A record 1,300 venues in 40 towns and cities around Ireland will open their doors for free to the public as part of this year's Culture Night, which takes place on Friday September 16.
Booking is advised where possible for what is now a key date in Ireland's cultural calendar with museums, galleries, observatories and government buildings just some of the venues opening late for the night.
Over 370,000 people took part in Culture Night last year and organisers will be hoping that the increased number of venues - up 400 on 2015- will push attendances close to the 400,000 mark.
This year continues 2015's Revolves Around You theme and among those taking part as Culture Night Ambassadors are alt-pop duo Heathers, author Colin Barrett, artist Pauline Bewick and musician and poet Ronan Ó Snodaigh.
RTÉ Radio 1's Arena will broadcast from the upper courtyard of Dublin Castle with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and special guests from music, theatre, comedy and poetry. The RTÉ Radio 1 Documentary on One and Drama on One teams will host workshops and listening sessions while Ireland's musical history will be celebrated with a special concert at the National Concert Hall.
Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Heather Humphreys has called on people to join in on September 16 and explore their towns and cities.
For full details, see culturenight.ie.
