The Toy Library First Sensory Swap&Play in Cork [Crowdfunded]

Touch, explore, swap—sensory adventures designed for neurodivergent kids and families to discover joy together.

Welcome to the First The Toy Library Sensory Swap&Play event!

An event specially designed for neurodivergent children and their families – but everyone's welcome! This event was strongly requested by our community, as shown by our successful crowdfunding campaign. You can still support us with a donation when getting your tickets, if you'd like.

We have been organising Swap&Play events for over a year and a half, creating spaces where families from all walks of life come together, while contributing to climate action and social justice. With Sensory Swap&Play, we introduce a new format: an inclusive time and space for children with additional needs.

It keeps most of what makes every Swap&Play a wonderful place to hang out with family: pre-loved toys to swap, a safe play area, and many lovely families gathering together. What's different?

• Limited capacity: despite a spacious venue, we are welcoming only 150 people this time – less noise and a calmer space for those who need it most.
• No music and soft lighting, to accomodate the needs of all children.
• Our signature Eco-Crafting Stations will be replaced by the Sensory Station and the Chill Zone (more details below)

Join us at Aula Maxima (UCC), in Cork City, on March 29th (12PM - 2PM). Due to the reduced capacity, please make sure to book your tickets (one per family member) before they're gone. Can't make it? Cancel your tickets and free up your spot(s) for another family.

The event is open to all The Toy Library members, a community of conscious families, proud parents, and happy children taking action for their future by recirculating toys instead of buying new ones. Join free at www.thetoylibrary.ie/signup and discover the online platform.

What to Expect at the Event

🌟 Toy Swap – Bring up to 5 toys in excellent condition (no broken or incomplete items) to donate or swap. Didn’t bring toys? That’s okay—feel free to take home any that catch your eye!

🚂 Play Area – A space to discover pre-loved toys and have fun with other children.

🎈 Sensory Station – Co-designed with the families who need it most, this space encourages fine motor skills, calming repetitive movement, and creative exploration. Tactile and visual sensory elements help children discover and learn in a fun, safe environment.

⛺️ Chill Zone – Feeling overwhelmed? The Chill Zone offers a quiet pause for those who need it, with soft furnishings and a cosy corner to recharge.

How Does the Toy Swap Work?

• Bring up to 5 toys (max) in very good condition. Something you'd be happy to offer to your own kids.
• You don’t need to donate in order to take—everyone is welcome to participate!
• About toys: please no extra-small or extra-large items (those can be listed on The Toy Library digital platform). Only clean, fully functional, and complete items will be allowed. Have doubts? Think about a toy you’d be happy for your child to get.
• Leftover toys will be donated to local charities and libraries.

Event Details

📍 Location: Aula Maxima, 60 College Road, Cork T12 HW58

🗓️ Date: Sunday, March 29th, 2026

⏰ Time: 12PM - 2PM

Who We Are: The Toy Library

The Toy Library is Ireland’s first circular economy platform for toys, freely available 24/7 at www.thetoylibrary.ie. The social enterprise launched in June 2024 in Cork and today, together with Local Authorities and conscious corporations, brings their signature Swap&Play events all over the Republic of Ireland!

This Event Is Crowdfunded By The Toy Library Community:

Our crowdfunding campaign was created to fund two Sensory Swap&Play events, one in Cork (this one) and one in Dublin. If we exceed 50% of our goal, we're committed to hosting a third! Keep the donations coming and share the campaign to help us get there.

Local Authorities partnering with us:

• Clare County Council
• Cork City Council
• Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
• Fingal Libraries, Fingal County Council
• Laois County Council
• Limerick City and County Council
• Meath County Council
• Offaly County Council
• Waterford City and County Council
• Wexford City and County Council

Proudly supported by:

• Rethink Ireland – SEFIT Fund 2024
• Rethink Ireland – Impact Fund for Munster 2025
• Community Foundation Ireland
• Cork Local Enterprise Office
• CESCA (Cork Equal and Sustainable Communities Alliance)
• Advance CRT (funded by SFI)
• University College Cork
• Prism LCC
• Guinnes Entreprise Centre

Our mission is to make sustainable toy-sharing accessible to everyone while reducing waste and fostering a positive environmental impact.

🌐 Learn more at www.thetoylibrary.ie