Libraries, castles and arts centres to host youth arts takeover across Fingal
A major programme of free creative events for young people is set to take place across all 10 Fingal library branches.
Led locally by Fingal County Council, Cruinniú na nÓg, an annual day of youth creativity will see libraries, arts centres, castles and community venues transformed into hubs of activity for children and teenagers, with nearly 50 events planned across Fingal.
All ten branches of Fingal Libraries will host “Carnivals of Curiosity”, featuring author and illustrator visits, graffiti workshops, manga art sessions, music and dance activities designed to encourage participation and creativity among young people.
One of the headline events will be the return of We Own the Castle at Swords Castle, a dedicated teenage music festival hosted by Garageland Galaxyz. The programme will feature live performances from emerging young artists across two stages, alongside spoken word, poetry and acoustic sets.
The popular Wavin’ Words Youth Slam Poetry Stage—this year’s Cruinniú Late event—will give young people an open mic platform to perform, speak, and share original work. It will be hosted by Sheila Ryder and Dave Hynes, with featured appearances from Fingal youth ambassador Yasmine Al Ja Afrehova and All-Ireland Poetry Slam Champion Eva Mary Lucy.
Meanwhile, the Creative Village area will allow participants to customise their festival experience, while All Abilities Ireland will provide a dedicated calm and sensory space for neurodiverse children and teenagers.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, said the programme would help spark creativity across the county.
“For young people across Fingal, this year’s programme of events for Cruinniú na nÓg is guaranteed to spark curiosity and ignite the imagination,” he said.
“With almost 50 events taking place across a range of venues—including Swords Castle, Fingal Libraries, Draíocht Blanchardstown, and the Séamus Ennis Arts Centre in Naul—I encourage families and young people to explore what’s on offer.”
Acting County Librarian of Fingal, Lilian Whelan said Cruinniú na nÓg is “a wonderful celebration of creativity, offering young people across Fingal the chance to explore, create and express themselves through a vibrant and inclusive programme”.
Pictured the Mayor of Fingall Cllr Tom O Leary with County Librarian Lilian Whelan
Creative Ireland Coordinator for Fingal, Patricia Brady, added: “An excellent programme of events, curated with young people of Fingal at its heart.”
In Blanchardstown, Draíocht Arts Centre will host its Colourings Family Day, offering hands-on creative workshops led by artists Sarah Ward and Michelle Hall.
The programme will also include OutLine, an immersive dance performance by Selma Daniel Dance, as well as Wonder Walls graffiti workshops in partnership with Waterford Walls, encouraging collaborative mural-making and youth-led public art.
The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre will present a series of workshops and performances including shadow puppetry, bodhrán-making sessions, and a Circus Céilí with Circus Explored, introducing young audiences to traditional and contemporary performance.