Galway County is celebrating Cruinniú na nÓg, a vibrant national day of creativity dedicated to children and young people. On Saturday, June 15th, the entire county will come alive with free events and workshops to encourage children and young people to explore cultural and creative activities. Find out what's in store here...
From Ballinasloe to Connemara and every town in between, the spirit of imagination and excitement will shine around County Galway! Galway County Chief Executive Liam Conneally said; "Cruinniú na nÓg has become a very significant event in our cultural calendar, offering our younger population an opportunity to try out all types of creative practices and work with artists all over the county. We have formed great partnerships with youth groups, agencies and organisations and our culture team and libraries have opened their doors to support this dynamic programme."
Galway County Libraries are buzzing with anticipation as they host a vibrant programme of events from Loughrea to Letterfrack, children and families can look forward to a day filled with imagination, learning, and fun. Loughrea Library will host a mosaic construction workshop where children aged 9-12 will have the chance to explore this ancient art under the guidance of Anna Rozanska-Batra. Oughterard Library will feature a quilling workshop with local artist Mimi Sazali. Letterfrack and Clifden Libraries have invited Moth and Butterfly storytellers who will captivate audiences with their improvisational tales. Spiddal Library have Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin representing Futa Fata, who will weave enchanting stories in the Irish language, transporting listeners to magical realms.
In Tuam Library Sparkcatchers! will stage The Voyage to Cnoc Meá, a captivating puppetry performance, inspired by the ancient Irish story of ‘Cessair’. This imaginative journey from Africa to the hill of Cnoc Meá near Tuam promises wonder and excitement. Portumna Library hosts the Secret Life of a Superhero workshop where young people can design their superhero personas. Galway Mobile Library will be in Baile na hAbhann with events including Story Time, Craft Activities and Book-making workshops with artist Lelia Ní Chathmaoil. There will be additional events at libraries in Ballinasloe, Oranmore, and Loughrea.
The Gaeltacht Islands are abuzz with an unprecedented array of fun activities under the banner of Cruinniú ar na hOileáin. Lots of different and exciting workshops will take place on Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr. Expect workshops in drama and mosaic artistry, pulsating drum circles, innovative Lego coding, and painting workshops.
An exciting addition to the cultural calendar is Cruinniú Late in Athenry. Backed by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media’s Night Time Economy unit, this event promises to be a nocturnal delight for young and old. The Athenry Arts and Heritage Centre will be a hive of activity, offering a full day’s schedule designed to captivate. As dusk falls, the spotlight shifts to Cruinniú Late featuring the local rock sensation, Moonlight Eclipse to electrify the night, tailored for older teens.
Following on from last year's highly popular event, artist Jennifer Cunningham is back with her Cyanotype Printmaking Workshops in Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha in Tuam. Also in Tuam, FUSE Jnr presents Nature Shakers a musical adventure for young musicians. In Corofin, their newly revived Comhaltas band is helping young people to learn both traditional music and sean nós singing.
Headford will see Moyne Villa FC host a Card-Making Workshop while the Go Wild Forest School hosts a Family Craft Day in Cloughanover. Drumadore will also host drop-in Drumming Workshops in Loughrea, Killannin and Carnmore. There are many events to choose from all over the county, full details and booking for all events can be found HERE.
Cruinniú na nÓg 2024 is a collaboration between the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Creative Ireland, local authorities (Galway County Council), and RTÉ, brings diverse in-person activities to Galway County for children aged 0 to 18 years. The one-day event is designed to empower, to develop creative potential and to foster the expression of creativity.
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