Marking its 19th year, Culture Night (Oíche Chultúir) will see a host of special events across Ireland on Friday, September 20, with all activities available to the public free of charge.
With events taking place in every county in both urban and rural spaces, Culture Night aims to be even more inclusive, accessible, and diverse this year while showcasing the best of both the traditional and evolving arts in Ireland.
There is a large choice, with events ranging from a postcard exhibition in Ryan’s Bar in Kilkenny, to traditional music in Down Syndrome Tipperary, hip hop performances across Limerick city, and David Gray and Colm Mac Con Iomaire performing on Sceilg Mhichíl.
A series of events running late into the night, under the Culture Night Late banner, will take place thanks to additional support from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Nighttime Economy Taskforce.
The night and the associated events are developed in partnership with local authorities and many other organizations and individuals across the island of Ireland.
Ireland's Arts Council, which organizes Culture Night, says this year's events are set to follow last year’s extraordinary success, where 1.2 million people participated in over 1,700 free cultural events around the country.
"Culture Night is about exploration of the arts and of our cultural offerings," organizers said this year.
"It is about openness, discovery, celebration and belonging.
"Doors open late and special and unique events are programmed at participating locations, online and broadcast."
Culture Night 2024 highlights from around the country, for all ages and interests include ...
Rock the Block in Passage West Cork promises an evening of entertainment with music from two Cork bands, indie/folk music from Sonyx and The Alkove playing original rock blues music.
In Clare, Songs and Stories from the Spa will provide an evening of song, stories, dance and art at the Pavillion, Lisdoonvarna. Performers include renowned storyteller Aindrias De Staic, singers Kathleen Malone and Theresa Garrihy, musician Pat Dowling and there will be a special performance from the residents of King Thomond Direct Provision Centre.
In Dublin, Culture Night explorers are invited for a peek behind the scenes at Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre for ‘Life on a Camp,' where travellers will demonstrate some of the traditional skills needed for camp life at the outdoor event featuring recipes from ‘Pavee Peck’ a cookbook by Traveller women. Visitors can also enjoy a special film and performance of Traveller songs.
Also in the capital, The Goethe-Institut is delighted to host LIE NING for their Irish concert premiere. The Berlin-based musician, model, dancer, art director, and LGBTQ+ and POC ambassador. Their sound seamlessly navigates indie, soul, and R’n’B, delivering timeless pop moments.
Claregalway Castle in Galway will come alive with enchanting fairy folk, pixies, and goblins as the young dancers of Youth Ballet West entertain with a performance of Faerie Dances.
August 6, 2024: Circus performer Karen Dunn (centre) with Ken Fanning and Tina Segner from Tumble Circus launch Culture Night 2024 in the Atrium at The National Gallery of Ireland, with a mural by artist Klo Wi. (RollingNews.ie)
Meanwhile, Ireland's Office of Public Works (OPW) is once again involved in an evening of experiences and entertainment at a number of Ireland's historical heritage sites on Friday, September 20.
A number of OPW heritage attractions will open later to the public on the evening of September 20, allowing visitors to experience Ireland’s history through diverse events and to enjoy the sites through a new lens.
OPW Culture Night 2024 highlights include:
- Get in the groove at Phoenix Park’s Bike Disco
- Plan a late-night visit to an OPW heritage site including St. Audoen’s, Dublin Castle, and Custom House Visitor Centre, and explore the history at a different pace.
- Catch a late night guided tour at Casino Marino and Rathfarnham Castle
- Immerse yourself in the past at Maynooth Castle’s music event ‘The Sound of Medieval Ireland’
- Delve into Ireland’s darker history at Kilkenny Castle with a talk on Alice Kyteler and the Kilkenny Witchcraft Trial
- Experience the beauty of the rugged landscape of Longford through live music at Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre
Many #OPW heritage sites nationwide are offering a wide range of events to make your #CultureNight a memorable and fun-filled evening.
This is a night you don't want to miss, so make sure to view our full list of events on: https://t.co/Wp0v9osZw1#HeritageIreland #ThingsToDo pic.twitter.com/2AyFqibVrQ
— Office of Public Works (@opwireland) September 19, 2024
You can also join in on Culture Night from the comfort of your home with the help of RTÉ. From 8 pm on Friday, Irish musician Denise Chaila will be presenting a curated array of exclusives celebrating the richness of Irish culture, with performances that promise to captivate audiences nationwide.
The evening includes a highlight with musician David Gray embarking on a dream voyage to Skellig Michael, accompanied by his longtime friend Colm Mac Con Iomaíre.
The cultural celebration continues with a dynamic performance from Leitrim’s Edwina Guckian, along with Mohammad Syfkhan and Ultan O’Brien, who provide the soundtrack for traditional dancing at the crossroads in Effrinagh.
From the energy of punk in Derry with performances from Spider and Cherym, to breathtaking aerial circus acts from Ballydehob in West Cork to innovative street dance displays high in the treetops of Avondale, Wicklow, this RTÉ program showcases the extraordinary breadth of artistic expression across Ireland.
“Punk Is Freedom”
Join us with host @DeniseChaila broadcasting from the Mansion House as RTÉ celebrates Culture Night with performances from @wearevillagers and @davidgray in Skellig Michael and so much more #CultureNight airs on @rteone & @rteplayer Friday at 8pm pic.twitter.com/MWh06I9kSi
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) September 19, 2024
Adding to the night’s musical offerings, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, conducted by David Brophy, delivers a series of orchestral explorations with special guest vocalists Villagers, Niamh Regan, New Jackson, and Joe Chester with Gemma Hayes, creating a symphonic feast for the ears.
There will also be special Culture Night programming on RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ 2FM, RTE lyric fm, and Ar Raidío na Gaeltachta .
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