A feast of Southside culture!

THE Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, launched this year’s programme for Culture Night 2018 at Marlay Park in Rathfarnham.

The annual event will take place around the country on Friday, September 21. 

Speaking at the launch, Minister Madigan said: “We are lucky to have a rich and varied culture in Ireland. Culture Night once again provides people across the country with the perfect opportunity to get out and immerse themselves in it for one evening. Visit a venue you might never have thought of visiting before or surprise yourself and explore a new cultural genre.”

She added: “With a huge choice of venues open, from museums, galleries, theatres and studios to libraries, parks and historic buildings, and even more events programmed, I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy an evening of cultural discovery.”

Culture Night has grown from a relatively small-scale programme staged only in Dublin in 2006 to the significant national cultural event it now is, with over 400,000 people visiting museums, galleries, historic houses, artists’ studios and centres across the country on the night.

Many cultural events will take place across the Southside. The Mill Theatre in Dundrum will be providing plenty of entertainment on Culture Night 2018 with live music from local musicians. A print exhibition by Eva Kelly will also be held at the venue. Downstairs in the studio, a Roald Dahl themed drama workshop for children aged 6-10 will take place from 5-6pm.

At St Columba’s College, there will be an hour-long architectural and historical tour of the campus, starting at 7pm.

You will be able to enjoy a guided tour or self-guide through Rathfarnham Castle; discover original features dating back to the 16th century; view fine 18th century interiors; and learn about the people who once resided there.

Music Generation South Dublin and Tallaght Community Arts return to the Pearse Museum for Culture Night 2018. Young artists from across South Dublin County will provide traditional Irish music, ukulele workshops, dance workshops and performances. Freshly Ground, a dynamic theatre company of young artists from Tallaght, will feature. Guided tours of the museum and exhibitions will also be available.

For further information on the full programme of events for your area, visit www.culturenight.ie