One of the pre-eminent agencies dealing with homelessness in Ireland, the Simon Community plays an…read moreimportant role in in Ireland. It's one of those NGOs that is well-known throught the country - highly visible and a common recipient of school-led fundraisers. They run things like soup runs, emergency housing, needle exchange programmes (and no matter how anti-drugs you may be, these are important), alcohol detox residences and prevention/early intervention. They are (unfortunately) doing a bustling business at the moment, if the constant queues for the offices outside my house are anything to go by too...though it feels wrong somehow to be popping up to the flat while other people are desperately looking for a roof over their heads...

Simon Community is not only a great charity organization, with volunteers working night and day to…read morehelp the homeless with both food and shelter, they throw awesome fundraising parties to raise much-needed money for the fight against homelessness. I had a blast competing in various different sports at their games-day in Herbert Park, and got my money's worth at a bingo night with DJs and dancing at No. 4 Dame Lane. Keep your ears to the ground for next event. Entertaining, and for a good cause!

I have given this charity a lot of volunteer time in several countries but last year was my first…read moretime to start with these people. I enjoy volunteering but primarily if it involves work that I can see an immediate result with and I get that with this excellent organisation. Basically they build or refurbish buildings for people or organisations that can't afford to. The project that I worked on was helping paint the interior of an old Georgian hospital located just off Ballsbridge. It was an excellent opportunity to see what the interior of the building was like as they are scattered all around the city. It also was an excellent chance to make new friendships. They gave us free sandwiches and soup for our days work. I did it once a week for a few weeks but they are flexible with your schedule. Lovely people to work with, I would highly recommend getting in touch if you like to do some construction work!

This place, in my opinion, probably does the best classes in Dublin. When I was in college just…read morearound the corner, I would go to an aerobic class every other day and I loved them. They have ones for 30, 45 and 60 mins, so you can pop in and do whichever you have time for. Their array is pretty impressive; everything from hip hop classes to pilates to kick boxing. The staff are absolutely lovely in there too. One of the trainers, Keith, is fantastic and I'd always try to go to his classes. He roars at you to keep you motivated, without you wanting to kill him. Not easy! Their gym upstairs is a little on the small side, but still very satisfactory. Also, you can take out 3/6/12 month membership or you can pay as you go, either by class or by gym trip. I can't recommend the place enough.

Solid gym, dance studio and community centre just a few minutes walk from Grafton Street. The YMCA…read moredoes a lot of work with the local kids who mightn't have much else if it wasn't there. They're always looking for volunteers, if you ever feel like giving something back. A good place run by good people. You can't knock it.

St. Vincent De Paul is a charity that I give to every Christmas. There are so many people and…read morefamilies who have nothing and particularly at Christmas they find it really tough. St Vincent de Paul helps these families out in whatever way they can. The Vincent's shop in Dundrum is not one I shop in at all but I have donated bags of clothes to them regularly over the years. I think most people in Dundrum would be more familiar with the name "Fred's Fashions" for this store and probably still call it that. It makes more sense now for it to be called Vincent's though, they have now grown into a chain store around the country, great to see it doing so well, it needs peoples support to keep it going though!

There's very little of the "used books" feel in this excellent used book shop -I really think it's…read moredown to pride. Only book lovers would take the sale of donated titles as seriously as a first-run store would! The selection is diverse (and well priced) with a smart layout and neat shelving of books by genre - much better than the usual hodge podge usually seen in charity shop book racks! And there's even been consideration made for children as well, with a thriving YA and under offering that makes an easy weekend treat for those kiddies accompanying you on City Centre shopping. Once my "have-read" bag is full I'll trot it down here for donation, they'll be in good hands!

Another of Oxfam's stand alone bookshops, again this doesn't feel like a charity shop and its great…read morefor browsing. This one is centrally located on Parliament street. As well a good quality books, they also have CD's, DVD's & Vinyl( thats records to you under 25's) As with the Rathmines shop this is a great place to get high standard second hand stuff, with everything well presented and friendly staff.

I've just seen that the Community Centre have put together a group called 'The Men's Shed' - a…read moregroup for men of all ages to get together, work on projets, chat, and integrate socially. This is such a great idea for those who are out of work, or with spare time on their hands, rather than heading down to the pub for the day! Bravo the Mill, I like it, I like it a lot.

The A.W.C.D. is a non-profit women's club for American women living in Ireland. Membership includes…read moreregular social activities, monthly meetings in Dublin, and fundraising events for local charities. The club provides key resources for women who are new to the country and trying to get their bearings. It also gives a nice boost to the community and its merchants! As a newcomer to Ireland, the club put me in touch with other women from America (some who have actually become Irish citizens) and also offered opportunities to get out and about and get to know new spots to enjoy in Ireland and meet new people in the Irish community - be it at a restaurant, museum, pub/bar, coffee shop, or even a hiking trail! The club also focuses on a new Irish charity each year and makes an effort to raise funds for it with various activities. So, members have fun together and are also doing something good at the same time! Here's to 'Girl Power'!

Don't bother if you have a day time job as all the activities cater to stay at home mothers or…read moreretirees. Wish I could get my money back!

The Base is a community centre supporting children and young people in Ballyfermot…read more They have a child-care facility, youth groups and adult groups (Slimming World), as well as teen parents support groups and a cafeteria. They provide a range of services for the community, including art rooms, media rooms, a 100 seat theatre for performances and rehearsals, a recording studio, a chill out space and a health suite. They're located next to a very large gym and swimming pool, which is awesome. The Base is providing a crucial service to the youths of Ballyfermot. The building is quite big, very clean and well maintained (apart from some graffiti outside but that's not a huge deal). It's well lit up, has car and bike parking and is monitored by CCTV. It's a great centre.