The Mayor of Fingal , Tony Murphy, arrived at Howth Castle to welcome members of the Howth Sutton Autism Friendly Community (HSAFC) and the Pride of Place Award judges for a very special visit celebrating inclusion, community and positive change in Howth and Sutton.
The visit began in the beautiful Sidney Garden at Howth Castle, where Howth Sutton Autism Friendly Community (HSAFC) unveiled a striking mosaic of Gráinne O’Malley, the legendary Pirate Queen whose story has been intertwined with Howth Castle for centuries. This mosaic was beautifully created by the teens club using relics from the locality with the help and guidance of Liz Clery.
According to the famous tale, when Gráinne O’Malley arrived at Howth Castle, she found the castle gates closed to her. The story provided a powerful analogy for HSAFC and the work it has undertaken over the past two years.
Before the establishment of Howth Sutton Autism Friendly Community, the needs of autistic people were not always recognised or understood within the wider community. In much the same way as the castle gates were once closed to Gráinne O’Malley, there were barriers that could leave autistic people and their families feeling excluded from everyday community life.
Over the past two years, HSAFC has worked tirelessly to help open those gates – raising awareness, encouraging understanding and working with local businesses, clubs, organisations and individuals to make Howth and Sutton a more welcoming and inclusive place for autistic people.
The Gráinne O’Malley mosaic will now remain permanently on the wall of the Sidney Garden at Howth Castle, providing a lasting reminder of the importance of opening doors, recognising different needs and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in community life.
Following the unveiling, the Pride of Place judges, HSAFC members and representatives from across the local community were welcomed into the beautiful and historic Library at Howth Castle.
Against this very special backdrop, HSAFC gave its Pride of Place presentation, sharing the story of what has been achieved since the initiative began two years ago and the extraordinary community effort that has helped make Howth and Sutton increasingly autism friendly.
It was a fitting setting for a presentation centred on community, heritage and inclusion – bringing together an important chapter from Howth Castle’s past with a very positive vision for the future.
The Pride of Place nomination by Fingal County Council, in the inclusive communities category, is wonderful recognition for HSAFC and for all those across Howth and Sutton who have supported its work.
And now, permanently displayed in the Sidney Garden, Gráinne O’Malley’s mosaic carries a simple but powerful message: our gates should always be open to everyone.
Posted on 27 Aug 2026.
