A diverse range of events are taking place across Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath.

Culture Night 2025 is set to light up the Midlands with vibrant events across Offaly, Laois and Westmeath.

In Birr, Jackie Lynch is launching the 'haiku collection Light Chains', exploring healing through poetry and art.

Shanahoe in Laois will be filled with powerful performances from 'Dunamaise Strings' and folk trio CUA.

Moate's Dún na Sí Park is offering fire shows, music and heritage tours in a magical outdoor setting.

Audiences of all ages will gather to celebrate creativity, storytelling, and shared traditions.

Assistant Arts Officer at Offaly County Council, Aleksandra Rosiak says the night is a powerful celebration of community and the arts:

Birr, Offaly: 

Culture Night at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre

4.30pm–6pm: “Song of Myself”, a workshop to replenish the creative well through collage, colour balancing, tealeaf landscapes, mindfulness cards and music. Facilitated by Eileen Casey.
6.30–7.30pm: A reception and launch of Jackie Lynch’s haiku book with some readings
7.30–8.30pm: An engaging talk about the benefits of writing for our mental health facilitated by author Geraldine O’Neill, with Jackie Lynch & Eileen Casey

Booking is required at birrtheatre.com

Light Chains

Having spent seven years in Asia and inspired by the Japanese Philosophy of Kintsugi and Wabisabisuki visual archive artist Jackie Lynch turned to Haiku after a recent shock diagnosis change her life.

Presented in a limited edition book with accompanying photographs Jackie brings us on a journey with her through diagnosis, treatment and recovery with the launch of, and readings from, her book; ‘Light Chains’

Name of Venue: 

Birr Theatre & Arts Centre 

Offaly County Council Choir – Choral

Join the Offaly County Council Choir for an eclectic repertoire of old and new style tunes from Cyndi Lauper to The Beatles and Lady GaGa.

Offaly County Council Choir was founded in 2013 by the staff of Offaly County Council and includes serving and retired staff.

The Musical Director is Andrius Kozlovskis. Andrius is an accomplished musician and teacher, originally from Lithuania who conducts many successful choirs in the Midlands.

Name of Venue:Birr library

Edenderry, Offaly:

Autumn Airs

To create your own list of Culture Night events wishlist please select the heart symbol to save them to your favorites. When you want to see your own trail simply select the heart on the top of the page for all of your events to be displayed in your own trail.

The choir will perform a varied repertoire including classic, sacred, contemporary, popular and musical pieces in the historical and cultural surroundings of the Society of Friends Meeting House. The Meeting House is a late Georgian building which was constructed in 1813 as a place of worship for the Society. So Culture Night will offer an opportunity to all to hear Eden Chorale and see the Meeting House in one single event. A lovely way to spend an autumn evening.

Come Paint Your Mark on Edenderry – Community Mural & Open Air Art Exhibition

Kate Furlong, supported by Creative Places, Edenderry is hosting a Community Mural and Open Air Art Exhibition! Come along and join in! We will provide all materials at the event and each person will be invited to contribute to the large, public mural, featuring symbols of Edenderry, such as the Grand Canal, Castle Ruins, Local Landmarks and more!

Name of Venue: Edenderry Library 7 Community Room (and the town hall square)

Cultures of Edenderry, COMMUNITY ART NIGHT WITH NESRIN

Join us for a vibrant and inclusive evening of creativity with “Community Art Night with Nesrin.” This hands-on workshop invites participants of all ages and backgrounds to explore different art forms including Mandala Dot Art, textured art, and more. No experience is needed – just a willingness to create and connect! Come discover the healing power of art in a warm and welcoming environment that celebrates cultural diversity and community spirit.

One Night For All Acoustic Hearts & RADAR

Edenderry Library will host a One Night for All Acoustic Session combining modern, rock and traditional music with local groups Acoustic Hearts and up and coming young guns RADAR. This session is aimed at the young and the young at heart so whether you like to rock on or enjoy a good old-fashioned session this intergenerational event will ensure ceoil agus craic for all age groups. All are welcome.

