Experience ‘creativity, connection and discovery’ as part of Culture Night Offaly
Culture Night Offay, which takes place on Friday, September 18 in towns and villages across the county, has presented a vibrant programme of free events, for all ages, ahead of the event.
This year’s programme features events across Birr, Tullamore, Banagher, Edenderry, Clara, Daingean, Mucklagh and Cloghan, alongside four newly commissioned works developed with support from Offaly County Council Arts Office and a flagship ‘Culture Night Late’ event supported through a dedicated Arts Council night-time economy grant.
According to a press released issued by the County Council, ‘towns and villages across Offaly will come alive with music, dance, storytelling, visual arts, exhibitions, workshops and late-night cultural experiences’ during events.
‘From intimate performances and immersive installations to community celebrations and live events, audiences are invited to step inside, stay curious and discover culture around every corner’, the council said.
A highlight of this year’s programme is ‘Teach Ceoil’, Offaly’s contribution to the national ‘Culture Night Late’ programme.
This late-night event will ‘transform Birr Theatre & Arts Centre into a contemporary gathering place inspired by the traditional Irish rambling house’, the council said.
Curated by Ruairí O’Shea, the programme brings together Aoife Wolf, Patrick Heffernan, Adam Tarahoui and Eileen Casey for ‘an evening where music, poetry and storytelling unfold long after dark’.
Culture Night Offaly 2026 will also premiere four ambitious new commissions created specifically for the occasion. Developed with support from Offaly County Council Arts Office, these brand-new works have been created especially for Culture Night, and will be experienced by audiences for the very first time on September 18.
The commissions, said the council, ‘span virtual reality, dance, aerial arts and multi-disciplinary performance’.
“The commissions showcase artists pushing boundaries, exploring new ideas and transforming venues across the county into spaces of imagination and discovery’, it said.
In Banagher, ‘Howling in the Metaverse: Ode to the Irish Wolf’ by Patrick Hough, Sheila Hough and John Hough, combines virtual reality, photography, sculpture and visual art in an exploration of mythology, memory and landscape.
At Esker Arts Centre, audiences can experience ‘Ancestral Echoes and Streetwise Steps: A Common Thread of Ancient Roots to Urban Groove’, curated by Terri Dale Kearney to ‘bring together artists from Irish, Indian, Canadian, Spanish and American traditions in a celebration of movement and cultural exchange’.
Also premiering on the night are ‘Night at the Museum‘ by Donlon Dance Company, and ‘Vixens of Éire’ by Bombshell’s Pole.
Maeve Mulrennan, Arts Officer with Offaly County Council, said:
“What makes Culture Night so special is the opportunity to see the incredible creativity that exists across Offaly. Every year, artists, venues, community groups and volunteers come together to create a night of memorable experiences. This year, we’re particularly excited to see four new commissions premiere on the night, alongside ‘Teach Ceoil.”
Alongside the flagship events and new commissions, audiences can enjoy a wide range of free performances, exhibitions, screenings, workshops and community celebrations taking place across the county. Full programme details and booking information are available at www.culturenight.ie/offaly and the printed ‘Culture Night Offaly’ brochure can be picked up from libraries, arts centres, and selected cafés and venues throughout Offaly.
