Our Community

At Allenwood Campus, community is at the heart of everything we do. Our Campus brings together people, groups, and organisations who share a commitment to connection, collaboration, and positive local impact.

Six women sitting at separate white tables in a room with white walls, large windows, and a clock showing 9:10. Four women are seated at two tables, having conversations and holding mugs. The room has a wooden floor and a door on the right. One woman wears a striped sweater, another a checked shirt, and others in casual clothing.

Community Groups

8th Kildare Allenwood Scout Group

 Scouting Ireland is one of the largest youth movements on the island of Ireland, a voluntary educational movement for young people with over 53,000 members in late 2018, including over 13,000 adult volunteers.

8th Kildare Allenwood Scout Group is a volunteer led Community Group which encourages Youth Members aged 6 to 15 to get involved in the Community and Adventure Sports. The youth members and volunteer leaders are from rural Kildare covering the villages of Allenwood, Kilmeague, Robertsown, Coill Dubh and Allen. Through the Scouting method encourage youth members to achieve their full potential.

  • Beavers (Girls and Boys aged 6 to 8) is on a Tuesday 6.30pm till 7.30pm

  • Cubs aged (Girls and Boys 9 to 11) is on a Thursday 6.15pm till 7.30pm

  • Scouts (Girls and Boys 12 to 15) is on a Wednesday 7.00pm till 8.45pm

Group Leader is Shane O’Reilly. You can learn more and get in touch here.

Girl in Girl Scout uniform observing children in a schoolyard
Tent camp area on a grassy field with many colorful tents, a few people walking along a path, and rolling green hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Na Fianna Men's Shed Allenwood  

The Na Fianna Men’s Shed was established following the identification of key community projects by members of the Allen Area Community Employment Scheme, with the aim of broadening local community activities. One of the highest priorities identified was the creation of a Men’s Shed. With the cooperation and support of the Board and Management of Allenwood Campus, the group was granted a unit free of charge in 2016.

As membership numbers continued to grow, the need for additional space became apparent. Once again, Allenwood Campus responded positively by granting the group a site within its designated Community Space, under a 10-year renewable lease, subject to legal agreement. The group successfully secured funding through a Drehid Grant, enabling the construction of a purpose-built shed. Since then, both membership and activities have increased significantly.

The Men’s Shed currently has 26 active members who participate in a wide range of activities, including light engineering, carpentry, horticulture, and wood turning. Na Fianna Men’s Shed has contributed to numerous community projects, such as the manufacture of road safety silhouettes, the construction of picnic benches, and the full restoration of a tractor, which was subsequently sold with all proceeds donated to St. Vincent de Paul. The group is currently undertaking the restoration of a large cross for the Allen Cemetery Committee.

Due to the poor condition of the existing office and canteen facilities, the group is now adding a small extension to the shed to create a more comfortable space for members. This project is being made possible through the continued support of ACDAL, Drehid/Kildare County Council, and the friends of Na Fianna Men’s Shed. The Men’s Shed maintains a strong and positive relationship with the Board, Management, and staff of Allenwood Campus.

Support has included the provision of office facilities for training courses, cooperation with the Scouts, collaboration with the new Garden Allotments Group, and contributions to the local Crèche. The group also welcomes the addition of the new Playground, which further enhances the vibrancy of the Community Space.

Na Fianna Men’s Shed Chairperson: Mr. John “Johnny” O’Callaghan

Group of men standing in front of a metal building labeled 'Na Fianna Mens Shed', with a table on each side and an old-fashioned red farm plow in the foreground.
A group of people, mostly older men, standing outdoors on a paved area in front of historic buildings, posing for a photo.

Community Garden

The Allenwood Community Garden is a growing community initiative located within the Allenwood Campus grounds. Established on land provided by the Campus, the garden brings together local residents who share an interest in sustainable growing, environmental stewardship, and community connection. The project has continued to develop successfully, with over 28 members now actively involved in cultivating the space and supporting its growth.

More than just a place to grow vegetables and plants, the garden creates opportunities for people to connect, learn, and support one another. It provides a welcoming environment where members can share gardening skills, participate in collaborative projects, and enjoy time outdoors in a positive and supportive setting.

The garden also contributes to biodiversity and sustainability, attracting pollinators and wildlife while promoting environmentally responsible growing practices. For many participants, it offers important mental and physical wellbeing benefits, providing a calming space for activity, relaxation, and social interaction.

As part of the wider Allenwood Campus community, the garden reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting local initiatives that strengthen community ties, promote wellbeing, and encourage sustainable living.

Layout plan of Allenwood Community Garden, showing various sections like compost, rain garden, flower beds, water features, wildlife habitat, and pathways with labels and a compass rose for orientation.