Name of Venue: Edenderry Library

Open Mic Night hosted by John Gorman & Radar, supported by Creative Places

John Gorman & RADAR will host an All Ages open mic night supported by Creative Places, Edenderry at O’Donoghues Bar, Edenderry on Culture Night, the 19th of September, 8pm – 11pm. If you play an instrument, sing or are in a band please come along! Poets, storytellers and comedians are also welcome! You can register your spot by emailing: info@creativeplacesedenderry.ie

Portarlington, Laois:

An Evening of Music

The community of Shanahoe promise a music filled evening to mark Culture Night 2025. The first music offering will be from Dunamaise Strings; an adult ensemble from the Laois School of Music, conducted by John Davidson.

Cua, comprising of  John Davidson, Ros O Meara, Shane Booth will complete the evening’s musical entertainment. Fresh off the back of a three week sold out German tour and multiple festivals across Ireland and Europe, CUA are a joy to behold.

With their unusual instrumentation – fiddle, guitar, bouzouki, and percussion – and their diverse musical roots, they create a sound that defies categorization. Irish and Scottish folk form the foundation, but CUA goes further: Blues, bluegrass, and Americana flow masterfully into their music

Crafty Dreams Studio, Spinning Workshop

Join us in Portarlington Library this Culture Night  for a hands-on demonstration of the traditional heritage craft of spinning. Discover how raw, washed fleece is transformed step by step—first through carding, then spinning—before becoming beautiful yarn ready to be made into garments.

We’ll also explore the fascinating world of natural dyeing, sharing how everyday items like avocado skins and onion peels can be used to create unique, sustainable colours. With live demonstrations, samples to see and touch, and plenty of opportunity to ask questions, this is a wonderful chance to connect with a skill that has been part of our culture for centuries.

Call Portarlington Library on 057 8643751 or email portarlingtonlibrary@laoiscoco.ie for more details.

Name of Venue: Portarlington Library

Booking Phone Number: 0578643751

Culture Night Crawl

This year Portarlington will come alive with its Culture Night Art Crawl series of events. There is something for everyone and will include history, art, music, crafts, literature and comedy with free entry for all.

The events are spread across locations in the town from the Library down to the Parochial hall and back to the Anvil. Events over the evening will include a local art and photography exhibition in the Parochial Hall, a talk at the newly renovated Portarlington train station and music from the concert band, street buskers and members of Comhaltas.

Additionally, there will be a Guinness & Mussels event in O’Deas pub earlier in the day courtesy of Al’s Fish Shop to get you ready for Culture Night!

Comedy Night 

Anvil Upstairs: 9pm

The evening will culminate with performances by two incredible Irish comedians who bring their Edinburgh shows to Portarlington.

Colman Hayes – ‘Is This Anything?’
A loose, funny work-in-progress show from Colman Hayes about growing up Catholic, figuring out sex and wondering how he ended up like this. Jokes, stories, confusion and possibly closure.

Aideen McQueen – ‘Waiting for Texto’
Waiting for Texto is an electrifying interactive comedy play that captures the raw, universal experience of waiting for a response to your carefully crafted WhatsApp message. Through humour and technology, it explores the frustration of not getting a reply after an unforgettable night. Described as Bridget Jones meets Baby Reindeer, the play offers a fresh, hilarious take on the trials of modern dating, perfect for anyone who’s struggled with love and texting in the digital age. If men are such visual creatures, why can’t they see my texts?!

Name of Venue: Various locations throughout the town including the library, parochial hall and the Anvil

Dead Snakes Exhibition Opening Artist

Dead Snakes is an exhibition of work by Laois artist Paul Cashin. This exhibition has emerged from his time at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, where he immersed himself  in the surrounding landscape and allowed it to shape his practice. During the residency, he sourced clay from beneath felled trees, processed it on site beside the lake, and created sculptures both in the studio and among the trees.

