Latest news with #CruinniúnanÓg
Irish Independent
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Photos show Kerry kids enjoying Cruinniú na nÓg around the county
Kerry hosted a fantastic day of creative activity as part of festivities as close to 67 free activities for children and young people took place on the day. Highlights included events involving dance, magic, drumming, jewellery making, puppetry, comic books and much more besides. Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald remarked: "Kerry County Council is delighted to partner with Creative Ireland on Cruinniú na nÓg. This is a great day for children and young people, who have many opportunities to explore creativity and maybe find a new skill.' In Killorglin, Rochelle Lucey and Darragh Kinch hosted Screen-Printing Workshops and mural workshops, followed by a screening of films by Jesse Gilbert. Donal Moroney also organised a concert in the town on the Saturday evening as part of the festivities and he spoke to The Kerryman about how it all went. "It was a great night altogether. It was a great way of showcasing all of the wonderful local young talent that we have here. It was great for them to have an opportunity to perform. There was some great acts on the night including a new trad group called Undercurrent who were just brilliant,' he said. 'There was wonderful support for them on the evening too from locals to parents so we're delighted with how it all went,' Donal continued. Elsewhere in Kenmare, the town offered monoprinting, building your own safari jeep, robots and mini lamps whilst Sneem had an action-packed day with 'Happy Mess'- including singing, DJ party disco and arts and craft sessions. In Killarney Lily MacMonagle encouraged Swifties who were invited to 'Sing it, Shake it, Slay it' at the ANAM centre as part of a Taylor Swift inspired workshop. Kerry International Film Festival hosted a Create Your Own Script workshop at Muckross Traditional Farms, in addition to a wonderful Singer's Circle with Grace Foley, and Music Generation Kerry offered a fun filled 'Whack,Strum, Play'. Listowel proved itself to be a centre for literature and much more, with Fighting Words creative writing workshops, Clay Pottery, Art Workshops and not to forget the King of Mayhem, Ronaldo Fanzini at St. John's Theatre in Listowel. Dingle meanwhile offered nature-based art workshops at An Díseart with Darrach Ó'Murchú and teen bracelet making with Celtic Costal Creations. ADVERTISEMENT Tralee was a vibrant hub with nineteen events, hosted by Síamsa Tíre, Collis Sandes House, KCYS, Tralee Library and Kerry County Museum. Highlights included sock puppet workshops, Wonder Walls workshops, Makermeet STEAM activities, Youth Theatre Island workshops, the Magic Mirror, Drumming Playshop, Creative Dance and a Ukrainian necklace workshop. Emma Carmody, the Creative Communities Engagement Officer for Kerry County Council, who coordinated the day for Kerry stated, 'I especially want to thank all facilitators, artists, and organisers who make this annual day of youth creativity happen, and the young people and their families who came out to participate on the day.'
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Over 50 free events to take place across Wexford for Cruinniú na nÓg
This year's programme boasts over 50 free events for children taking place on the day across Wexford's five libraries. Additionally, the county's iconic cultural venues, from the National Opera House to the Wexford Arts Centre, will be alive with activities ranging from animation and coding workshops to creative writing, mural painting, printmaking, and much, much more. Also announced in the programme, teenagers from Belfast and Wexford will present a unique virtual reality performance, while a special night time event has been announced for Enniscorthy's Vinegar Hill. Speaking at the programme launch Elizabeth Howard, the creative communities Engagement officer, invited the young people of Wexford to come and be inspired. 'It's a fantastic free day for young people to try something new, show off their skills, or discover a hidden talent. The theme of this year's programme is inclusion and connection and we would encourage people of all backgrounds and abilities to join celebrations.' Speaking at the announcement Cllr. Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council remarked, 'Cruinniú na nÓg is an incredible celebration of youthful creativity, providing a platform for children and young people to participate in the arts within their communities. