Latest news with #CruinniúnanÓg2025
RTÉ News
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Unleash Your Spark with Cruinniú na nÓg on 7 June
Cruinniú na nÓg 2025, Ireland's national day of free creativity for children and young people is taking place on Saturday, June 7 and we are telling you to save the date! This all-island celebration will host over 1,000 free events across the country, celebrating creativity through music, art, circus, storytelling film and more. Ireland is the only country in the world to have a national day celebrating young people's creativity. Creative Ireland invites all young people to explore something new, unlock their imagination, and be part of this unique celebration of creativity and expression. Creative Ireland and RTÉ's celebrated national art competition for young people returns. The theme will be revealed on Cruinniú na nÓg day. And there's more. For Cruinniú na nÓg 2025, the island of Ireland will become a gallery as we launch an All Island exhibition showcasing incredible artworks by young artists from previous RTÉ This Is Art! competitions. Circus Explored Presented by Irish Street Arts, Circus and Spectacle Network (ISACS), invite young people to explore circus skills in a relaxed, picnic-style setting at locations nationwide. Circus Explored is a call to action for young people to dive into circus activities, develop new skills, and unlock their creativity. It's back again and it's where we found our spark last year. Rock the Block 2025 is a high-energy, youth-led celebration of music, dance, and street culture. A collision of genres, an explosion of sounds and a meeting of minds, Rock the Block returns and boldly plants itself on the Cruinniú na nÓg map for 2025, daring all young music-makers to come along and be heard! The Walls Project Wonder Walls for Cruinniú na nÓg invites young people across Ireland to spark their creativity and be part of an exciting hands-on street art experience! Throughout May, workshops will take place in 13 locations across Ireland. Guided by a professional mural artist, participants will explore techniques, experiment with colour and design, and bring their ideas to life through street art and graffiti. It's all about creativity, self-expression, and learning in a fun and supportive space. This will see 21 youth theatre groups will unite in five regional hubs to collaborate, perform, and celebrate their creativity as part of the Youth Theatre Ireland project. Over the past few months, 20 youth theatres across the island have been creating, writing, designing, directing, and rehearsing to showcase their talents on Cruinniú na nÓg Day 2025. We Own the Castle A live youth music festival set in the historic surrounds of Swords Castle, giving young performers a chance to take centre stage.
Dublin Live
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Dublin Live
Celebrating Cruinniú na nÓg 2025: Youth creativity takes centre stage with free events across Dublin
Get ready for a burst of imagination and youthful creativity at Cruinniú na nÓg 2025 on Saturday, June 7. Now in its eighth year, this national celebration showcases young people's creative expression through coding, circus, music, dance and much more. There are over 1000 events across the country, with venues across Dublin getting in on the action. Cruinniú na nÓg is an initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme, a culture-based initiative led by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media. As part of the Government's Shared Island initiative to enhance cooperation and connections across Ireland, Cruinniú na nÓg 2025 will include cross-community events for children and young people from the four corners of the island, featuring strategic partner projects Circus Explored, Youth Theatre Island and RTÉ This is Art! Wonder Walls are also joining as a strategic partner for 2025. Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world to have a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18, so make sure to explore what's happening in your local area! We've highlighted a few events from around the city, but you can explore the full schedule of over 1000 events at and Young People are invited to take over Swords Castle on June 7. From rising bands and solo acts to fresh new ensembles, this is a day about music, creativity and community. Watch featured acts on the Main Stage, perform on the spot on the Busking stage, step into the Chapel Session for poetry and unplugged sets, or simply craft your festival look at the Creative Village and soak in the vibes. Step right up for a magical day of family fun at the Circus Picnic in the Park! As part of Cruinniú na nÓg, Dublin Circus Project are inviting families of all ages to enjoy a spectacular celebration packed with circus skills workshops, an unforgettable show, and a colourful community procession. Whether you're learning to juggle, enjoying a bite under the trees, or clapping along to amazing performers, there's something for everyone. The Storytelling Through Photography and Presentation Workshop is a collaborative initiative between Dreamers Reality and Photo Ireland. This one-day workshop is designed to empower young people aged 10-17, particularly those from underserved communities in Dublin, by equipping them with essential skills in photography, storytelling and presentation. Following the success of The Night Is Young, a series of workshops for young DJs and bands, this showcase offers an opportunity for these young artists to showcase their talent. This concert will feature the next generation of music makers and performers along with special guests. Head along for a Cruinniú na nÓg late event in collaboration with the Night-Time Economy Advisor and YMCA Dublin. Step into Voyages, a unique exhibition curated by children, for children. Led by artist and collaborator Róisín White, a group of 12 young people took part in six creative workshops to explore The Ark's visual art collection, learn about curation, and