Cruinniú na nÓg in Laois

A new national day of creativity for children and young people, Cruinniú na nÓg takes place on 23 June 2018. This special day will take place as part of the Old Fort Festival in Portlaoise and is managed by the Laois Arts Office.

Cruinniú na nÓg aims to celebrate and encourage children and young people’s participation in culture and creativity through a compelling spread of performances, , art and music workshops, silent disco, special events and much more. This variety of child-centered events will be free and activity-based, with plenty of opportunities for young people to get ‘doing’, ‘making’ and ‘creating’.  All events will take place from 12 noon to 6pm in three locations; Fitzmaurice Place, Dunamaise Arts Centre and Main Street, Portlaoise.

Building on the success of last year’s Cruinniú na Cásca events, and a key initiative of the Creative Youth Plan to enable the creativity of every child and young person, each of the country’s 31 Local Authorities will lead on creating a programme of local events to showcase and share opportunities for children and young people.

Cruinniú na nÓg in Laois

Children aged 3 to 18 will be able to experience a wealth of creative activities in Portlaoise. A range of art and circus skill workshops, cup cake decorating, shield making, as well as intercultural dance, drama and music performances by young people and children will take place on Fitzmaurice Plaza from 12 noon to 5pm.

In the Dunamaise Arts Centre storytelling for children, try-out an instrument, dance performances and a silent disco as well as a rap workshop and performance by professionals visiting musicians will also take place. Young people will perform on the Gig-Rig on Main Street also.

The beauty of it is that all activities are FREE.

Cruinniú na nÓg is a key element of the Government’s Creative Ireland programme 2018 – 2022.

Further details from Muireann Ní Chonaill, Arts Officer & Creative Ireland Laois Coordinator  at artsoff@laoiscoco.ie and 0578664013/4033