Launch of Fingal Culture Night Programme 2025
Fingal County Council is delighted to present a vibrant programme of events for Culture Night in Fingal. The 20th edition of Culture Night takes place on Friday 19th of September. This much-loved annual national event celebrates culture, creativity and the arts. Fingal’s finest heritage properties, arts centres and cultural organisations will open their doors offering over sixty free events across eighteen venues.
The programme was launched by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary, with Sarah O’Neill, County Arts Officer and Betty Boardman, County Librarian. They were joined by local poets and young participants from Music Generation Fingal and their music educators who will be performing on Culture Night.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary commented, “Culture Night is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the creativity, talent and diversity that thrive within our community. The progress of Culture House and the exciting vision for the Swords Cultural Quarter reflect Fingal County Council’s commitment to fostering spaces where people can come together to create and be inspired. I am delighted to see such rich performances and events showcased as part of Fingal’s Culture Night programme.”
Highlights include art, music, poetry, workshops and thrilling performances taking place across several locations in Swords. County Hall will feature updates on the development of Culture House which is on schedule to open its doors in 2027. This landmark initiative will bring together a new county library, theatre, gallery, café, and Makerspace at the heart of the Swords Cultural Quarter. Attendees will be treated to a live performance by the ‘Forget Me Nots’ choir and inspiring exhibitions by artist Amanda Dunsmore and historian Dr. Declan Brady.
Visitors to the stunning Chapel in Swords Castle can join Music Generation Fingal to take part in an exciting challenge to write and record an original song in just 60 minutes! This will be followed by a dynamic poetry slam led by poet Sheila Ryder, with opportunities for audience members to share their own original works. Later in the evening, community choirs from across Fingal will deliver a special series of live performances at the Carnegie Library. A range of unusual historic items from the collection at Fingal Studies and Archives will be accessible to visitors, who can also meet a genealogist. There is also plenty of fun activities taking place in Swords Library, including creative writing and mask making workshops.
Fingal Libraries will also host an exciting evening of family friendly events at Malahide, Balbriggan and Blanchardstown libraries, highlights include performances by the amazing Balbriggan Gospel Choir and the Blanchardstown Brass Band. Join D15 Youth Theatre members at Draíocht for a taster workshop or enjoy a delightful series of family films and animations.
Visitors are invited to tour Fingal’s magnificent heritage properties. Discover the rich heritage of Malahide Castle and Gardens, built over 800 years ago and experience over three centuries of history at Newbridge House and Farm. Embark on a journey through Irish railway history and explore the model railway collection at the Casino Model Railway in Malahide. Take a tour of Skerries Mills, one of a few sites in Europe showcasing two Sail Mills and a Watermill. Visitors can expect a stimulating cosmic night under the stars at DIAS Dunsink Observatory.
Creative Places Balbriggan invites young people to the Hub, Georges’ Square for an inspiring evening of talks and presentations by local artists. Guests visiting the Irish Institute of Music and Song in Balbriggan will be treated to a variety of live music and tours of the award-winning Lark concert hall.
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said “Culture Night continues to be a highlight in Fingal’s cultural calendar, bringing people of all ages together to celebrate the arts in all their forms.”
County Arts Officer, Sarah O’ Neill said: “Fingal Arts Office is delighted to present a series of events at Ardgillan Castle, Carnegie Library, Swords Castle and County Hall. Culture Night offers visitors an ideal opportunity to discover, explore, create, connect and be inspired. For one night, audiences can enjoy an exciting mix of artistic and cultural experiences throughout the county.
A night of creativity and culture awaits – don’t miss it! All events are free to attend, some venues may require booking in advance. Plan your Culture Night itinerary now by downloading the Culture Night Fingal brochure at www.fingalarts.ie or www.fingal.ie
For the full national programme see www.culturenight.ie