He also gathered oak galls, transforming them into ink that was used to dye wood before suspending it in a tree located on a mound in an area cleared for lumber.

Exhibition runs until October 25th.

Mountmellick, Laois:

Emer Dunne Trio

Emer Dunne and Band invite you to the Balcony Theatre, Mountmellick, on Culture Night, for an evening of Irish folk music and song. Audiences can look forward to a rich mix of music: from much-loved ballads and sing-along favourites like Wild Mountain Thyme & to lively traditional tunes and contemporary folk surprises!

With Emer’s heartfelt interpretation of folk songs at the centre, she is joined by her talented musicians — Eamonn Moran on guitar and Shane Meehan on fiddle — creating a sound that blends energy, warmth and tradition. With plenty of opportunities to join in, the evening promises a joyful and welcoming celebration of Irish music and culture. Celebrate Culture Night with songs and stories that connect, entertain, and bring people together.

Admission is free, but booking is essential.

Name of Venue: Balcony Theatre, Mountmellick

Booking Phone Number: 0863758602

Film Screening of An Cailín Ciúin le Ceol agus Comhrá

An evening to savour, with the magic of this IFTA & BAFTA Award Winning film. Refreshments will be served in a re-created 1980s kitchen-table setting, and will accompanied by a harp performance. Irish Traditional musicians will continue the evening, before our Movie Screening begins.

Booking/Clàiriùcháin – This is a free event but booking is essential as spaces are limited.
Please contact us to book a table of 2, 4 or 6 for complimentary refreshments. Alternatively, let us know if you are happy to join a table. A warm welcome awaits all who join us on the night.

DÉAN TEAGMHÁIL LINN:
– PATRICIA: 086 8098598
– TREASA: 086 8752870

Bain sult linn,as an scannán draíochtúil seo. Curtha i láthair sna hochtòidí ,is scéal sámh é “An Cailìn Ciùin”, saibhir le grá agus mothúcháin- is gá do gach uile duine é a amharc uair amháin, ar a laghad! Freisin, seo daoibh deis cúpla focal a labhairt ,& bualadh le chéile le Gaelgeoirí eile ar an oíche

Booking Phone Number: 086 8098598

Mountmellick Comhaltas

Mountmellick Comhaltas will entertain with a set of traditional jigs and reels as well as a host of familiar singalong tunes and airs. Junior musicians will lead the session showcasing the new and emerging talent.

Call Mountmellick Library on 057 8689382 or email mountmellicklibrary@laoiscoco.ie for more details.

Name of Venue: Mountmellick Library

Power of Words Event: An Evening of Story & Song

Power of Words Events invites you to come join us in Mooney’s, Abbeyleix, for Culture Night,

Bring along a story, poem or song to share with us or just come listen and be a part of this annual nationwide celebration of the arts, our diverse culture and creativity.

Power of Words Events

Power of Words Events is a boutique company providing creative writing retreats and experiences for individuals and groups.

Name of Venue: Mooney's Pub

Slí Sibéal Sculpture Trail

On Culture Night, Slí Sibéal, Castletown will be brought to life in light, music, and story. The walk will become a glowing sculpture trail, with art that shines under the night sky. Music will fill the air from the stage in our woodland amphitheatre, creating a magical gathering place at the heart of the evening.

Visitors will also be treated to a special play that shares the meaning and history of Slí Sibéal. It’s a night where the past meets the present, where creativity lights the way, and where the community comes together to celebrate Culture Night.

Name of Venue: Sli Sibeal

Spink Comhaltas

The members of Spink Comhaltas come together to share their music with the wider community. All welcome to attend.

For more information:
– Call Abbeyleix Library on 057 8730020
– Email abbeyleixlibrary@laoiscoco.ie

Name of Venue: Abbeyleix Library 

The Gallery of Divine Inspiration 

The Gallery of Divine Inspiration will open its doors this Culture Night. The night will comprise of an exhibition of paintings by Mike Rafter & Antoinette Breen in conjunction with the Laois Homecoming Festival.

