.

Throughout the night, young people shared powerful reflections on the impact volunteers have had in their lives, alongside a moving musical performance as a heartfelt thank-you. We also heard from local Gardaí and corporate partners about the positive difference these relationships and programmes are making across the wider community.

Since 2007, volunteers have been at the heart of Solas Project. Their consistency, encouragement, and belief in young people help create spaces where young people can grow in confidence, feel supported, and realise their potential.

To every volunteer who has walked alongside our young people over the years, thank you 🌟

A special moment worth celebrating 💛Young people in Oberstown Children Detention Campus decided they wanted to give back...
20/05/2026

A special moment worth celebrating 💛

Young people in Oberstown Children Detention Campus decided they wanted to give back to others in the community by creating and selling handmade wreaths, with proceeds going towards Solas Project. Together, they raised €1,000 for our Compass Prison Programme.

This was a powerful example of young people showing initiative and care for others. We are so grateful for their support and proud to see young people using their creativity and effort to help make a positive impact.

Pictured here is Éanna, our Compass Team Leader, receiving the cheque from Gráinne, the Oberstown Advocacy Advisor.

*MEET THE TEAM*Lorna joined us in October 2025 as our Junior After Schools Club Leader. Prior to this, she worked with t...
18/05/2026

*MEET THE TEAM*

Lorna joined us in October 2025 as our Junior After Schools Club Leader. Prior to this, she worked with the Peter McVerry Trust during college before moving to a Children’s Residential Service in the North Inner City. In her own words:

“I love creating a safe and supportive space for young people to express themselves and discover their strengths and capabilities. No two days are the same, but one thing is guaranteed: we’re going to have fun while learning to navigate life!”

Lorna holds a BA in Applied Social Care from TU Dublin. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, often planning her next holiday. She also loves relaxing days with her nanny, having the chats and doing some colouring together.

Address

Unit 1 Liberty View, Longs Place, Dublin 8
Dublin

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 6pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 6pm
Thursday 9:30am - 6pm
Friday 9:30am - 1pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Solas Project posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category