On Friday, 20th September, Galway County will come alive with creativity and culture, welcoming everyone to experience free and diverse cultural events taking place across the county for Culture Night. Find out what's happening around the county right here...
Galway County Council’s Culture Night programme will feature over 40 events, including music, dance, theatre, art, poetry, puppetry, storytelling, film screenings, crafting and more.
Now in its 19th year, Culture Night has become a cherished national celebration of culture, creativity, and the arts in Ireland. Thanks to the support of the Galway County Council Arts Office and the Arts Council, all events are free of charge. Culture Night aims to unite communities in a shared celebration of the vibrancy and diversity that defines Galway’s cultural landscape.
"Culture Night really is ‘One Night For All," says Sharon O’Grady, Galway County Arts Officer. "The programme showcases our community’s vibrant and creative spirit with a wide range of cultural experiences for all ages and interests."
Events will take place throughout the day and late into the evening in: Athenry, Ballinasloe, Ballinderreen, Ballygar, Claregalway, Conamara, Clifden, Gort, Headford, Kilconly, Kinvara, Newbridge, Oranmore, Portumna, Renvyle, Ros an Mhíl, Tuam, Woodford, and all three of the Oileáin Árann – Inis Mór, Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin.
This year, Galway County Council’s programme highlight is Lumina, a series of artistic outdoor projections on The Cathedral Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known as Tuam Cathedral RC. Produced by Culture Works, Lumina will take place from 9:30pm as part of Culture Night Late. This breathtaking nighttime spectacle will captivate audiences as the facade of the Tuam Cathedral is transformed into a canvas of light and sound through projections and live choral performances.
Other programme highlights include:
In Maum, artist collective Gliogar will present a concert launching the installation Fáistineach featuring musicians Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Ultan O’Brien and Saileog Ní Cheannabháin.
The Enchanted is a playful, immersive experience on Inis Mór. The magician (Ali Keohane) brings audiences onto Hy-Brasil, the mythical disappearing island, through stories told by actors Mikel Murfi, Jenni Nikinmaa & Tonya Lenhart. There will be two performances at 5pm and 7pm.
The Siar Harvest Session is a vibrant cultural event that celebrates the rich traditions of Irish music and art against the stunning autumnal landscape of Kinvara Quay heralding the changing seasons, the richness of Irish culture, and the unifying power of music and art.
Soundwaves... Seen and Heard! is a visual and performing arts event linked to the Soundwaves series of performing arts events held at Middlethird Social Farm throughout 2024. Visitors can enjoy the vocal sounds of a number of well-known hits by local choirs while wandering through the farm cottage, glasshouse and garden exhibition.
Monsters and Things in Ballinasloe Library is a clever blend of pantomimic farce, puppetry and storytelling wonderfully pitched to engage children’s imagination. An old-fashioned Punch and Judy-style puppet box and a beautiful mix of old-fashioned rod puppetry is grafted onto a modern story about 'X Factor' fame and fortune.
For those who prefer to enjoy Culture Night from home, virtual offerings include Solas Photography Club’s online exhibition showcasing award-winning photography and The Write-On Literary Kaleidoscope, a two-hour virtual journey of poetry, stories, and songs hosted by the Galway Write-On Group.
Whether you’re an arts enthusiast or new explorer, Culture Night offers a dynamic programme for all, weaving a tapestry of diverse stories, talents, and traditions. Join this national celebration on Friday, 20th September and embrace the beauty and power of Culture Night as we celebrate and connect One Night For All.
For full event details and updates, visit CultureNight.ie and follow Galway County Culture Night on social media.
Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is proudly supported by the Arts Council and Galway County Council.
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