Old School Art will host an open studio and there will be live music from the Fabulous Kelly Brothers.

For one night only a smattering of Artists will exhibit one obscure painting and divulge the concept behind its origin.

The Stories of Magic and Wonder

Storyteller Joe Brennan will bring you on journeys of magic and wonder with his delightful traditional and original stories. Joe draws on the rich tradition of stories from Ireland, as well as from across the globe and the many countries he has told stories in. Be prepared to be join in, travel to magical places, be amazed and laugh!

Joe Brennan is a storyteller who has travelled the world sharing his stories with people of all ages. He is from Wexford and is the author of Donegal Folk Tales.

Booking essential: 057 8756378/ mountrathlibrary@laoiscoco.ie

Booking Email Address: mountrathlibrary@laoiscoco.ie

Those Were the Days!

An Exciting Show of Music and comedy from the talented Ann Moylan.

A fully costumed show of the Good Old Days featuring, comedy, music, recitations and lots of audience participation!

Audience participation is very much encouraged, so please join in on rousing choruses. Costume pieces will be provided, but feel free to bring your favourite hat to get into the swing of things!

Booking essential: 050546852/rathdowneylibrary@laoiscoco.ie

Visual Art Workshop

Join artist Mary Slevin at her studio for a relaxing art session. Each person will engage with the planning, styling, and production of their own individual artwork and with Mary’s guidance, create a stunning collage piece.

Book your spot today and discover the artist within.

Booking Phone Number: 087 9063363

Moate, Westmeath: 

A Night of Celebration at Dún na Sí

As part of Culture Night 2025, Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park will open its gates free of charge to the public for an evening of celebration. Visitors will enjoy a guided tour of the Heritage Park along with live music and short shows from fire performers.

The park will provide a welcoming and festive atmosphere, offering a unique opportunity for the community to come together and experience an unforgettable night of culture and entertainment. 

Paper Character Workshop

Celebrate Culture night 2025 by making your own paper character, your own charming little prop for storytelling.

Design, colour and decorate your little character using markers, pencils, fabrics and other mixed media with visual artists Teresa Doyle and Claire Guinan.

Booking Phone Number: 090 648188

Ubuntu Intercultural Choir – Culture Night Performance

We propose a Culture Night performance featuring the Ubuntu Intercultural Choir, a vibrant and diverse community choir formed by Music Generation Westmeath in partnership with Tuar Ard Arts Centre and New Horizons Athlone.

Ubuntu brings together people from a wide range of nationalities, cultures, and musical traditions, united through a shared love of singing.

Name of Venue: Tuar Ard Arts Centre

Mullingar, Westmeath: 

Acoustic Music Session

Step into Old News Coffee Shop this Culture Night, where the charm of the past meets the pulse of today.

In keeping with our ethos; honoring old traditions while embracing the new, we’re hosting an intimate acoustic session with some of captivating artists.

Expect timeless storytelling through song, steeped in the richness of Irish heritage, yet alive with fresh sounds and modern influences.

Sip, listen, and let the music bridge generations.

Name of Venue:

Old News

Adaptive Art Workshops

4 – 6 p.m.  Adaptive Art workshops, demonstrating a range of activities, tools and techniques for additional needs artists.

6 – 8 p.m.  Open house and exhibition.

Name of Venue:

Columb Barracks, Mullingar

An Evening for All: Arts, Creative Writing and Wreath Making 

An evening for all – 5 years plus.

5pm to 6.45pm painting class under the guidance of Artist Caithriona Devine, get lots of individual attention.

7pm to 8pm create a Celtic head wreath. Follow florist Eilis’s demo and get individual attention.

7pm to 8:30pm creative writing workshop giving by 3 best sellers books – Lorraine Murphy

Booking Phone Number: 0872702341 

Annual Art Exhibition by Mullingar Art Room Artists

Join us on Culture night as Mullingar Art Room will be exhibiting art from local artists from the town and surrounding communities that will showcase differing styles and skills.

