Discover all the creative fun taking place in Leinster for Cruinniú na nÓg on 23 June.
In just a few days’ time, the exciting, entertaining and enveloping sparks of creative fun will sweep across the country. And the generators of these sparks? The children and young people nationwide set to enjoy the first ever Cruinniú na nÓg!
Supported by RTÉ and Local Authorities nationwide, on 23 June every county, city, town and village will be abuzz with performance, coding, theatre, art, music, readings, screenings, special events and much more. A vibrant day of youthful participation, Cruinniú na nÓg celebrates and encourages children and young people to truly get hands on with culture and creativity.
If you live in Leinster, here are just some of the free, local activities and events you can enjoy:
Let’s go fly a kite… in Carlow! Delightful drop-in kite-making workshops are taking place in Carlow Town. And for budding filmmakers, the iPad Movie Workshop will see young Spielbergs collaborate on a script, rehearse, shoot and edit a finished film.
In Dublin City, ground-breaking and inspiring activist Sinéad Burke is hosting ‘Baile Nua Cliath’, an interactive talk for kids under 12. Or you can spot the stars of tomorrow as Unsung Youth – superb teenage songwriters and musicians from Familibase and Kylemore College – perform some musical collaborations.
Over in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown neck of the woods, the dlr LexIcon will brim with fun Lego and circus skills workshops. Or get footloose with some Bollywood dance classes.
Drop-in visual arts workshops, stories from the farthest flung corners of the world and Reuben the Entertainer will keep young minds busy in Donabate, Fingal.
In South Dublin, enjoy spoken word and music from local young people with Order/Response in Tallaght. While little ones can let loose at early years music workshops across Ballyroan, Clondalkin and Tallaght too. Let the rhythm of trad carry you away at Whitechurch Library, Rathfarnham, courtesy of Music Generation South Dublin and Wicklow.
Kildare’s Lillywhites can go wild with woodland-themed natural and traditional crafts in Castledermot; Naas’ Midsummer Arts Festival and ASD-friendly creative fun in Leixlip.
Events in Kilkenny will see young people dip a toe into acting and performance, get constructive with Lego workshops and even help our pollinators by building bug hotels!
Kids in Laois can get immersed in the likes of art and circus workshops, cupcake decorating, shield-making and much more at the fantastic Fort Festival in Portlaoise.
For those about to rock, Longford’s the place to be when Longford School of Rock and up-and-coming singer/guitarist Katie Gallagher join forces for live music and workshops. Or discover the world of Ardagh’s Tree Fairies with magical storytelling and drama.
In Louth, why not get to grips with graffiti at creative workshops in Dundalk or some captivating storytelling in Drogheda Library.
Laughter will be in the air in Meath thanks to the interactive comedy of the Fanzini Brothers. While a performance of Me & Molly & Moo by award-winning playwright Deirdre Kinahan, will send young imaginations wild.
Get Offaly smartphones at the ready for Paul Moore’s photography workshop in Tullamore Library. Or use the stars above as artistic inspiration for Deirdre Kelleghan’s art and astronomy workshops.
Flex those muscles in Westmeath with Mullingar’s showcase of its talented local dancers at Dance Delirium. Or enjoy a lively evening of Irish music, song and dance performed by Rochfortbridge’s excellent youth group.
Step back a few centuries in Wexford with special guided tours of Duncannon Fort for young children and teenagers. Gorey will be in the Cruinniú na nÓg spirit with fun, day-long events and workshops on art, craft, radio podcasting, collage, Lego and animation too.
The Garden of Ireland will bloom with activity including combinations of creativity and archaeology in Bray Head with treasure hunting, coin-making and Medieval leather work designs. Wicklow Gaol will host a family happy hour and plenty of scéalta and shenanigans are on the cards Tinahely Courthouse with fairytales, mask-making and performance.
These are just a taste of what’s happening in Leinster for Cruinniú na nÓg, find out what’s on near you and share the fun you’re having on social media using the hashtag #MyCruinniu