shape the final exhibition. Voyages features artworks selected by the young curators for children aged 0–12. Voyages is an inclusive, creative celebration of children's ideas and imagination. Unsung Youth is back and better than ever! This year for Cruinniú na nÓg the vibrant sounds of young musicians from across Ballyfermot and Cherry Orchard will fill the air at an electrifying open-air concert in People's Park, nestled beside the Civic Centre in Ballyfermot. Unsung Youth isn't just a music festival – it's a celebration of community and creativity, giving the talented youth of Dublin 10 a chance to shine on stage. Bands, solo artists, and music ensembles will grace the stage with a captivating mix of cover songs, original compositions, and classical pieces. From rock anthems to soulful ballads, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Unsung Youth. And thats not all: The evening will see theatrical talents on show as the Ballyfermot Youth Theatre take to the FamiliBase theatre stage to present a surprise performance! For more on these and hundreds more events around the country, visit
Irish Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Celebrating Cruinniú na nÓg 2025: Youth creativity takes centre stage
Get ready for a burst of imagination and youthful creativity at Cruinniú na nÓg 2025 on Saturday, June 7. Now in its eighth year, this national celebration showcases young people's creative expression through coding, circus, music, dance and much more. Cruinniú na nÓg is an initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme, a culture-based initiative led by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media. As part of the Government's Shared Island initiative to enhance cooperation and connections across Ireland, Cruinniú na nÓg 2025 will include cross-community events for children and young people from the four corners of the island, featuring strategic partner projects Circus Explored, Youth Theatre Island and RTÉ This is Art! Wonder Walls are also joining as a strategic partner for 2025. Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world to have a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18, so make sure to explore what's happening in your local area! We've highlighted a few events from around the country, but you can explore the full schedule of over 1000 events at and Carlow - The Big Dig Experience what it's like to be an archaeologist! 'The Big Dig' workshops incorporate the dig experience with educational, engaging and interactive activities. Learn about the lifestyles of our Viking ancestors, guided by a professional archaeologist. Book early as places are limited. This is an outdoor activity, so dress appropriately! Cavan - Playful Park Join the Cottage Market in Cavan for a day full of imagination, creativity and fun. This free family-friendly event invites children and young people (ages 0–18) to explore a playful park of hands-on interactive activities designed to inspire and engage. Playful Park Clare – Filmmaking Workshop Clare Youth Service invite young people to join a unique film-making workshop. Learn from Shane Vaughan for hands-on filmmaking and editing skills, learn about the film industry and start your journey to a creative career. Film Workshop Cork – Rock the Block 2025 Rock the Block returns and boldly plants itself on the Cruinniú na nÓg 2025 map, daring all young music makers to come along and be heard! Traditional Irish and folk open jam session; a pop, rap and hip hop open mic session; interactive workshops, a music showcase for up & coming artists; culminating in a guest performance by the trailblazing Hazey Haze. Hosted by The Kabin Studio, Music Generation Cork City and Creative Tradition. Booking required. Derry – Circus Picnic In Your Space Circus invites you to a smorgasbord of circus fun to celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg. The Circus Picnic will be taking over St Columb's Park and is suitable for all ages. Donegal – Family Fun Day Donegal Town comes alive with a family fun day in the amazing surroundings of Donegal Castle! There'll be games to play and performances from the fabulous MakeyUppers, The Green Fairy, Cikada Circus, Paddy Picasso and Bunderella. Dublin – We Own the Castle – Live Youth Music Festival with Garageland Galaxyz Young People are invited to take over Swords Castle on June 7. From rising bands and solo acts to fresh new ensembles, this is a day about music, creativity and community. Watch featured acts on the Main Stage, perform on the spot on the Busking stage, step into the Chapel Session for poetry and unplugged sets, or simply craft your festival look at the Creative Village and soak in the vibes. Galway – Circus Picnic A world of fun and wonder for children aged up to 10 (and their grown-ups!). Try your hand at juggling, balancing and more at drop-in circus skills workshops, soar on an outdoor aerial rig and meet fantastic youth performers as they bring the park to life with colourful walkabout characters. Pack a picnic, soak up the sunshine and enjoy a joyful day of circus play for the whole family – older siblings and curious adults are welcome too! Kerry – Cruinniú Late Killorglin A special Cruinniú Late event, inviting young people aged 13-18 to take part in a variety of creative activities. Print your own tote bags or unleash your inner artist by contributing to a collaborative mini-mural. Enjoy live café music sessions or check out film screenings from the Kerry Filmmaker in Residence Jesse Gilbert and students from Killorglin Community College. Kildare – Learn to DJ Join Helena the Storyteller and DJ Seán Fitzmaurice for this fantastic workshop and pick up some tips and tricks to bring out the DJ in you! Learn about the power of storytelling through music and all about the world of DJing, then become a DJ yourself as you'll get the chance to use the turntables too. Kilkenny – Electric Bugs Science Workshop Learn about electricity, circuits and basic engineering while you build