Some pieces from ‘Faoin Aer Art’ festival in Belvedere will be on display and all pieces will be available for purchase.

All are most welcome to attend, view the art on display and speak to the artists in attendance.

Name of Venue:

Greville Arms Hotel 

Life Drawing Workshop at Crane Bird Art School

Come along to Crane Bird Art School in Mullingar for life drawing workshops this Culture Night 2025. A life drawing model will be present in each workshop. Booking is required. Email art@cranebird.ie to secure your spot.

Mullingar Town Band Music Recital

Join us on Culture Night as Mullingar Town Band and colourguard will perform a 40 minute outdoor recital of fun and exciting music. The performance should be highly enjoyable.

Name of Venue:

Market Square, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

Mullingar Ukulele Group at Mullingar Library

The Mullingar Ukulele Group will perform at Mullingar Library on Culture Night at 5pm.

Guided by local musician Frank Byrne, the group will share a selection of much-loved tunes with the warm and distinctive sound of the ukulele.

A performance full of charm and melody — guaranteed to get toes tapping and smiles all around!

Musical Performance by Kathryn Nea

Kathryn Nea, singer and musician, will be at Mullingar Library for Culture Night to perform a selection of well known favourites.

Come along to this free event in the wonderful surroundings of Mullingar Library.

Kathryn will be performing from 4pm – 4.45pm. All welcome.

Open Art Studio

Join Carole Shubotham’s open studio on Culture Night to take part in a communal piece of work with all materials supplied.

There will be music accompaniment on the night by Poppy Smyth. Open to all. Refreshments will be provided on the night.

Booking Email Address: artycarole@hotmail.com

Sounds on the Square

Celebrate Culture Night in the heart of Mullingar with an unforgettable evening of live music and performances.

The Mullingar Town Band will open the night, followed by Blasta Brass, the town’s vibrant street brass band, bringing their unique spin on popular classics alongside special guests.

Symmetry Circus will add a bit of circus magic with a range of acts, culminating in a fire performance to light up the square and close the evening.

Traditional Music, Song and Dance at Halligan’s Pub

Ballynacargy Comhaltas will be hosting culture night in Halligan’s pub to promote our Irish song, music and dance.

Refreshments available on the night. Open to all. 

Words & Roots: A Shared Language of Heritage

Words & Roots is a 4-hour Culture Night event celebrating two of Europe’s oldest living languages – Lithuanian and Irish – through poetry, language, film, food, and art.

This bilingual, intercultural evening will bring together the Lithuanian diaspora, Irish community, and local youth, offering a vibrant platform to share stories, explore heritage, and build cultural connections.

Family-friendly with interactive and sensory-based activities.

The event will be free and open to all.

Name of Venue: Mullingar Library

Booking Phone Number: 085 1783629

Tullamore, Offaly:

Women Composers and the Viola

Join Aoise O’Dwyer for an hour of music for solo viola by women composers. Enjoy pieces by composers such as Amanda Feery (Ireland), Dobrinka Tabakova (Bulgaria), Libby Croad (England) and Katia Tiutiunnik (Australia), and learn about the lives of these amazing women and the contribution they, and many others, are making to classical music today. Audience members of all ages are welcome! Please contact Offaly History Centre for bookings.

Name of Venue:

Offaly History Centre

The Rabbit, the Dark and the Biscuit Tin” Storytelling Workshop – Varvara Vorobei

Age 6+

Storytelling workshops for children are a fantastic way to spark creativity, improve communication skills, and develop a love for literature. These workshop will combine fun activities with learning to help children engage with stories in meaningful ways.

After creating stories, children will draw pictures that go along with the plot. This allows them to connect written and visual creativity.

The Art of Seated Movement

For Culture Night, there will be a live performance demonstrating the beauty and versatility of chairography.

