On Friday September 21st 2012, locals and visitors across the island of Ireland will enjoy the unique experience of Culture Night. Now in its 7th year Culture Night is a free night of entertainment, discovery and adventure taking place in a record 34 towns, cities, counties and islands in Ireland.
Museums, galleries, churches, historic houses, artist's studios and cultural centres will open their doors late into the evening welcoming people of all ages to taste and sample free cultural delights on the evening.
This year Culture Night will take place in the following regions on Friday September 21st:
Down, Belfast, Armagh, Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cloughjordan, Cork City, Cork County, Derry-Londonderry, Letterkenny, An Ghaeltacht, Galway City, Galway County, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Louth, Limerick City, Limerick County, Mayo, Navan, Offaly, Roscommon, South Tipperary, North Tipperary, Sligo, Strabane District, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow.
There are literally hundreds of free events planned for this year's Culture Night. Here's a taste of what's on offer:
Cork City:
With over 70 venues getting in on the action, Cork City is pulling out all the stops for this years Culture Night. There's the Less Sessions Trad Trail, which will visit some of Cork's best pubs; a performance from Sorcaluba (a trio of trapeze artists) at City Hall from 2.30pm; and free twilight/night tours of Cork City Gaol (from 6.00pm).
An Gaeltacht
This is the third year that the Gaeltacht is involved with Culture Night and they've organised a wealth of activities to showcase the rich and unique cultural vibrancy of the Gaeltacht. There are a number of events in Gaeltacht areas all around the country covering everything from music, heritage, literature and visual arts.
County Galway
17 towns and villages across County Galway will be hosting free Culture Night events this September 21st. In Roundstone the harbour will be transformed into a stage for their live traditional music event. Athenry will host Cinema at The Castle with a presentation of the Japanese film 'Haru's Journey' and Clifden's family friendly 'Up The Walls' project welcomes all ages to get involved in a mural painting. That's just a handful of the Culture Night events happening in 39 venues across Galway.
Armagh There is a jam-packed programme in Armagh for their first ever Culture Night. There'll be theatre, dance, talks and tours as well workshops, storytelling, crafts and... flower arranging. Celtic Soul - a leading Van Morrison tribute band - will play Armagh Planetarium at 8.00pm on the night and AmmA Centre have a full programme of events from 'Digital Cameras for Beginners' to 'An Introduction to Recording Music'.