Carlow to come alive for Culture Night with free events across the county

CARLOW is set to come alive for a cultural celebration with a host of free events planned across the county to mark culture night this Friday. 

Building on the huge success of last year’s programme, Carlow Culture Night 2024 is asking everyone, everywhere to get out and discover and celebrate our modern, vibrant culture. There are over 40 free events, all funded or supported by the arts office at Carlow County Council, meaning there really is something for everyone.

Culture Night/Oíche Chultúir is brought to you by the Arts Council in partnership with Carlow County Council Arts Service. Now in its 19th year, it is a national moment celebrating all that makes up the richness and diversity of culture in Ireland today; connecting people to cultural activities locally and nationally and opening up pathways to ongoing engagement. It seeks to actively promote the belief that this rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people's lives. Last year, 1.2 million people participated in over 1,700 free cultural events around the country. And with Carlow's own pop sensation SexyTadhg being one of five Culture Night ambassadors, this year promises to be bigger and better than ever in Carlow. 

Áine Donohoe, assistant arts officer, told The Nationalist that there is a huge number of  high-calibre acts. From history groups, musicians, storytellers, visual artists, theatre makers, performers, songwriters, poets and screenwriters, there is something for everyone. Many of the events are family friendly. 

Áine's message is to “get out and enjoy all that Carlow has to offer. There’s an array of different cultures in the county, with events to celebrate that. 

A real community affair

Most are just turn-up events. Tullow has its own Culture Night committee and has a huge number of events there, with tickets available from the Discount Store. It’s a real community affair”, she said.

Events kick off at 5pm with a ‘Sounds of Ireland’ session at The Exchange on Potato Market. Áine said “it’s a trad folk theme, and after work on a Friday people can just stroll in, watch it for free and just enjoy the great music”. 

Other highlight’s include: Music and Song – Church of the Most Holy Rosary, Tullow; Ciaran Somers with Dave Sheridan and Nicolas Quemener, The Old Post Office, Bagenalstown; Outdoor Cinema, Fairgreen, Bagenalstown; Our Wild Spirit, Cáirdeas Centre, Tullow; Buail Isteach, Lambert's Coffee House; A Night of Irish Music, Song and Dance, Harry Burke’s Carlow; Hugsie in Concert, St Mary’s Church, Carlow. 

All events are free of charge, with the full list available at https://culturenight.ie/location/carlow/