We have carefully selected events that are outdoors and/or following safety protocols for social distancing.
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Energia Map 18th - 20th September ☀️
Dublin:
Culture Night 2020
When: 18th September
Culture night 2020 is a little different to previous years but is still as exciting and fun as it has been before. In most cities across the country, Culture night brings together local artists, musicians, entertainers to put on engaging shows and performances as a celebration of our culture.
If you are looking to see what's on near you, follow this link and search your county.
Given the circumstances this year, many shows are available online - making it more accessible for everyone to share a moment or two.
Admission: Free
Interactive Drawing
When: 18th September
Link here
The French Embassy is in collaboration with the National Gallery of Ireland for this year's culture night. A digitally driven interactive drawing session will take place and project drawings on to the National Gallery of Ireland building in Dublin. Simply visit here on Friday from 8:30-10:30 to engage in the session.
Admission: Free
Fumbally Stables Food Market
When: Every Sunday
Link here
This Dublin City Centre based market is a ‘go-to’ for the freshest artisan foods. There's a mix of mouth-watering stalls selling bread, sandwiches, coffee, fermented foods, antipasti and cupboard stables.
Admission: Free
EPIC Emigration Museum
When: 1st-30th September
Link here
EPIC tells the story of Irish Emigration. What brought the Irish to emigrate and what they brought with them. EPIC looks at scientists, poets and artists from Ireland who contribute around the world.
This day out can be helped by a virtual guide, their app comes in many different languages.
Kids go free from the 1st to 30th
Admission: Kids go free, adults’ tickets are €11.50-16.50
Westmeath:
Athlone Castle and Visitor Centre
When: All year
Link here
Learn 5000 year’s worth of history in the 13th century castle. Tales of the castle go back to the Neolithic and Mesolithic period and are told right up until today’s times. You will learn about the fascinating stories through artefacts, 3D maps, audio visual installations and illustrations throughout your journey through.
On Culture Night Athlone Castle will extend its opening hours.
Admission: Free to 9.50
Wicklow:
Mount Usher Gardens
When: All year
Link here
One of Ireland’s highly rated garden attractions. They are privately owned by Avoca and located near the Vartry River in Ashford Co. Wicklow. 5000 plant and tree species cover the 20 acres in a Robinsonian style. Walk around the gardens and enjoy a cup of tea after in the nearby Avoca cafe.
Kilkenny:
Butler Gallery
When: All year
Link here
A contemporary art gallery in the heart of Kilkenny showcases The Butler and The O’Malley Collection. The building itself is full of history as it was the Evan’s family home in 1649-53 which was eventually donated for charitable purposes such as school, support for orphans and as home for the poor. In 1997 it became what we see today, the Butler Gallery.
Admission: Free
Tipperary:
Mitchelstown Cave
When: All year
Link here
One of the most spectacular Caves in Europe! Irelands hidden treasure was accidentally found by Michael Condon in 1833 when one of his tools fell down a crevice in the ground. Looking down into the crack he found a cave with multiple chambers, passages and caverns. Mitchelstown Cave has the most interesting formation, stalactites and stalagmites and is a place where time stands still. Ring ahead to book a visitation slot.
Limerick:
Children’s Gardening Workshop
When: 19th September
Link here
A child-friendly workshop on the importance of the ecosystem and natures part in it which is taught by a horticulturist expert. Children will be taught about worms, bug houses and planting in an outdoor event for ages 6-10. Children should be accompanied by an adult and will be given a bulb to plant at home at the end of the workshop.
Admission: 2 euro
Clare:
Claire Ceili Band Performance
When: 18th September
Link here
Claire Ceili Band will perform a traditional music set which will be available online. The performance is pre-recorded across the beautiful county Clare showcasing the county’s musical traditions and native songs.
Admission: Free
Seisiún at Cois na hAbhna
When: 18th September
Link here
The Seisiún will take place in the Cois na hAbhna venue, Ennis, Co. Clare. Musicians, dancers, storytellers and singers will entertain for the evening. Cois na hAbhna is a hub for traditional Irish arts and language, a great place to celebrate Culture Night.
Admission: Free
Cork:
Cashel Arts Festival
When: 17-20th September
Link here
An event not to be missed, whether you are tuning in virtually or by attending events in Cashel itself. A range of talks, music sessions, art exhibitions and yoga workshops for the family will be hosted in Cashel over the weekend.
Admission: Free & relatively cheap
Mayo:
Clare Lake Loop Walk
When: All year
Link here
The Lake Loop Walk is otherwise known as the Land of the Giants. On your travels you pass by the doors of Giants homes, enjoy a Giant picnic in the picnic area, cross over their humpback bridges to walk a 4.5km route. The walk is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all the family.
Admission: Free
Sligo:
Online Puppet-Making Workshop
When: 18th September
Link here
Arts and craft classes from home! This workshop will show children from the age of 6 and older how to make their own puppet from materials around the house. Keep any old newspapers, maybe old egg cartons, toilet roll that you have from during the week and take out your pens, pencils and paints if you have them to make your puppet come to life.
Admission: Free
Leitrim:
Scealta Beo - Mythology storytelling workshop
When: 18th September
Link here
Scealta Beo translates as living stories. These are mythical and folklore stories passed down from generation to generation. All stories that will be told are child-friendly and will be held at the Rainbow Ballroom in Glenfarne, Co. Leitrim.
Admission: Free
Galway:
Clifden Arts Festival
When: 17-25th September
Link here
The Clifden Arts festival is hosting a jam-packed day of entertainment ranging from poetry sessions, to walking tours, lectures and live music. Have a look at the website to see what events you would like to attend. There are events from early to late in the evening.
Admission: Free & relatively cheap
Donegal:
Ards Forest Park
When: All year
Link here
Venture on one of the nine trails that awaits you at the 1200-acre Forest Park. You can choose a trail depending on the level of intensity you want. Some are easier and some are more difficult, all with variation in length. Whether you fancy a stroll over the weekend or an intense hike, the choice is yours.
September is the last month of the season where the park will be open until 8pm.
Admission: Park entry is free, but the parking is €5 on entry.
Down:
A picnic in Tollymore Forest Park
When: All year
Link here
Tollymore is a beautiful park sat at the bottom of the Mourne Mountains. It was owned by Lord Clanbrassil in the 18th century who commissioned the gothic style gate arch entrance, not only that - he planted the ‘Clanbrassiliana’ tree in the 1750s, the oldest tree in any arboretum in Ireland.
There are picnic benches in the park for you to enjoy a packed lunch and take in your natural surroundings.
Admission: Free