Photography by Paul Connor/Louth County Council: Pictured at Collon Church for the launch of the Louth Culture Night 2026 programme are (L-R) John Rowntree of Friends of Collon Church, musician and broadcaster Brian McIvor, David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, and Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council.
Culture Night Louth returns this Friday with more than 30 free events taking place across the county.
Culture Night 2026 takes place on Friday, 18th September, with music, storytelling, visual arts, local history, food,and film among the events planned.
The Louth programme is coordinated by Louth County Council, which has provided more than €40,000 in grant support this year to artists, groups, venues, individuals and organisations taking part.
Funding has been provided through the Culture Night Fund, supported by Louth County Council and the Arts Council, as well as Cultúr 2026, the national cultural programme for Ireland’s EU Presidency.
Events taking place across Louth
Events will be held in both traditional cultural venues and some less familiar locations, with the programme designed to give people of all ages an opportunity to experience local arts, culture and heritage for free.
Among those taking part for the first time this year is Friends of Collon Church.
The newly renovated church will host an evening featuring music, architecture and stories about the local area.
John Rountree of Friends of Collon Church said the group was looking forward to welcoming visitors.
“We are delighted to be hosting our first Culture Night event and to have the opportunity to welcome people into Collon Church,” he said.
“The evening will celebrate not only the building’s remarkable history and architecture, but also the stories, music and community spirit that make it such a special place.”
Free cultural events for all ages
Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council Cllr Dolores Minogue encouraged people to explore what is happening in their own communities.
“Culture Night is an opportunity for people across the county to enjoy free access to an incredible range of artistic, cultural and heritage experiences in their own communities,” she said.
“The Louth programme celebrates the creativity, talent, traditions, and innovations that make our county unique while bringing people together to connect, explore and be inspired.”
Louth County Council Arts Officer Moya Hodgers said “Culture Night is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to discover and celebrate the rich cultural and artistic life of County Louth.
With a diverse programme of free events taking place in venues throughout Louth, I would encourage people to get involved, try something new and experience the creativity and talent that exists in every corner of our county.”
Now in its 21st year, Culture Night is an initiative of the Arts Council delivered in partnership with Local Authorities and cultural organisations throughout the island of Ireland with support from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
Council Chief Executive David Conway said “Culture Night demonstrates the important role that the arts play in building inclusive, connected and sustainable communities throughout the whole county.
Through our ongoing support of artists, venues, and community organisations, Louth County Council is committed to promoting and developing the arts across the county and ensuring that culture, expression, and creativity remain accessible to everyone. I would encourage everyone to attend an event this Culture Night, support our artists, enjoy the amazing talent, and have a fun night out.”
All events in the Culture Night programme are free.
Pictured at Collon Church for the launch of the Louth Culture Night 2026 programme are (L-R) musician and broadcaster Brian McIvor; Lorcan Conlon, Ardee Concert Band; John Rowntree, Friends of Collon Church; David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council; Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council; Moya Hodgers, Arts Officer, Louth County Council; Ger Murphy, Louth County Council; members of the Women’s Intercultural Network , WIN InSpo; Seun Grace Atiroko, Oluwatoyin Felicia Fakunmoju, Oluwashidabira Fakunmoju, and Ayodeji Adesanya.
