Donegal County Council Culture Division is proud to present its 14th annual programme of events for Culture Night, the all-island public event that celebrates culture, creativity, and the arts.
Taking place this Friday, 23rd September, Culture Night is “One Night For All” with events taking place across the county.
This exceptional night of cultural festivities takes place once per year as part of a national celebration of arts, heritage, and culture.
Commenting on this year’s event, Donegal County Council Arts Officer Traolach Ó Fionnáin said: “This year’s programme marks a return to live, in-person events, with over 30 events happening across Donegal. All of our participating artists, venues and groups are looking forward to performing live to audiences again without restrictions.
“It will be great to see villages and towns around the county come alive with culture, creativity and the arts on Culture Night and we are delighted to see it all coming together.
“As always, all Culture Night events are free to attend which makes it a great affordable and accessible way for people to spend a Friday evening with family, friends or alone. Please check the programme in advance to find out if booking is necessary for the events you hope to go to.”
CAIBLEADH – SPIRIT VOICES FROM THE SEA
In Letterkenny Town Park, Inishowen Carnival will present Caibleadh – Spirit Voices From The Sea. The event includes large sea spirit characters such as the selkie, sea serpent, sea god and merrow, illuminated sculptures and performances by dance and street performers.
DONEGAL COUNTY MUSEUM
On Culture Night, Donegal County Museum will present Living History Tours: Life in the Workhouse (6:15 and 7:30pm). Step back in time and hear the stories of life in County Donegal’s Workhouses during the revolutionary period from those who lived and worked there. The Ann Doherty Collection, featuring never-before-seen, stunning photographs of people living in extraordinary situations across the world in countries such as Sierra Leone, Egypt and Italy, will also be on display. The Donegal Vintage and Classic Car club will also be there from 6 – 8pm with their much-loved vintage vehicles. Pre-booking for Living History Tours is essential, call 074 9124613 or email museum@donegalcoco.ie.
TURAS ÚR
Turas Úr are a collective of Donegal Gaeltacht visual artists, who make sculptural responses to their environment. For Culture Night, a special illuminated sculptural exhibition will take place in the Workhouse Garden next to Donegal County Museum, with participating artists Leanne McLaughlin, Cathal McGinley, Ewan Berry, Ed Devane, Laura Nic Dhuibhir, Mickey McFadden and Máire Nic Fhearraigh.
CULTURE NIGHT AT THE RCC
Head to the Regional Cultural Centre this Culture Night for an Animated Video Game Premiere: A New Topography of Love. Other events include a Kids Workshop Indoor Drive-Movie from 6.00pm – 8.00pm, in which families are invited to drop in and build their very own car for an indoor drive-in movie experience. There will also be an Open Rehearsal with the Donegal Youth Orchestra and The Letterkenny Social will begin at 8pm. Mary Toland: Custodians will also be on exhibition.
THE CENTRAL LIBRARY
To celebrate Culture Night 2022, The Central Library will host various events including a Walking Tour of Historic Letterkenny at 6pm. Esteemed local historian and author Kieran Kelly will take you on one of his legendary tours of the town, while in the library, you can enjoy a Behind The Scenes Tour, during which you can find out about the resources the library has available for you to trace Donegal ancestors or research the history of the county.
ARTLINK FORT DUNREE
Celebrate Culture Night in the Saldanha Gallery, Fort Dunree with Drawing From The Earth: In response to The Seed That Stops The Heart, a solo exhibition by Louise Spokes, Artlink will host an experimental drawing workshop using pigments from the earth including rocks, soil, plants and flowers in the gallery space surrounded by the exquisite drawings by Spokes. The workshop is open to all ages and abilities but places will be limited. To book, please email info@artlink.ie.
Other events in this year’s programme include Right Round in the Cottage Bar, Conway’s Cabaret in Conway’s Bar, Ramelton, and the Trail of Flann O’Brien Walking Tour hosted by The Alley Theatre and the Strabane Historic Society, which culminates in Lifford Old Courthouse. To find out more check out www.culturenight.ie/donegal
