Get Creative for Cruinniú na nÓg 2026

Applications are now open for Kilkenny’s Creative Ireland Cruinniú na nÓg Grant Scheme 2026. Kilkenny County Council Creative Team is inviting artists, creators, schools, youth groups, and community organisations to apply for funding to create amazing projects and events for Cruinniú na nÓg 2026—Ireland’s national day of free creative activity for children and young people happening on Saturday, 6th June 2026.

This is your chance to dream big, think bold, and make creativity come alive for young people across Kilkenny.

To be successful, applications must show how communities are being actively encouraged to be more creative. We encourage new, ambitious, and meaningful collaborations between people and communities, artistic and creative practitioners, event organisers and those involved in creative, cultural and heritage activities and projects within Kilkenny. In late 2026, the Kilkenny County Council Cultural Services team surveyed young people’s priorities across the remit of Kilkenny. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate the potential to promote Health, Wellbeing, Heritage, Biodiversity or Creative climate action. Workshops can culminate into a final showcasing event on the 6th of June 2026.

What’s New for 2026?

We’re encouraging exciting night-time events for teenagers as part of the festival—because creativity doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. We are particularly interested in projects that promote/include our Irish language or enhance climate literacy and promote active engagement in climate action through creativity.

Think: Music gigs, dance parties, and drama performances 

Night-time events Outdoor art installations and science experiments Jewellery making, sculpture, and sustainable art workshops Animation, visual arts, and hands-on creative sessions

Your project should be inclusive, inspiring, and accessible, reflecting Kilkenny’s vibrant and changing community.

_{Caption 1 Creative Library events were held in every Library across the county.}

Young Voices Matter

To be successful, you must consult with young people in planning your event. Download our Youth Surveys (available in Irish, English, and Ukrainian) and include them with your application:

Click to download: 

Cruinniú na nÓg surveys 0 -11years/versions English, Irish and Ukrainian

Cruinniú na nÓg surveys 12 – 18 years years/versions English, Irish and Ukrainian

The Creative Ireland Programme is a culture – based programme and was created in 2017 following the successful state initiative Ireland 2016 which marked the hundredth anniversary of the Easter Rising. The scheme also supports the delivery of the Kilkenny Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023-2027.

Cruinniú na nÓg - A Day of free creativity for children and young people. Click link to view: Cruinniú na nÓg - A day of free creativity for children and young people 

Why Get Involved?

• Cruinniú na nÓg is all about creativity, community, and fun. It’s your chance to: Empower young people to lead and create Promote health, wellbeing, heritage, biodiversity, and climate action Build unforgettable experiences for Kilkenny’s young people

Funding Details

Link to apply:

Cruinniú na nÓg Application Form 2026

Cruinniú na nÓg Application Form 2026 (Irish Language Version)

Cruinniu-na-nOg-information-and-guidelines-2026.docx

One application per group/artist or organisation. Grant Amount available per group: €1,000 to €5,000. Eligible Costs: Workshop fees, materials, transport, rental costs, photographer, PR, project management.

Ineligible Costs: Publications, alcohol, fines, legal costs, audit fees, financial consultancy fees, items for resale, equipment, accommodation, projects not related to Kilkenny’s culture or the Creative Ireland Programme

Closing date: 4pm, Friday 13th February 2026 Cruinniú na nÓg Festival: 6th June 2026

For queries and application forms, contact the Community and Culture Section, Kilkenny County Council at creativeireland@kilkennycoco.ie.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

https://www.facebook.com/CreativeKilkenny

_{Caption 2 Monster doodle day for Cruinniú na nÓg 2025}

_{Caption 3 Bubblicious science experiments Cruinniú na nÓg 2026}

_{Caption 4 Harnessing her Circus skills at Graiguenamanagh Cub Den} 

_{Image credit, photographer Freddie Greenall, Dylan Vaughan and Patrick Browne.}