The D8 Surfers Club celebrates 10 years of digital literacy at The Digital Hub

• The D8 Surfers Club is a free digital programme for older learners, varying in age from 72 to 94
• Weekly workshops include online safety, browsing the internet, paying bills online and using AI

The D8 Surfers Club, a free digital literacy programme provided for older learners in the Dublin 8 community, marks its 10th anniversary this December. The programme was first launched by The Digital Hub in 2015, where the course continues to be provided every Tuesday.

The D8 Surfers Club is open to older learners in the Dublin 8 community and surrounding areas, giving local residents the opportunity to learn how to use laptops and mobile phones to access useful digital services and information. The tutor-led classes cover topics such as online safety, emailing, browsing the internet, creating and saving documents and paying bills online.

In addition, participants are introduced to emerging technologies via specialised workshops covering areas such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality and through opportunities to engage with complementary Digital Hub programmes that showcase the latest digital innovations.

The club was first established for local residents with limited exposure to the internet and communications tools. Today, it has evolved into a community club, with a strong social aspect, where participants are guided in the discovery of how digital technologies could benefit them in their everyday lives.

There are currently 13 participants in the class, ranging in age from 72 to 94. With an average age of 78, the participants from Dublin 8 and the wider area attend classes every Tuesday. Mary Kwadjo has attended since the very first workshop in 2015, with her peers Kevin O’Kelly, Angela Browne and Anne Cusker not far behind.

Participants have joined the programme over the years, learning of The D8 Surfers Club largely by word of mouth at community groups and local Mass.

Tutors are provided by An Cosán – a registered charity that empowers adults through accessible, supportive education and qualifications – through The Digital Hub.

The current class of 2025 describe their experiences at the club as hugely positive. The D8 Surfers Club has grown into far more than a digital-skills class, it has become a community that nurtures connection, confidence and overall wellbeing. This aligns with findings from Blue Zone research, which indicates that strong social ties and continual cognitive activity are linked to healthier, longer lives.

The D8 Surfers Club complements another programme led by The Digital Hub, Smart D8, which focuses on community health, mental wellbeing and positive ageing.

Reflecting on his experience as a long-time D8 Surfer, Kevin O’Kelly said:

“I really enjoy coming to The D8 Surfers Club each week. We get an opportunity to learn new skills and explore new tech like AI, as well as chatting with the friends we’ve made. I’ve been attending the club for almost a decade and always learn something new.”

Sonya Doherty, Tutor at the D8 Surfers Club, said:

“It’s an absolute pleasure to meet with our D8 Surfers every Tuesday to help them navigate today’s technologies. For the past nine years, I have delivered classes at The Digital Hub and many of the regular attendees are still involved since the club was set up in 2015.

“The social aspect is hugely important to the group. The D8 Surfers Club gives older learners a chance to meet with friends for two dedicated hours each week. Some have family abroad and have really benefitted from learning how to make video calls and use WhatsApp to see and chat with their grandchildren. The classes really help the D8 Surfers feel connected with the wider world.”

Fiach Mac Conghail, CEO of The Digital Hub, said:

“The Digital Hub is delighted to mark this important milestone. It is wonderful to see some of the participants that joined in the early days of The D8 Surfers Club are still attending every Tuesday at our Learning Studio, which is a testament to the value of this programme, its tutor and its social aspect. The D8 Surfers Club has become an important outlet for its participants. We have developed a safe, welcoming space here at The Digital Hub over the past 10 years, encouraging older learners to develop vital digital skills while enjoying the camaraderie of the group.”

ENDS

Issued by Murray on behalf of The Digital Hub

For more information
Richie Oakley, roakley@murraygroup.ie, 087 245 1824
Amy McMahon, amcmahon@murraygroup.ie, 083 896 3106

About The Digital Hub

Located at the heart of the historic Liberties area of Dublin city centre, The Digital Hub provides high-quality workspace and support to small businesses in the technology and creative sectors, social enterprises, artists, and craftspeople.

A total of 51,354 sq. ft. of multi-use office, studio, collaborative and flexible workspace is currently occupied while a further 7500 sq. ft. is also used by businesses and academia for meetings, events, and classes and by Ireland’s major theatre companies for rehearsals and performances.

At present, 57 innovative businesses and organisations are based on The Digital Hub’s campus, collectively employing over 600 people on location. Current member companies include indigenous enterprises such as Akara, Bizimply, Kavaleer, MEG, Neuromod, patientMpower and Tyro Schools while the campus is also home to over 40 artists, craftspeople and arts organisations including Arts & Disability Ireland, Dublin Camera Club, Dublin International Film Festival, field:arts, Flux, Pallas Projects and The Stinging Fly. Also based at The Digital Hub are social enterprises including Bee8, Change Clothes and Pocket Forests, as well as public sector agencies such as Codema, Post Primary Languages Ireland and the City of Dublin Education and Training Board.

The Digital Hub is also a supportive partner of its neighbours and the surrounding local community, leading a series of initiatives and projects for people of all ages, abilities and interests. These wide-ranging programmes seek to develop 21st century skills in young and old, demonstrating the potential of digital innovations to transform lives. Programmes include the Smart D8 initiative, which seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of Dublin 8 citizens through collaborative demonstrator projects, Beta, an international arts and technology festival, technology taster sessions delivered to local primary school children and creative programmes covering AI, podcasting, game development and robotics.

Helping to increase economic activity in The Liberties is a crucial part of The Digital Hub’s role. A partnership with We Love Markets, for example, brings thousands of people into the area every month for an event focused on local crafts and circularity.

The Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) is the Irish state agency that manages The Digital Hub with a mission to deliver economic and cultural impact to Dublin 8 and beyond. DHDA was established by the Irish Government under the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in 2003.

Further information is available at: www.thedigitalhub.com.