Audiences will be introduced to the concept, shown how movement transforms in a seated context, and invited to reflect on how dance can transcend traditional forms.

Name of Venue: Esker Arts Centre

Teach Ceoil

Teach Ceoil returns to Shinrone for it’s second Culture Night outing. Music, storytelling and spoken word from selection of local featured and open-mic performers. In the beautiful setting of Cloughmoyle Schoolhouse, hosted by Shinrone-born musician Ruairí Oshea.

Name of Venue: Cloughmoyle Schoolhouse

STEAM

Explore technology with hands-on fun for ages 8 – 12

Capacity 12 – 16, (Groups of 3 or 4)

• Build & Code with VEX Robotics: Roll up your sleeves and bring your ideas to life! No experience needed, just curiosity. Watch your custom robots spring into action as you explore engineering as a form of creative expression.
• Minecraft VR: Discover Your Community Slip on a headset and wander through pixel-perfect recreations of streets and landmarks. This immersive journey shows how digital storytelling can deepen our connection to the places and people we cherish.

All equipment provided, Family friendly & accessible

Booking Phone Number: 057 9346832 

Solutions for The Border

Originally developed in 2019 at the height of the Brexit negotiations, Solutions for the Border is a piece of performance art by Lee Hamill in which he explores an alternate history that saw former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher repartition the border in Ireland and ghettoise West Belfast. Based on genuine proposals that were presented to Thatcher in the 1980s, audiences are invited to attend the announcement of Thatcher’s plans.

Solutions for the Border presents a dystopic potential history of further deterioration of the situation in the North of Ireland during the 80s. Drawing from ideas of Brechtian Theatre, Lee Hamill performs as Margaret Thatcher, eerily capturing her voice and mannerisms. Following the presentation of her plans, the audience will have an opportunity to question Thatcher and engage with her proposals.

Reading from Conor Brady

Tullamore man Conor Brady is probably best known as a long-serving editor of The Irish Times but he is also the author of a series of successful Victorian crime novels featuring Detective Joe Swallow of the Dublin Metropolitan Police.

The Joe Swallow novels delve into the politics and society of Ireland as the Land War reaches its peak and Charles Stewart Parnell strives to achieve Home Rule from Ireland. Conor will read from the Joe Swallow novels on Culture Night 2025 at the Esker Arts.

PLATFORM 25: Art@’YOU’th

This exhibition is a celebration of work, from a ‘creative journey’ taken by learners completing a QQI level 3 Art & Design Module in Tullamore Community Training Centre, during the academic year of 2024 – 25. It is a pilot programme looking towards a very promising future, with spellbinding creativity on display and incredible artistic endeavour.

Students will be on hand throughout the evening to discuss with visitors their work. 

Open Studio – Margo McNulty

Artist in residence at Esker Arts, Margo McNulty will host an open studio as part of the Culture Night celebrations at Esker Arts.

The public are encouraged to come along and see work in development and completed pieces by the artist in her studio space.

Midland Rocks

Calling all young singers and musicians! Join us for the Music Generation Midland Rocks as part of this year’s Culture Night celebrations — a vibrant evening of creativity, community, and live performance.

This is a unique opportunity for emerging talent to take the stage, share their voice, and shine in a supportive, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or stepping up for the first time, this event is all about celebrating youth, music, and self-expression. Musician Sign up through the form below

Name of Venue: Esker Arts Centre

Dairy Babes

Dir: Patrick Fogerty, Ireland, 2025, 7 mins

The Bonnie and Clyde of 80s Ireland – when Moo kills her father, herself and her boyfriend Bull, go on the run.

A story that blends the familiar rhythms of rural Irish life with something darker, stranger – almost mythic. The film draws inspiration from the classic tale of Bonnie and Clyde, but places it in the heart of the Irish countryside, where isolation can give rise to both dreams and danger. At its core, Dairy Babes is a dark comedy – a story about two true lovers searching for freedom.

The film screening will be followed by a Q&A with the creators of the film.