your very own electric bugs! Create little critters that light up, using the power of electricity. It's a perfect blend of fun, creativity and learning helping young scientists develop problem-solving skills, while exploring the wonders of science and technology. Laois – Get OutI! Start off the morning of Cruinniú na nÓg in the outdoors, with teen wildlife photographer, Rossa Bracken, for a fun GET OUT!! experience. Explore what's around us and learn how to preserve and protect it through an interactive nature treasure hunt. Booking via phone only – 085 1622342 Get out!! Leitrim – 24-Hour Play Extravaganza Get ready for a whirlwind of creativity! The Rabbit's Riot Theatre Company is thrilled to present the 24-Hour Play Extravaganza, an exciting theatre project for young people aged 13 to 18. Over just 24 hours, participants will write, design, direct and perform a series of short plays —created entirely from scratch! The plays will be showcased in a public performance on Cruinniú na nÓg day. Limerick – Wonder Walls Workshops Get creative at a drop-in mural session, where 12-18-year-olds can help paint a vibrant, collaborative mural with a professional artist. No need to book, just pop along! Brought to you by the team behind Waterford Walls – The Walls Project - and funded by Creative Ireland. Longford - Music Bonanza Music Generation Longford's Music Bonanza returns with a full day of music workshops, where you can try an instrument, as well as open mic performances in Longford town. Experience taster workshops in African djembe drumming, bodhrán, ukulele and early years music. There's an ASD-friendly music hour and throughout the day there will be opportunities to try different instruments. And if you're brave enough, you can take part in an open mic performance. Louth – Now That's What I Call an Album Cover Get ready for a bold and brilliant celebration of music and visual art, as Droichead Youth Theatre presents Now That's What I Call an Album Cover — a live art experience that transforms iconic album covers into powerful, living scenes on stage. A playful and imaginative tribute to the music that shaped generations, this event combines performance, design and nostalgia in a way that's both fresh and familiar. Free and open to the public – booking required. Mayo - Blooming Science Discover the magic of colour, as your flower blossoms in water. Get your hands messy and watch the colours swirl, creating a blooming rainbow. Not only will you get to create your own beautiful flowers, but you also get to decorate your own vase. Each child gets to take home their creation. This workshop is designed for children with additional needs. Meath – Toddler Twist Lively workshops full of song, dance and action songs for toddlers. Playful puppets and interactive music, the perfect way to bond, move and spark your toddler's love for music and movement. Monaghan – Circus 250 Experience an unforgettable day of entertainment at Monaghan Peace Campus. Step right up and immerse yourself in a jam-packed program of extraordinary circus performances. Offaly – Music Generation Showcase In preparation for Cruinniú 2025, Birr, Tullamore, and Edenderry Libraries hosted a series of workshops with Music Generation. Over 6 weeks, participants have been learning new skills including singing, drumming and performing. The groups will come together for a special family-friendly concert on Saturday June 7, showcasing their creativity and talent. Roscommon – Creative Nature at Knockvicar Organic Garden Explore wildlife through taxidermy and herbarium specimens of our local flora and fauna affording rare proximity to shy creatures and notorious characters. Take part in simple clay and charcoal activities, to learn and appreciate the nature we are lucky enough to share space with. Places are limited, so book early! Sligo – Youth Theatre Taster Workshop A fun and energetic introduction to drama. One-hour taster workshops offer young people a chance to explore theatre games, storytelling and creative expression in a relaxed and welcoming environment. No experience necessary! Tipperary – Summer Block Party Clonmel Applefest is throwing an epic youth takeover at Kickham Plaza – and you're invited! It's a full day dedicated to youth creativity, packed with live music and dance vibes from every corner of the scene – think hip-hop, rock, pop, trad and more. Catch high-energy dance and music performances that'll have you dancing along – featuring DR2, Kool Skool and Music Generation. This is a nighttime event for ages 13+ Waterford – Break from the Books Exam students are invited to take a break from the books with a creative reset. Join holistic wellbeing practitioner Lucy Hyland in the gorgeous surrounds of the Coastguard Cultural Centre for a morning retreat of breathing, slow crafting and soul nourishment. Wexford - Red Moon Theatre Company An island has mysteriously arisen off the coast of Blackwater... Participants will form small groups and secretly gain access to the island to find out what is going on. Each group is suspicious of the others, but when a storm arises they have to take shelter together. They are trapped unless they can create a 'Golden Code' which ensures each and every individual on the island can be safely rescued – or can they? Wicklow – Bug Art & Bug Hotel Making Workshop Join local artist Tina Mouritzen in a fun art and creative session. Learn how to draw a bug of your choice and make your own bug hotel using natural and recycled materials. Take your finished hotel home and watch the bugs get comfortable in your garden. Fun and educational workshop for children of all ages, no booking required.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Cruinniú na nÓg in Meath to feature an exciting programme of free creative events for young people
Today at 07:23 Meath County Council has unveiled its programme for Cruinniú na nÓg 2025, the national day of free creative activities for children and young people, set to take place on Saturday, June 7.
