Explore rich arts and cultural activities on Culture Night 2023 in Fingal

Fingal County Council is delighted to present an exciting programme of free events for Culture Night in Fingal which returns on Friday 22nd of September.  For one joyful night audiences can explore the rich arts and cultural activities in Fingal.  There are so many fantastic events to choose from including live music performances, theatre, dance, visual art, film, literature and family friendly offerings which will take place in nineteen locations across the county. Fingal’s heritage properties, arts centres, libraries and cultural organisations will be open to the public in celebration of this national event. Join us for a diverse programme showcasing the dynamic cultural talent in the county. The Culture Night Fingal programme is available to download at Culture Night Fingal Programme

Fingal Libraries will deliver an exciting programme at Malahide and Blanchardstown libraries, featuring stirring performances by the amazing Dublin Gospel Choir and the Blanchardstown Brass Band, one of Ireland’s oldest brass bands. There will also be storytelling for younger audiences, an art exhibition from Prosper Fingal and a fascinating talk and showcase presented by Balbriggan Heritage Group.  For those interested in exploring  local history there will be an opportunity to access the collection at the Fingal Local Studies and Archives in Swords. Our Balbriggan hub invites visitors to Georges’ Square for a stimulating night of musical performances and visual art exhibitions.

The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre will host a special evening of music curated by Ronan Browne featuring up and coming pipers. There is a focus on youth theatre at Draíocht with a workshop involving members of the D15 Youth Theatre group facilitated by Eimear Morrissey.  Ardgillan Castle will be open to visitors who can explore the bespoke artists’ studios, the newly established art gallery and enjoy some traditional Irish music.  

Budding astronomers can tour DIAS Dunsink Observatory, the oldest astronomical observatory in Ireland. Newbridge House and Farm will screen a historical drama in the servant's quarters of this beautiful Georgian villa and the magnificent medieval Malahide Castle will be open for guided tours. There is also an opportunity to experience the iconic model railway collection at the Casino Model Railway Museum in Malahide which is just a ten-minute walk from Malahide Castle.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Adrian Henchy commented, “Culture Night is a wonderful occasion to celebrate Fingal’s arts and culture, its incredible artists and exceptional heritage properties and arts centres. Culture Night in Fingal promises to be a memorable evening with a diverse range of exciting cultural events for all to enjoy.”

County Arts Officer, Sarah O’ Neill said: “As part of this year’s programme the Arts Office is delighted to present two events for Culture Night.  Award winning illustrator and author Aoife Dooley will host ‘Sketch Out’ in Skerries, a drawing session exploring the sculptures featured in the newly commissioned Skerries Art Trail. Music Generation Fingal will present a special performance featuring two exceptionally talented musicians Cora Venus Lunny and Oliver Cole in Swords, the designated town for Fingal County Council’s flagship project Swords Cultural Quarter.”

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said “I welcome the opportunity to present this vibrant programme of free events planned for Culture Night, which supports and showcases the eclectic artistic endeavours in Fingal.”

The Fingal Culture Night programme was launched at Ardgillan Castle. Culture Night is brought to you by the Arts Council, the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the Creative Ireland Programme in partnership with Fingal County Council.

Download the Culture Night Fingal programme.

For the full national programme see www.culturenight.ie

For events taking place in Dublin see www.culturenightdublin.ie