Fingal County Council launches Culture Night Fingal programme 2026

Fingal County Council is delighted to announce a vibrant programme of events for Culture Night 2026. This annual national event, now in its 21st edition, is a celebration of culture, creativity and the arts. Fingal’s arts centres, cultural organisations and finest heritage properties will open their doors on Friday the 18th of September 2026 for an evening of special events specifically programmed for Culture Night.

The programme was launched by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tony Murphy, County Arts Officer Sarah O’ Neill, Deputy Arts Officer Public Art Caroline Cowley and Howth based artist Pamela Leonard.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tony Murphy said, "Culture Night is an exciting opportunity to bring people together and showcase the wealth of talent, creativity and cultural activity within our community. I encourage everyone to take part and enjoy the many free events taking place throughout the county.”

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly commented: "We are proud to support Culture Night which returns this year with an extensive programme celebrating Fingal’s rich culture and highlighting the incredible work of artists and organisations while giving everyone the opportunity to participate, explore and discover something new".

Fingal County Council Arts Officer, Sarah O'Neill said: "As part of this year’s Culture Night programme the Arts Office is delighted to showcase recently acquired artworks by Pamela Leonard and the interior fit- out of a new residential artist studio in Lusk, featuring custom made furniture by Beet, Woad and Rust, which form a distinctive and inspiring space for artists to live and work.”

County Librarian, Lilian Whelan commented, "Once again, Fingal libraries are delighted to host a large range of creative and cultural events for all age groups. All of our events are family friendly, free and accessible with the aim of showcasing the excellent services of Fingal libraries in the area of Culture and Creativity".

Among the many highlights is a special Culture Night exhibition at the Carnegie Library in Swords, celebrating the works and artistic legacy of prolific artist Pamela Leonard. The exhibition Along the Coast and Through the Trees showcases works recently acquired from the artist for inclusion in Fingal County Council's Municipal Art Collection.  This dedication to her lifetime body of work reflects Fingal's ongoing commitment to support and preserve the legacies of local artists at every stage of their careers.

To celebrate fifty years of Malahide Castle being open to the public, the castle's curator will lead a special tour of Thinning the Veil, a contemporary art exhibition marking this significant milestone.  Featuring work by Fingal artists Susan Buttner, Ann Ensor, Elaine Grainger, Michelle Hall, Deborah Hewson and Laura Skehan and curated by Eamonn Maxwell. This exclusive tour offers a unique opportunity to see the exhibition and learn more from the castle's curator.

As part of Culture Night, the Séamus Ennis Arts Centre, Naul is delighted to welcome acclaimed violinist, visual artist and educator Ioana Petcu-Colan for a unique and intimate evening of music, art and conversation inspired by her current exhibition, Refractions.  There will also be a free screening of Trad, a new film directed by Lance Daly.

Creative Places Balbriggan and Fingal Arts Office are celebrating the Arts in the Balbriggan Community with Making Waves at Ardgillan Castle. Join the artists and participants at the beautiful Ardgillan Castle for music, demonstrations and plenty of chat, to help launch their exciting creative journey and to learn more about what Making Waves will be embarking on in the coming months with the Balbriggan community.

There will also be an opportunity to meet the dynamic design duo from Beet, Woad and Rust who were commissioned to produce the interior fit out of a Ballough Place residential purpose-built artist studio. Their approach demonstrates how design and craftmanship can play an important role in supporting the creative process.

Young visitors to Draíocht can enjoy a delightful series of family films and animations, and a taster workshop led by D15 Youth Theatre members. Or why not join Music Generation Fingal’s Live Karaoke Band event in Balbriggan. Fingal Libraries will also host an exciting evening of family friendly events at Malahide, Balbriggan, Blanchardstown, Skerries and Swords libraries.  Highlights include performances by the dynamic No Code 7 dance group, Balbriggan Lighthouse Voices, the Bits and Bobs Orchestra, and the Blanchardstown Brass Band.

Finally, enjoy a self-guided tour of DIAS Dunsink Observatory and explore the fascinating history of astronomy. Or take a tour of one of our remarkable heritage properties and discover the architecture, history and stories at Newbridge House, Skerries Mills and the Casino Model Railway Museum. 

All events are free to attend, some venues may require booking in advance. Plan your Culture Night now by downloading the Culture Night Fingal brochure.

Culture Night Fingal 2026 | Fingal County Council

Culture Night Fingal is brought to you by Fingal County Council and the Arts Council.