Irish Independent
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wicklow teen who performed at Ed Sheeran show to star at Cruinniú na nÓg
The national day of creativity for children and young people features a diverse and extensive line-up of events, activities and workshops – and better still, all events and activities are free. Talking place across the county on Saturday, June 7, the many events aim to enable, celebrate and encourage the creative potential of young people through creative activities. The theme for this year is 'Unleash Your Creative Spark!' and children and young people can look forward to engaging in a day of music, dance and song performances, as well as creative workshops throughout the county. One of the stars this year is 14-year-old singer-songwriter Fionn Whelan, who is Wicklow's ambassador for Cruinniú na nÓg 2025. He began playing the bodhrán and tin whistle at age five, picked up the guitar two years later, and busks on Grafton Street whenever he can. Fionn's creative hero is Ed Sheeran, and he had the opportunity to perform at Ed Sheeran's concert in the Czech Republic in 2024. Fionn believes creativity is about 'expressing yourself in your own way and using your imagination to turn your ideas into something real.' When asked about the best aspect of Cruinniú na nÓg, Fionn said: 'It is giving kids an opportunity to show off their talents and creativity. A lot of the young people participating might not be experienced in performing or standing in front of a crowd, and I think it's a great way to build their confidence.' There are more than 30 events, performances, and workshops taking place in 12 locations across the county, with some of the highlights including: Mr Sands Youth Theatre will host an open day drama session at Wolfe Tone Community Centre, in Bray, where children can play games, interact with theatre members and experience the excitement of youth theatre first hand. Music Generation will visit Rathdrum Hall to showcase two special performances by local children, featuring original poetry and music created during workshops with poet Colm Keegan. The premiere of Rathdrum Rhapsody by composer Fionn Foley will also take place. Arklow Library will be facilitating workshops promoting various aspects of the arts for young people for young people, including song, music, dance and drama. Dunlavin Library will host as a 'Gothic Fiction Creative Writing Workshop' with author Caroline Busher, which will allow children to explore how classic gothic novels influence children's books and learn to create a gothic atmosphere by focusing on setting and character development. Enniskerry Library will be home to a musical theatre session with Róisín Bullock, which will encourage children learning a dance routine and singing together as a group. The Courthouse Arts Centre is the venue for 'Atmosphere', a musical workshop led by Irish/Dutch singing duo Juliana and Remco, where children will collaborate to create a song before performing at the end of the workshop. Meanwhile, to celebrate 'Creative Places Baltinglass', a community-led three-year project that celebrates Baltinglass people and place, Wicklow County Council's Arts Office has curated a unique Cruinniú na nÓg programme for the area. This includes Giant Dreams, an enchanted performance featuring magical music and dancing fairies, along with local students and a special guest. Other local artists will lead workshops and activities, such as 'Bubbleéire's Bubble Show', the 'Battle of the Baltinglass Fairies', an open painting workshop, and an 'Archaeology Egg Excavation'. Alongside performances by Fionn Whelan, concerts will also include the Gohery School of Irish Dancing and the Slaney Court Drummers. All activities will be held in the beautiful surroundings of the Tearmann Community Garden. Later that evening, 'Cinema Night', a local youth-led initiative, will screen Sing Street and showcase the winner of the West Wicklow Short Movie Competition at The Lalor Centre. Some events require advance booking while others are drop-in activities. To see the full programme go to:
