Culture Night is upon us, and as always there is a veritable feast of cultural events taking place across the country – from art to theatre to music and beyond.
Below, we've chosen 10 of the best Culture Night events to check out nationwide this Friday, September 21st - and don't forget about RTÉ's Culture Night spectacular at the National Museum at Collins Barracks.
1. Heroes in Hiding – Ramor Theatre, Virginia, Cavan
One of Ireland's most underrated bands – as evidenced by their excellent debut album Actor, released earlier this year – play the charming confines of the Ramor Theatre in what's sure to be a great gig.
2. Inishowen Carnival Group's Spiky Tribe Parade – Letterkenny, Donegal
An illuminated sculpture trail brought to life with music, dance and performance featuring local groups will wend its way through Letterkenny Town Park thanks to the Inishowen Carnival Group's Spiky Tribe. Expect performers including stiltwalkers and fire artists as well as an outdoor illuminated art installation nestled among the young trees in the park, for all the family to enjoy.
3. European Warriors of Horseback Archery – King John's Castle, Limerick
This is something you won't see everyday as astounding demonstrations of centuries old horseback archery take place in the magnificent surrounds of the 13th century castle in Limerick City. There'll also be an array of ancient weapons including sabre, hammar axe, pickaxe, lance and reflex bow on display.
4. LGBT+ Walking Tour – Dublin
With a background in writing, political activism and organising large-scale social events, there is no one better suited than Tonie Walsh to lead a walking tour of historic queer Dublin – who'll explore the capital's socio-cultural and political LGBT life throughout the years.
Phillip King's South Wind Blows radio show comes to life in Dingle, with performances by Third Smoke and locals Mattie Barker, Clare Sands, plus Martin Schärer & Ben Janning of Dréimire. Broadcaster and proud Kerryman Donal Dineen will also present Backstory, dance music on 7" vinyl.
6. Charlie Byrne's: Readings and Radio, Galway
One of Ireland's most beloved bookshops hosts the now traditional Culture Night literary gathering which invites readings by every Galway author who has had a book published in the last year. Galway Bay FM's Arts Show will also broadcast live from the venue.
7. Doolin Cave, Doolin, Co. Clare
You may have been to a cinema, you may even have been in a cave – but have you ever watched films in a cave? This is the perfect opportunity if not, as Burren Subcultures host a special event that includes film screenings, an exhibition and the reading of a play.
8. 14 Henrietta Street: Georgian Townhouse to Tenement Dwelling, Dublin
Dublin's newest museum opens its doors to give 30 minute taster tours, where visitors will experience an insight into the lives of the residents of 14 Henrietta Street when it was a tenement dwelling. The tour will be followed by an opportunity for visitors to reflect on the tour, share memories and enjoy a cup of tea.
9. Yeats – Portrait of a Family, Sligo
An intimate look at the Yeats Family through the portraits of John Butler Yeats and a selection of other artists. The show features a body of work newly added to The Niland Collection.
Want to know what goes on inside the walls of one of Europe's most exciting animation studios? The Oscar-nominated Brown Bag Films opens its doors to the public for some family-friendly workshops and activities in their Dublin space, led by their very own Emmy Award-winning Episodic Director Marten Jonmark.
Find out more about Culture Night events nationwide here.
