Programme announced for Culture Night Dublin

Culture Night Dublin will celebrate “One Night For All” on Friday, 23 September, with over 250 participating venues, and more than 300 free events for everybody to enjoy across Dublin City and County.

Museums, galleries, cathedrals, studios, libraries, parks, government buildings, theatres and more, will open their doors to the public as the city comes alive with specially curated tours, workshops, exhibitions and performances.

The programme was officially announced by the Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy, and this year’s Culture Night Dublin Ambassador, Nialler9, at a ceremony at Grand Canal Square. Speaking at the programme launch, the Lord Mayor’s message was: “Dive right in!”

“Now in its 17th year, Culture Night Dublin is our annual celebration of creativity and culture. Through it, we experience and engage with Dublin’s arts and cultural scene, a sector fundamental to a thriving and sustainable city.

“Culture and the creative arts enable us to understand ourselves and where we sit in the world.

“They also provide a platform to engage positively with new communities.

“For me, Culture Night is a moment where visitors and locals alike can engage with and learn about the diverse range of cultures that make Dublin a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, or to simply discover a hidden gem right on your doorstep! It is especially heartening to see a variety of venues open later into the evening this year, with some open as late as 2:30am. I would encourage everybody to dive right in and explore this year’s extensive programme!”

Running alongside this year’s programme is Awaken The Metropolis, a series of artist commissions funded by Dublin City Council.

These commissions include a multiform performance at Meeting House Square by emerging artist and designer, Tadhg; an open-air exhibition with live mural painting at Spencer Dock conceived by visual artist Fionnuala Halpin; and a number of pop-up performances by motley collective Acid Granny and their shopping trolley sound system.

In addition, a flagship late night event called Night Moves has also been announced at the historic Fruit & Veg Market in Smithfield. It will feature a diverse range of DJ performances from the Irish electronic community, while exploring the future of clubbing in the city through a series of early evening panel discussions.

Programme Highlights

Phoenix Park & Museum Quarter

Visitors can take a trip back in time to the Edwardian Period with a tour of Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park or learn about the lives of the soldiers who lived in Collins’ Barracks with a special tour of the National Museum of Ireland. For those looking for something hands-on, the master printmakers at Damn Fine Print in Stoneybatter will be allowing visitors to create their own limited edition screenprint, while The Darkroom on Brunswick Street North, will be hosting photographic print workshops. Casa Mexico, on the Phibsborough Road, will be hosting an art exhibition with 20 Mexican artists, as well as an opportunity to experience some Mexican cuisine. Night owls can take part in a journey through the dreamy landscapes of IMMA until 2am, in a late-night event that challenges our circadian rhythm.

Liberties & Historic Quarter

History buffs can explore the treasures of the Chester Beatty at Dublin Castle or experience what life was like aboard a Viking warship at Dublina on St. Michaels Hill. At Barnardo Square, on Dame Street, film lovers can attend a special outdoor screening celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Academy Award winning film Once, kindly supported by Screen Ireland. Artist Maser will be hosting an open studio at his gallery Atelier Now on Charlemont Street, while Pallas Projects/Studios in The Coombe will present an exhibition by the artist collective Art Nomads. There are also a variety of walking tours to enjoy. From a Cultural Tour of Hotels in the Liberties, 1700s Coffee Houses, to the History of Sanitation, there is truly something for everyone. Bibliophiles can peruse the eclectic selection at Marrowbone Books accompanied by live music until late, while the Wood Quay Amphitheatre at the Civic Offices presents a diverse evening of music, dance and aerial performances for all the family.

Temple Bar & Creative Quarter

Heritage lovers can take a tour of Christchurch Cathedral and ring the iconic bells, while those seeking performance can enjoy a selection of entertainers and oddities at The Clockwork Door until midnight. See the city through the lens of Queer History on an LGBTQ+ walking tour or drop in to Dublin Ink, on Cow’s Lane, to try your hand at tattooing. Little ones can enjoy creative workshops at The Ark or catch a puppet show at Meeting House Square. Meeting House Square then changes gear with the high octane rhythms of Pólca 4, presented by An tOireachtas, a performance from commissioned artist, Tadhg, and a closing party with Dublin Modular. Temple Bar Gallery + Studios will be hosting an open studio night with an opportunity to meet their resident artists, and multiple galleries in the district will stay open late including Hang Tough Contemporary, Graphic Studio Dublin and The Icon Factory.

Monto & North Georgian Quarter

Comic enthusiasts can drop into Dublin City Comics on Capel Street, where they will be hosting a market showcasing local writers, artists and creatives, while audiences are invited to explore the rich traditions of Traveller and Roma culture at the Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre on Charles Street Great. Drop into Dublin Digital Radio at The Complex to contribute to a live radio broadcast or enjoy a series of late night performances by the D-Light Studios housemates on North Great Clarence Street. Visit The LAB Gallery, on Foley Street, to view an exhibition by recent graduate Michelle Malone or explore the historic home of Na Píobairí Uilleann on Henrietta Street. Dance the night away with a series of classes at Mind The Step until midnight or swing by Sin É on Ormond Quay Upper for a comedy show titled a Night of 100 Comedians.

Trinity & the Docklands

Budding geologists can view some of the hidden treasures at the Trinity Geological Museum’s Story of the Earth exhibition, while others can view the city from a different perspective with The Old Liffey Ferry Historical River Tours. Be transported back to the Wild West with a live performance by Flying Turtle Productions at the Ireland Institute on Pearse Street or listen to the Ulysses 2.2 artists at The Pumphouse at Dublin Port. Meanwhile, Spencer Dock will come alive with musical performances from the canal, hands-on workshops and live mural painting. This event will celebrate the cultural richness of the area and is presented in collaboration with Waterways Ireland, the North East Inner City and Dublin Port Company. Drop into 1 Windmill Lane for performances from Chamber Choir Ireland and an exhibition by the 150 year-old Dublin Painting & Sketching Club.

South Georgian Quarter

Theatre fanatics can drop in to Bewley’s Café & Theatre on Grafton Street for an exciting programme of dramatic excerpts, music, and poetry.

The Dublin Unitarian Church on St Stephen’s Green will be hosting a number of musical recitals, while the National Gallery of Ireland have collaborated with the French Embassy in Ireland on a digital exhibition that places visitors within their own masterpiece.

Visitors can take a self-guided tour around The Mansion House, learn about the history of medicine in Ireland at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland or enjoy a series of performances later into the evening at the Museum of Literature Ireland.

Beyond the city, visitors can explore the crypt of Daniel O’Connel at Glasnevin Cemetery or take a tour of the The Casino Model Railway Museum in Malahide.

At Rathfarnham Castle visitors can experience a special performance by singer-songwriter R.S Rowen in the castle’s 18th century Ballroom, while out in Tallaght, the Civic Theatre will be hosting screenings and workshops, followed by live DJ performances until 2:30am.

The Culture Night Dublin transport partner Dublin Bus will be providing free buses on the night. Audiences can expect exciting encounters en route as Culture Night Dublin presents a variety of happenings, live music, spoken word poetry, and other performances on board.

Details of the full programme are now live on the Culture Night Dublin website: culturenightdublin.ie