The 21st edition of Culture Night takes place on 18 September this year. A brilliant opportunity to see and do things not often open to the public, the 2026 schedule is jam-packed with activities – all of them completely free to attend.
Below are some of the best Culture Night 2026 events happening around Ireland.
Parthalán, Co Dublin
A live music and performance experience taking place in Tallaght, Parthalán will be led by twice Grammy-nominated singer and composer Iarla Ó Lionáird – whose work includes Ryan Coogler’s Oscar-winning film Sinners. Those lucky enough to be in attendance will be treated to the world premiere of his new musical work and libretto, created in collaboration with Ian Nyquist and Gareth Quinn Redmond especially for the event.
Inspired by the Lebor Gabála Érenn (The Book of Invasions) and the story of Parthalán, one of Ireland’s earliest mythical settlers, the work draws on the legend’s particular connection to Tallaght.
The wider programme will also include a new youth theatre performance from ROOTS Youth Theatre and Freshly Ground Theatre, work by emerging artists from the cross-border Common Threads initiative and an artist-led workshop and open rehearsal for the local community.
Advance booking is essential, and you can save your spot here.
Shackleton Experience, Co Kildare
Get your history fix with a 30-minute introduction to the life, legacy and adventures of Ernest Shackleton. The only institution dedicated to the extraordinary life of the Kildare-born polar explorer, the Shackleton Experience in Athy is a world-class visitor attraction that combines the largest collection of Shackleton artefacts in the world with cutting-edge technology and immersive, interactive exhibits.
Brought to life through dramatic digital storytelling, sensory effects and recreated environments, it’s the perfect chance to step into Shackleton’s world as you learn more about the three expeditions he led to the Antarctic – including the famed Endurance expedition where he managed to bring the entire crew home safely after their ship sank in a frozen sea hundreds of miles from civilisation.
Booking is essential with limited availability. Find more information here.
Frame by Frame: Inside the World of Stop-Motion, Co Galway
Step behind the scenes of Stiúideo Fia, a professional stop-motion animation studio based in the heart of Connemara and discover the magic of filmmaking one frame at a time. A family-friendly event, attendees will get the rare opportunity to explore a working animation studio and meet the artists who create handcrafted worlds for film and television.
There will be beautifully crafted puppets, miniature sets, props and costumes on display, along with live demonstrations of puppet animation, model making, sculpting and character design too.
Short screenings of films created at Stiúideo Fia, together with behind-the-scenes footage, will reveal the craftsmanship and patience involved in every production. You’ll also get the chance to try your hand at creating something yourself! Find full details here.
you are a family looking for a unique evening out, an aspiring animator, an artist, or simply curious about how animated films are made, this event offers an inspiring and memorable experience.
Admission is free, no booking is required, and visitors are welcome to drop in at any time between 6.00pm and 9.00pm. Suitable for all ages.
Introduction to screenprinting, Co Longford
Taking place at Longford’s Temperance Hall from 5:30-7pm, this interactive event is a great introduction to screenprinting. Artist Sophie Carroll Hunt will lead the evening, with stencils provided so you can make your own special creation to bring home with you. The workshop is open to all, but spaces are limited, so be sure to book a ticket ahead of time.
The Sleeping Giant, Co Sligo
Created by internationally renowned artist Tom Meskell, the Sleeping Giant is a spectacular illuminated sculpture that will be coming to Queen Maeve Square for one night only.
There will also be other installations across Sligo, with different communities presenting a landscape of illuminated sculptures created through Creative Ireland workshops. Made using sustainable materials, the concept was inspired by the night sky and the natural world.
The exhibition is open from 7:30-10:30pm, but make sure you’re there for 9pm, when the Sleeping Giant will be illuminated to the sound of live drumming.
Threads Through Time: Discovering Limerick Lace, Co Limerick
Discover the intricate history of Limerick lace with an informative pop-up guided by Friends of Lace Limerick. On the night, attendees will have the opportunity to explore a beautiful collection of antique and contemporary pieces, showcasing Limerick, Carrickmacross, Borris, Headford and Clones lace traditions.
There will be two interactive demonstration sessions on the night – one at 6pm and another at 7pm – featuring hands-on opportunities to try traditional lace stitches for themselves. Each session is limited to 10 participants. Admission is free, but advance booking is essential.
Milling About – Culture in Every Corner, Co Dublin
For one night only, Bolands Mills will transform into a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity and discovery. Free to attend, the evening will feature a curated programme of live music, storytelling, art and interactive experiences with fun around every corner. On the main stage, visitors will be treated to performances from some of Ireland’s most exciting emerging music talent, including AE MAK, Sorcha Richardson and Zaska. DJ-turned-chef, Marcus O’Laoire will also host a relaxed vinyl listening session, offering guests the chance to enjoy an evening of music in a more intimate setting by the water. Meanwhile, for art lovers, talented artist and mural painter Kevin Bohan will create a community-led mural live on the night (weather permitting!).
Other standouts include a storytelling session called In the Chair, where four local legends will be styled live while sharing memories of what the area used to be like when they were young. And if you want a moment of peace amidst the noise, Reformer Pilates studio Reformation will run gentle, interactive movement sessions across the evening too.
A Festival of Reels and Jigs, Co Antrim
If you’re in Belfast for Culture Night, there are plenty of different events happening all around the city – including a special 30-minute performance by Tír na nÓg Irish Dancers. Showcasing the best of Irish music and dance, it promises to be an inspiring evening with some of Ulster and Northern Ireland’s top dancers in attendance. No prior booking is required; simply turn up at St Anne’s Square on the night and enjoy!
