Culture Night in Wexford: Free events and workshops as county prepares to embrace the arts

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

A floating city, an ancient, forgotten language, and the history of north Wexford in 100 objects are just some of the highlights on offer as part of Culture Night 2025. Taking place on Friday, September 19, this year’s event will see a variety of free events, workshops, and performances take place across Co Wexford from 4 p.m. until late.

In The Presentation Arts Centre in Enniscorthy at 6 p.m. a free art workshop for all ages takes place. Using paper, cardboard, and a lot of drawing magic, participants will create a huge floating city of paper buildings. When this giant neighbourhood of buildings is complete, it will be hung high in the main gallery of The Presentation Arts Centre at the end of the workshop for all to enjoy and be inspired by, and will remain in the main gallery for several weeks after.

This workshop is facilitated by the Enniscorthy based illustrator Larry Dunne, who is well known for his whimsical and imaginative drawings of towns and cities. This is an all ages event, (young people under 13 require adult supervision) and there is no booking required.

Meanwhile, in Wexford Library at 5 p.m. the results of a project exploring the ancient Yola dialect will be discussed. Throughout 2025, the Yola Today project raised interest and pride in Yola, a language spoken in south Co Wexford until the 1850s. Through workshops, interviews, and research, different communities explored the relevance of Yola in how we think about our culture and heritage.

Theatre director and writer Chris Moran will discuss the project and present a Yola Resource Pack to attendees.

At 4 p.m. in Gorey Library the North Wexford Historical Society presents an exhibition of the area as told through 100 objects. From historical artefacts to digital stories, photographs and everyday items, this unique display explores the history, industry, culture and customs that have shaped north Wexford. Each item offers a window into a different facet of life of Wexford — its people, its traditions, community and culture.

Later that evening at 6 p.m., a “magical candlelight procession” takes place in Rosslare Strand where traditional Irish melodies will be performed alongside international music from the county’s diverse community. Beginning in Coast Hotel, the event will culminate in a “well ceremony” at the historic St Brioc’s Well with a focus on unity and heritage.

To mark this annual event, Hook Lighthouse is celebrates its ancient maritime heritage and culture by offering free tours for visitors between 4-5 p.m. The free guided tours will run at 4 p.m., 4.30 p.m., and 5 p.m. (each tour is 30 minutes). First come first served – numbers are limited.

All Culture Night events are free of charge, but some events will require pre-booking. The full programme can be viewed online here; www.culturenight.ie/wexford