Latest Laois Event: Cruinniu na nOg comes to Rathdowney

Cruinniú na nÓg in Rathdowney

 Saturday, 11th June, 1-6pm

Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world to have a national day – Cruinniú na nÓg – of FREE creativity for children and young people under 18.  Rathdowney Arts Group (RAG) with support from Laois Arts Office presents Family Fun Day in The Square from 1-6pm. 

Clodagh Kennedy, a founding member of Rathdowney Arts Group (RAG) said: 

“We are very excited that Rathdowney Arts Group is part of this year’s Cruinniú na
nÓg.  This is a wonderful opportunity for children and young people to celebrate their creativity and also to provide them with new opportunities to make, experience and create.  RAG was established in 2021 to promote local artists and creative collective processes.  Our aim is to enhance access and participation for the community by providing experiences and opportunities for artists, community engagement, and individuals to develop their creative skills.  We are planning more events in Rathdowney and welcome new members to join us to showcase the incredible wealth in talent and creativity within our community.” 

Cruinniú na nÓg will be transformed into RAG na nÓg with a packed programme of creative and cultural makings, doings and experiences with,   

-Wexford Studio Theatre present ‘Tallulah the Long-Haired Hare from Liverpool’. This mad cap adventure plays fast and loose with the original fable, ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’ with wild imaginings, a lion taming tortoise, a giant angry bee and a hare obsessed with winning. In thisshow, the storyteller weaves a bonkers tale with an unexpected twist in the tail. Parochial Hall, 1-2pm, Ages 5+ with family. Booking essential. 

-Laois Africa Support Group facilitate an interactive African drumming workshop where young people learn different sounds and rhythms on African drums; some fun facts about the drums – how they are made and the materials used.  The Square, 1.30-2.15pm, ages 8-12.  Booking essential. 

-Storyspinners with artist Paul Timoney is a storytelling workshop using imagination and drawing to create a range of crackpot characters and make up their phenomenal adventures.  Parochial Hall, 2.15-3.30pm, ages 8-12.  Booking essential. 

-Youth Theatre taster is facilitated by Laois Youth Theatre’s Pauline Dunne and is an ideal opportunity to experience drama, role playing and games in a lively and participatory workshop.  Parochial Hall, 3.30-5pm, ages 12-18.  Booking essential. 

-Catapult Art is going to be explosive with participants young and old co-creating a masterpiece with a catapult and sponges saturated in coloured paint.

-Local musicians host a ‘Try an Instrument’ event with a range of instruments available to explore and try out. 

-Young people have the opportunity to participate in an En Plein-Air event with easels and painting supplies provided to create outdoor works of art.

Helen Champion, a founding member of Rathdowney Arts Group (RAG) said: 

“The Square in Rathdowney will be bursting at the seams with fun and interactive activities for all the family – make sure to book in advance for some of the workshops as spaces are limited.  RAG na nÓg will have something for everyone such as pavement chalk art, art & wellness workshops, and will culminate with a Sing-A-Long, Play-A-Long, Dance-A-Long session open to children & young people, families and friends from 5-6pm.  We look forward to seeing you on Sat 11 June. Follow us on social media to keep up to date and spread the word to your family and friends.”

As spaces are limited for the family show and some of the workshops, booking is essential. For all information, contact rathdowneyarts@gmail.com / 089 408 1693.

Close by in Mountrath, young people from Mountrath Youth Theatre collaborate with art students from Abbeyleix FET Centre on Sat 11 June, 2-6pm to engage local communities in making three distinct pieces of artworks throughout the afternoon.  Residents of Kiln Lane Estate are invited to make a large scale mosaic.  Over-sized flowers will be made from recyclable materials with the help of residents on Old Forge Crescent Estate.  A large-scale horse made out of wire and a range of re-purposed materials will be created at Mountrath Youth Creative Space.  A showcase of the artworks takes place at the Youth Creative Space from 7-8pm.  More information on how to get involved in this community project that champions  upcycling, re-purposing and sustainable processes is available on Mountrath Youth Theatre Facebook page. 

Wexford Studio Theatre’s family show ‘Tallulah the Long-Haired Hare from Liverpool’ is also available at Abbeyleix Heritage House, 10-11am, info@abbeyleixheritage.com / 057 873 1653, and Borris Innovation Centre, Borris-in-Ossory, 4-5pm, borrisinnovation@gmail.com / 0505 41120.  Spaces limited, booking is essential. 

Dunamaise Arts Centre’s family show Lúminaria for ages 6+ has two showings at 12noon and 3pm with booking essential at www.dunamaise.ie. 

Music Generation Laois present ‘Beat Goes On’ workshop, 12noon-12.45pm, ages 8-13 at Clonaslee Parish Hall.  Ollie Tunmer, a former cast member of the hit show STOMP and its sister show ‘The Lost & Found Orchestra’ is travelling from the UK to deliver this STOMP-style Body Percussion and Afro-Brazilian Percussion workshop.  Ollie has appeared on CBeebies, BBC Children In Need and has delivered Body Percussion workshops all over the world.  Places limited, booking essential at mgl@loetb.ie / 057 868 1782.

For a full listing of all activities and information on how to join in for Cruinniú na nÓg – go to laois.ie/cruinniu2022 and also to the national website at www.cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/events/location/laois