The first Culture Night took place in Dublin in 2006 as an initiative led by Temple Bar Cultural Trust aimed at providing a new and imaginative route for the people of all ages to connect with the arts and the diverse cultural life of the city. Culture Night has since expanded to a country-wide event, with scores of exhibitions and cultural activities now also taking place in Limerick, Galway and Cork. Over the last two years, Culture Night has grown to include over 100 of the city's arts and cultural organisations, with many of them staying open until 11pm to ensure maximum exposure to the 100,000 people who are expected to attend the various events, galleries and exhibitions. Ireland has long had a reputation as being on the forefront of artistic endeavour and literary craft throughout the world, and this distinction is evident in the vast array of events (most of them free!) that will be available, coupled with the sense of magic and discovery that comes with exploring a city by night. With Culture Night now taking place in four of the biggest counties in Ireland, you can't be too far away from invoking the spirit of Joyce and channeling the enigma of Bacon and indulging yourself in some culture! Culture Night takes place in various venues throughout Dublin, Limerick, Galway and Cork on Friday 19th September.
