On Friday, September 22, 2023, Ireland will once again come alive with the vibrant colors, sounds, and flavors of its diverse cultural heritage as it celebrates the 18th annual Culture Night. This eagerly anticipated event invites people from all walks of life to partake in a night of discovery, celebration, and immersion in the arts and culture that define the Irish spirit. Below we have listed travel2ireland’s top picks for the event
1 – Painting Mirror at the National Gallery
Have you ever dreamed of having a portrait or landscape you’ve taken projected onto a historical façade?
Last year the National Gallery, in collaboration with the French Embassy of Ireland, invited participants to submit photos to be used in their live digital art display Painting Mirror. The collected photos were projected onto the gallery’s exterior in Merrion Square in the style of famous painters for the public to witness as part of Culture Night 2022.
This Culture Night, Painting Mirror returns and the National Gallery is inviting YOU to submit your photos to [email protected] before the 12pm on the 18th September in order to have them included in the display.
2 – Unique Lighthouse Project Experience on offer at Hook Lighthouse in Wexford
local artists Sasha Terfous, Richard Carr and Bascivlle will collaborate on a site specific project at Hook Head as part of the Lighthouse Project. The Lighthouse Project is a collaborative artistic response to lighthouses around Ireland, curated by Dani Gill, where writers and artists from other mediums, take inspiration from the communities and landscape around lighthouses, producing poems, stories, songs, audio trails, installations and film work. Inspired by To the Lighthouse (Virgina Woolf), poet and project curator Dani Gill is drawn to exploring these outposts around Ireland, their origins, and stories, and how they are beacons, to both those at sea and on land. On Culture Night audiences will follow a guided soundscape experience into the lighthouse, culminating in a live performance by Sasha Terfous. If you would like to attend the event you can book tickets here.
3 – Bike Disco at Phoenix Park and Museum Quarter
Come along to the Phoenix Park on Friday 22nd September for a bike disco to celebrate both Car Free Day and Culture Night! This free 5km cycle is open to all ages, abilities and bike types! The route will be completely car-free so is a great opportunity for anyone with a bike to take part. Participants are encouraged to light up and decorate their bikes, helmets and outfits to make the event as colourful as possible! ReCreate will be hosting a bike decoration station from 7pm with free bike decorations packs including festival flags and string lights available on the night for the first 150 participants.
The cycle starts at 8pm and leaves from the Phoenix Roundabout at Chesterfield Avenue.
4 – Culture Night With Strange Brew in Galway City
Strange Brew presents a night of music in the Roisin Dubh – featuring DJ sets from Hannah Hession & Rob Rua, who currently run Ar Ais Arís, a Galway based electronic music night with a focus on small, safe, inclusive spaces and big soundsystems. There will be live music from Kettleboilers and special guests.
5 – Photomontage Workshop in Kerry
Photomontage Workshop takes place at Muckross Traditional Farms.
Photomontage is a type of collage using photographs as the main material. You can bring along your own image and transport yourself to another world through drawing, cut and paste!
Timetabled workshops will take place at Muckross The Schoolhouse. Suitable for primary school children of all ages. Younger children are welcome to join in with the help of a parent/guardian. Parent and child workshop (no drop-offs). Workshops are free, but pre-booking is required. If you would like to book a spot you can do so here.
Workshop timetable:
3–4pm
4.15–5.15pm
5.30–6.30pm