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the local youth organisations, creative professionals, libraries, and community groups, without whom this event would not be possible. I would encourage all young people in the county to come join the celebrations.' This year specially curated workshops will take place across Wexford's five libraries. Designed from toddlers to twelve year olds, activities can be booked on the official website. At Wexford Town Library, children will have the opportunity to explore the art of weaving or create memory maps through collage, coloring, and drawing. Artist and designer Cuan Cusack will lead workshops focused on creating fine art prints using shadows and sunlight. Young musicians can also participate in the 'music and movement for little ones' workshop. Additionally, theatre maker Alison Ni Mhairtin will conduct an Irish Sign Language drama storytelling workshop specifically designed for children with additional needs. At Gorey Library, renowned painter Lillian O'Sullivan will conduct introductory oil painting classes for children. Young people can explore bookbinding and illustration, or participate in a bilingual singing workshop. Elizabeth Flynn will lead a weaving workshop using seasonal plants, and there will be an opportunity for aspiring computer scientists to learn coding through bracelet-making. Additionally, neurodiverse children, or those who may feel overwhelmed, will benefit from the Sensory Hour facilitated by Cathy Coughlan. At Enniscorthy Library the award-winning designer and upcycling advocate Lynn Haughton will lead a workshop where children can decorate large puzzle pieces with upcycled materials. The Wexford Youth Theatre WACT will offer acting lessons, while NCAD graduate Millie Case will conduct workshops in wet wool felting. Additionally, children can take part in stop motion animation workshops or engage in a sensory activity where they will 'Create their own calm down bottle'. Over at Bunclody Library there will be storytelling through LEGO games and musician Laura Hyland will be leading a workshop in singing and voice work. At New Ross Library artist Celeste Shimora Goedert will lead workshops in 'print making with natural materials' and there will be workshops in drama and music. There are also many other activities geared towards teenagers, and fans of The Banshees of Inisherin. At the Taghmon Family Resource Centre, filmmaker Leah O'Toole, known for her work on The Banshees of Inisherin, will be leading a filmmaking workshop. Additionally, the Red Moon Theatre Company will offer workshops for children. Director Tony McLeane-Fay from Barecheek Theatre Company will conduct acting workshops at The National Opera House and at the Gorey Family Resource Centre there will also be workshops led by mixed media artist Elaine Tobin from the Gorey Arts Collective. Teenagers can look forward to mural painting demonstrations at the Presentation Arts Centre in Enniscorthy, as well as at the Wexford Arts Centre. Facilitated by The Walls Project, Wexford Arts Centre will also host coding workshops presented by Anyone4Science. The Stella Maris Centre in Kilmore Quay will host 'Yola and Our Stories', an engaging theatre workshop for children focusing on heritage, history, and storytelling, facilitated by Chris Moran. This year, teenagers from Wexford and Belfast will come together as part of an innovative 'Shared Island' project that aims to spark critical discussions about misinformation surrounding the topics of climate change and health. The groups will engage online and work with theatre professionals to create a scripted performance. A 360-degree VR video expert will record the final performances, and members of the public will have the opportunity to experience the piece using Google Cardboard viewers that will be available at libraries throughout the county. As part of this year's theme of inclusion and connection, Cruinniú na nÓg will partner with seven groups across Wexford identified as 'Seldom Heard.' These essential community groups provide support to young people on various issues, including LGBTQI+ support, young individuals in direct provision, and those living with long-term illnesses. Each group will be matched with an artist or expert facilitator who comes from similar background or has been through similar life experiences as those participating in the groups. The day will end with a bang on top of Vinegar Hill featuring 'The Night Belongs to Youth,' a collaborative project with Creative Places Enniscorthy. The sunset event on Vinegar Hill will be open to the public and will feature a movement piece led by young people of Enniscorthy to the summit of the hill. The full schedule with details can be accessed on the website.
