Unleash Your Creative Spark at Cruinniú na nÓg 2026!

Cruinniú na nÓg Kilkenny 2026
Ireland’s National Day of Free Creativity for Children & Young People

Saturday, 6 June 2026

Get ready for a day bursting with creativity, imagination, and fun as Cruinniú na nÓg Kilkenny 2026 returns with a vibrant programme of free creative events for children and young people aged 0–18.

Part of Ireland’s unique national celebration of youth creativity, Cruinniú na nÓg invites young people to explore the arts in exciting, hands‑on ways right in the heart of their own communities. This year, Kilkenny will host over 37 free creative events across libraries, community venues, galleries, and outdoor spaces throughout the county.

Creative activity begins in early June through schools, youth clubs, and TADA Youth Theatre, with the public programme launching on 2 June with Animation Workshops by Cartoon Saloon in Castlecomer Library. Where the excitement will build towards a spectacular county wide festival on Saturday, 6 June.

Expect a joyful mix of:

• Animation and film
• Music and sound production
• Dance and drama
• Storytelling and creative writing
• Design, pottery, and visual arts
• All events are free and designed to inspire curiosity, confidence, and creativity.

Library & Community Highlights

• From 3 June, Kilkenny’s library and community spaces will come alive with creative activity, including:
• 16+ events across Kilkenny Library Service, such as animation, drumming, creative design and printing, writing workshops, and role‑play villages
• Four pottery workshops with Happy Pottery for all ages
• Storytelling projects at Butler Gallery
• Music Generation’s Mobile Recording Studio, offering hands‑on sound and vision workshops

Cruinniú Late – Creative Nights for Ages 13–18

Kilkenny as a Night Time Economy pilot area means older teens can enjoy a dynamic programme of evening events created especially for them.

Cruinniú Late includes:

• Animation workshops with Cartoon Saloon artists
• Celebrating Ability Through Music
• Scent, Stitches and Stories at My Skin & The Bunting Fairy
• Mo Dúchais exhibition at Killmacow Parish Centre
• Youth Choir performances at The Rower Community Hall

These youth led events offer safe, inclusive spaces for teenagers to express themselves, connect, and showcase their talents.

Book early as places are limited. It’s a chance to try something new, meet friends, and discover hidden talents

Ireland is the only country in the world with a national day dedicated entirely to celebrating young people’s creativity and Kilkenny is proud to be part of it.

Plan Your Visit

Full event listings, booking details, and locations are available on:

• Cruinniú na nÓg where you will be directed to the contact information for each venue.
• Events | Kilkenny County Council Library Service you will find booking information.
• The Kilkenny App – Visit Kilkenny, Your Guide

Cruinniú na nÓg Kilkenny is proudly organised by Kilkenny County Council’s Creative Ireland Team as part of the Creative Ireland Programme.

Need more information? Reach out to Majella Keating, the Creative Communities Engagement Officer, Kilkenny County Council

Phone: 056 7794338

Mobile: 087 0966103

Email:Majella.Keating@kilkennycoco.ie

Stay updated by following ‘Creative Kilkenny’, 'Kilkenny County Council and Arts Office Instagram Facebook, page.

Photo Credit- Dylan Vaughan and Freddie Greenall