Children’s Felting Workshop, Co Galway
Keep little ones entertained with a hands-on felted workshop headed up by textile artist and art educator, Joanne Foley. Using beautifully soft merino wool, children will discover the magic of traditional wet felting as they create their own colourful landscape to take home. No prior experience is needed – just imagination, curiosity and a willingness to get creative!
Tour of Hook Lighthouse, Co Wexford
One of Co Wexford’s best-known attractions, Hook Lighthouse will be open to the public this Culture Night. The world’s oldest working lighthouse, it was built by William Marshall circa 1210-1230, as a landmark and light tower to guide shipping to his port of Ross.
The tower itself is built from local limestone and consists of three floors with over 100 steps – 115, to be precise – inside… so wear comfortable shoes!
Keep an eye out for various life-sized holograms along the way, including one of Marshal, who will tell you more about his empire in the Southeast of Ireland. You’ll also hear more about the real-life stories of the light keepers and their families, enjoy some incredible views, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some marine wildlife passing by too.
Yeats and the Golden Dawn, Co Sligo
Another event happening in Co Sligo, Yeats and the Golden Dawn is a late-night improvised comedy theatre event inspired by one of Ireland’s greatest poets, his interest in the occult and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.
The performance also invites the audience to become part of the action, so expect improvised scenes, ritual games and comic encounters shaped by you! The night will culminate in a séance where the audience themselves become the “spirits” and help determine what happens next. Get your tickets here.
Craicly Stories, Co Kildare
A community storytelling project sure to deliver on fun, Craicly Stories celebrate memoir-style tales, true stories and Irish folklore. Founded in 2023 by writer Jane Gormley, the idea was both a response to the loneliness epidemic and her love of storytelling. Since then, the project has travelled all across the Emerald Isle, hosting events everywhere from Stradbally Hall to Glenbrook Farm and Smyths Shop in County Clare.
For Culture Night 2026, they’ll be returning to their first ever venue and homeplace, Derrymullen Farm in Allenwood. This special evening will take place in the Cow Shed and will celebrate stories under the theme of ‘the cow’. Book your place here.
Glenveagh National Park, Co Donegal
For the first time ever, Donegal’s national park is opening late for Culture Night. The most northerly of Ireland’s six national parks and a must visit on any trip to Donegal, costumed characters will greet you on arrival. Explore the beautiful grounds – home to magnificent mountains, pristine lakes, waterfalls, glens and native oak woods – or step inside the castle for a closer look. Finished in the 1800s, the castle has hosted many famous guests over the years, including Marilyn Monroe and John Wayne.
The visitor centre will be open, alongside the tea rooms and Nellie’s restaurant, and there will be live music to keep you entertained throughout the evening too.
An evening of spectacle at Motion Chapel, Co Roscommon
For a night-time show you won’t forget in a hurry, head to Motion Chapel in Co Roscommon, whose Culture Night offering includes a contemporary circus!
Things kick off with Ephemera, a production by VolkiDána that combines giant puppetry, aerial acrobatics, dance, fire performance and immersive procession. It tells the story of an ancient deity awakened for one final journey across the earth. The evening also features special guest performances from Cikada Circus.
And for those looking to extend the fun a little later, celebrations will continue inside the chapel from 11pm to late with a high-energy set from Death Milkshake, who specialise in a unique blend of disco, punk, alt-rock and live looping. Advance booking is required.
Basket making workshop, Co Cork
A hands-on workshop in which you’ll learn how to make your own basket, this is perfect for those looking to pick up a new skill this Culture Night. Led by Yvon O’Flynn, throughout this two-hour class, she’ll teach you how to make a calf-model basket or decorative wall hanger using locally grown willow. To book, call Yvon on 087-9251147.
Black history walking tour, Co Dublin
Discover over 300 years of Black history in Dublin on this unique walking tour created by design historian, researcher and anti-racism activist Jess Majekodunmi. Tracing the often-overlooked presence of Black people in the city from the18th century to the present day, the tour draws on archival research and personal family history to reveal how Black Irish stories are woven into the very fabric of Ireland’s capital.
Over the course of two hours, you’ll hear stories of performers, writers, students and activists whose lives were connected to Dublin’s streets and landmarks, with stops at Temple Bar, College Green, Trinity College, O’Connell Bridge and Grafton Street.
There are two time slots available on Culture Night – one at 4pm and another at 6:30pm – with the route covering approximately 2km. Find more information and secure your spot here.
Carve & Kindle, Co Kildare
Join Dúlra Forest School for an immersive, bilingual (English and Irish) evening of nature-based crafting. In this two-hour workshop, you’ll learn how to cleave native Irish wood and carve your own simple butter knife using traditional hand tools.
No experience is necessary, and all materials, tools, and guidance will be provided – so if you’re a beginner, fear not.
A social enterprise founded in 2022, Dúlra Cill Dara is dedicated to connecting children, families and communities with the natural world. If you can’t make their Culture Night event, they run various courses and other camps throughout the year – each one designed to foster curiosity, resilience and wonder. All of their events are shaped by the seasons too, so they’re appropriate to the time of year.
You can find the full schedule along with booking details for Carve & Kindle here.
And keep an eye out for one of the 38 different events organised as part of Oíche Chultúir Ealaín na Gaeltachta. Shining a spotlight on the language, landscape and music – distinctive elements of Gaeltacht identity – activities range from beachside bops on the Wild Atlantic Way to Oíche Bothántaíochta on Inis Meáin, where groups of people will come together to share music, song, poetry and storytelling. Find more information here.
Event listings are constantly being updated, so keep an eye on culturenight.ie for the latest and to see what’s happening in your area.
