Castles, churches and historic houses across Fingal will extend their opening hours for one night only to celebrate Culture Night this Friday, September 20.
Those involved in the arts are busy putting the final preparations in place for the public event, which this year will mark the 25th anniversary of Fingal County Council.
Events lined up include free film screenings, youth theatre and art and stories in Draiocht, Blanchardstown, with willow weaving at the Seamus Ennis Arts Centre in the Naul.
Swords Castle, Ardgillan Castle and Demesne, Malahide Castle, Skerries Mills and Newbridge House will open their doors as well as Blanchardstown Library, Dublin Airport and DIAS Dunsink Observatory.
County Arts Officer Rory O’Byrne said: “Join us for these events and more. Enjoy a variety of music, theatre, exhibitions, films, tours and talks specifically programmed for Culture Night in Fingal at participating venues.”
Blanchardstown Library will present its Summer Stars awards (5.45pm), followed by children’s entertainment and a Lego exhibition, with music by the Blanchardstown Brass Band and Antaine O Farachain and Nollaig Mac Carthaigh.
Local community groups will exhibit their work with displays from the ICA, Children4WorldChildren, D15 Women’s Shed and Mulhuddart Men’s Shed.
Dublin Airport will have live music in the T1 arrivals hall, from 7-9pm, with members of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Port Mearnog performing.
Fingal Academy of Music will host an evening of music at the Tree House Cafe in Malahide, while some of the council’s impressive municipal art exhibition is on display at Draiocht.
The Sounds of Swords takes place at Swords Castle from 5-9pm. A combination of poets, playwrights and novelists will perform alongside musicians Celtic Breeze and members of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.
Culture Night is free; however, some events may require advance booking.
