The Dolmens Climate Action Network brings people together across South-East County Down, Northern Ireland, to take practical action on climate change.
Through community events, learning opportunities and local projects, the network explores solutions in energy, food, biodiversity, art, culture and the circular economy.
Whatever your passion, the Dolmens empowers you to turn ideas into action and help shape a resilient, sustainable future together.
Got a climate action idea?
Get in touch, meet like-minded people and make it happen.
Or just come along to an event to see what it’s all about.
News & Updates
Dolmen’s Launch Community Energy Master Plan
Dolmen’s Climate Action Network is set to launch its Community Energy Master Plan for the Newcastle and Castlewellan area on Tuesday 10th March from 7.00pm to 8.30pm at the Burrendale Hotel. The launch marks the final stage of the Network’s work in partnership with...
A Powerful Performance – A Cloak of Wisdom
The audience at the Lodge on Sunday night (22nd February 2026) were spellbound by the powerful storytelling and music of Liz Weir, Anne Harper and Vicky McFarland. The performance was a compelling collection of stories exploring female experience and our complex...
Home Energy Savings Workshop
Dolmens Climate Action Network, in partnership with Action Renewables, held an excellent workshop last week exploring ways that homeowners can improve their homes to save energy. The workshop was designed to help local homeowners take their next step towards a warmer,...
Our Story
The Dolmens Climate Action Network began as a simple conversation about climate change at the 2018 Soma Arts Festival in Castlewellan. What started as a single gathering of over 70 people quickly grew into a series of monthly meetings, bringing together a community eager to learn, share ideas and take action.
Inspired by the four ancient dolmens that form a natural ring around Castlewellan, our name reflects both our roots and our reach, spanning the surrounding areas of Newcastle, Dundrum, Kilkeel, and Hilltown
What We Do
From the beginning, our activities have been diverse and hands-on, ranging from tree planting and nature walks to community events like apple squeezes and bring-and-share dinners. We’ve supported households through energy advice clinics and home energy saver kits, helping people make small changes that add up to a big difference.
When the pandemic hit, we adapted by focusing on resilience, distributing seeds and seedlings, encouraging local food growing and staying connected as a community to support each other through uncertainty.
From this grew one of our most enduring initiatives: a permanent plant swap and sharing stall in Castlewellan, now thriving for over five years.
Today, we continue to grow a wide range of community-led projects, including a monthly Repair Café in Downpatrick and Castlewellan, an energy master plan, a community garden, foraging walks, and creative arts events, all driven by people coming together to turn ideas into action.
Join us and get involved
Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with what we’re doing, upcoming events and ways to get involved.
Sign up with your email to join our mailing list and stay updated on all our events, activities and community projects.
Join our WhatsApp community to stay connected. Chat with the wider group or join subgroups focused on your interests.
