Sixty free events lined up for Culture Night in Fingal

More than 60 free events will take place across Fingal later this month as the county marks the 20th edition of Culture Night.

The nationwide celebration of arts and creativity returns on Friday, September 19, with 18 venues in Fingal opening their doors for a packed evening of performances, workshops and heritage tours.

The programme was launched this week by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, alongside County Arts Officer Sarah O’Neill and County Librarian Betty Boardman, joined by local poets and young musicians from Music Generation Fingal.

Highlights in Swords include live performances by the Forget Me Nots choir, exhibitions by artist Amanda Dunsmore and historian Dr Declan Brady, and a lively poetry slam led by Sheila Ryder at Swords Castle.

Visitors can also take part in a one-hour challenge to write and record an original song with Music Generation Fingal.

Community choirs will perform later in the evening at the Carnegie Library, while Swords Library will host creative writing and mask-making workshops.

County Hall will showcase progress on the new Culture House, due to open in 2027 as part of the Swords Cultural Quarter.

Elsewhere, Fingal Libraries will stage family-friendly events in Malahide, Balbriggan and Blanchardstown, featuring the Balbriggan Gospel Choir, Blanchardstown Brass Band and D15 Youth Theatre.

Draíocht in Blanchardstown will run a taster workshop, with family films and animations also on offer.

Heritage attractions will also open for the occasion, including Malahide Castle, Newbridge House and Farm, Skerries Mills and the Casino Model Railway Museum.

DIAS Dunsink Observatory will invite visitors to explore the night sky.

In Balbriggan, Creative Places will host artist talks and presentations, while the Irish Institute of Music and Song will present live music and tours of its award-winning Lark concert hall.

Mayor O’Leary described Culture Night as “a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the creativity, talent and diversity that thrive within our community.”

All events are free to attend, though some require advance booking.

Full details are available at www.fingalarts.ie, www.fingal.ie, and www.culturenight.ie.