RTÉ News
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Carlow schoolkids make their own radio shows for Cruinniú na nÓg
RTÉjr Radio have teamed up with a creative collective in Carlow to bring the drama for Cruinniú na nÓg this Saturday. Cruinniú na nÓg 2025, Ireland's national day of free creativity for children and young people takes place on Saturday, June 7. Muine Bheag Arts worked with students from St Brigid's NS, Muine Bheag in Carlow to develop, produce and record two radio plays, The Portal (2024) and The Curse of CountVlas (2025). Over the past two years they've led a series of hands-on workshops as part of Cruinniú na nÓg in which the students wrote the material for the plays, acted out the roles of all the characters, created foley sounds and learned how to use recording equipment. The Portal (2024) The Portal recounts the tale of the Murphy twins, Mince and Marmalade, along with their associate Benice, who travel through the portal in Dublin to New York on a mission to save Ireland from darkness. The Portal will play out on RTÉjr Radio at 10am this Saturday, with a repeat at 2pm. The Curse of Count Vlas (2025) The Curse of Count Vlas tells the story of four 6th class friends who embark on a spooky adventure to rescue their town from a greedy property developer, Count Vlas, who has put a strange curse on Grandad Noel's farm. The Curse of Count Vlas will play at 11am with a repeat at 3pm. DJ For A Day Plus, be sure to tune in at 4pm to hear the team behind Count Vlas select some of their favourite tunes to celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg on DJ for a Day. Muine Bheag Arts is an artist-run organisation based in Carlow that engages with the local context to present projects in the public realm. The programme includes exhibitions, workshops, events, residencies, publishing and radio broadcasts. The organisation adopts a collaborative, welcoming and experimental approach and aims to foster dialogue between artists, audiences, community and place. Find our more here - This project is supported by Cruinniú na nÓg, Carlow Arts Office and Creative Ireland Carlow.
Irish Independent
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford workshop to explore stories through sound for children with additional needs
Led by theatre-makers Eoghan Rua Finn and Alison Ní Mháirtín, Club Éist (Storytelling through Sound with Gaeilge, English and Lámh) is for children with additional needs from five to 12 years of age and their caregivers/families. Inspired by natural and manmade sounds, the workshop at Wexford Town Library on Saturday from 11am to noon will explore how stories are created and will feature a range of fun activities for the group to enjoy. The workshop will be facilitated through Gaeilge, Lámh and English but no prior knowledge of the languages used is required. Alison's previous projects for Cruinniú na nÓg include the bilingual film 'Slaney ar Strae', which was set in Redmond Park and featured collaborators Heather Hadrill, Rebecca Hadrill and Dominic Palmer. Alison says: 'Cruinniú na nÓg is such a celebration of children's creativity that is fantastic to be working with the Cruinniú team, Eoghan and Wexford Town Library to bring an accessible event for all the family to this year's line-up.' To book the workshop, please visit and for any for any access requirements/queries, contact alisonnimhairtin@ Alison and Eoghan are Wexford-based theatre makers with an interest in accessibility in the arts and both have worked in disability services. The duo will also be leading a bilingual drama workshop called Réalta agus Scéalta, funded by Seachtain na Gaeilge, in Wexford Arts Centre on Sunday, June 22 from 12:30-13:30. The free but ticketed event still has some places available and is available for booking through Meanwhile, Eoghan has a new play called Invitations at the National Opera House on September 4, 5 and 6 and booking will be available through the National Opera House.
Irish Independent
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Over 50 Mayo children's books to be showcased at Cruinniú na nÓg
June 7 will see the launch of The Children's Books of Mayo Map in the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar at 2pm. Led by Mayo County Library and Mayo County Council's Culture and Creativity Team, with the support of local authors, illustrators, publishers, and booksellers, the map aims to celebrate the unique literary landscape of Mayo and inspire children to visit their local libraries, discover new books, and explore the places that inspired these books. Local artist Melanie Whelan was commissioned to design and illustrate the Children's Books of Mayo Map. The launch of the map will include an exhibition called 'Islands of Imagination' showcasing the characters created by children during a series of workshops held across Mayo in the lead-up to the launch. Ms Whelan, who led the workshops, described the Children's Books of Mayo Map as 'a dream project'. Austin Vaughan, County Librarian and Creative Ireland Coordinator, Mayo County Council, described the project as 'a great way to celebrate the stories inspired by Mayo, and talent from Mayo'. Cruinniú na nÓg is a national day celebrating the creativity of young people, with events taking place around the country. A range of other creative activities and book readings will take place at in the National Museum of Ireland at 11.30am to 4pm to coincide with the launch of The Children's Books of Mayo Map. The Children's Books of Mayo Map features a diverse selection of books, ranging from illustrated storybooks to graphic novels, available in both English and Irish. A complete list of the featured books is provided on the back of the map.
