Cruinniú na nÓg, which translates as ‘Gathering of Youth’, is  an annual day of free creativity for children and young people, takes place this year nationwide on Saturday, June 15th. 

The Cruinniú na nÓg programme encourages children to embrace their creativity and get involved in Arts and cultural activities. All events are free of charge and there are creative workshops, performances and activities for all to enjoy right across the county.

The national programme of events is funded by Creative Ireland, and the Louth programme is delivered by Louth County Council and the Louth Creative Ireland Culture Team.

In Drogheda the Highlanes Gallery will host a parent and toddler art taster workshop, where parents and little ones can explore the gallery followed by a “create and make” workshop led by artist Caoimhe O’Dwyer. Also at Highlanes, a series of creative workshops will take place to mentor teenagers who would like to learn how to further their creative paths. 

In Drogheda Library, there’s a fun day planned of creative sessions for younger children including Lego workshops and a kite-making workshop with Go Fly Your Kite. Author and illustrator Tatyana Feeney will work with Southside Youth Project and Moneymore Afterschool Club to show the members of these groups who to make their very own books!

The Barbican will host workshops on film making with Frank Kelly, and Droichead Youth Theatre will host try-it-out sessions for young people who wish to embrace their inner actor also at the Barbican.  At ABACAS school, sensory art therapy sessions will take place with art therapist, Emma McManus. 

Step into Drogheda's historic Abbey Lane on June 15th and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of The Abbey Microfest, a dynamic youth event as part of Cruinniú na nÓg 2024. 

Experience an eclectic blend of live bands, spirited buskers, artisanal craft market stalls, captivating anime displays, and an array of engaging activities taking place from 4pm to 8pm.

Supported by a partnership of local organisations including the Drogheda Night Time Economy Adviser; Boomerang Youth Café’s ‘Basement Sounds’, Droichead Art Centre and Bru Digital Hub Drogheda, The Abbey Microfest promises an unforgettable celebration of creativity, community, and youthful energy.  

Louth County Council have also partnered with Meath County Council for a special one day event in Sonairte in Laytown as part of collaborations under the Drogheda Implementation Plan. This one-day event will comprise of a special nature music trail, dream catcher workshops, nature drawing workshops and mini mural paintings. 

Louth Local Ambassador – Annie Conaghy

Annie Conaghy, a 3rd year student at Drogheda Grammar School, is Louth Creative Ireland Culture Team’s local Cruinniú na nÓg Ambassador. Annie is very involved in her local creative community, regularly attending workshops in the Highlanes Gallery from a very young age.

Her favourite medium is pencil, and she has been drawing since she was old enough to hold one!  Annie is also a musician, playing piano for a number of years and has recently taught herself to play the banjo. 

She hopes to encourage other children and young people to embrace their own creativity by trying out some of the activities during Cruinniú na nÓg where she is looking forward to meeting more young creatives. 

All in-person events on 15^th June are free, but booking is required for almost all events. Materials will be provided for a selection of the workshops and can be collected in advance from venues.   

Elsewhere in Louth Ardee library will also host a Creative Waste Reuse Workshop with the Rediscovery Centre and artist Shauna Swords will lead a series of wildlife-themed art workshops, and the beautiful collaborative creations from these workshops will be displayed in Ardee Library afterwards for all to enjoy. 

In Dunleer a needle felting workshop led by Jenni Kilgallon will take place at Dunleer library for ages 12-18.  Participants will make their very own felt creations to take home on the day. 

A wonderful immersive cookery workshop takes place at Bothairín Garden and Cookery in Dromiskin for children aged 6-12.  At this event, children will learn to create a variety of sweet and savoury treats and will also get to spend time in the vegetable garden, if the weather permits, to learn more about growing food.  

For details on these and all other events in Louth go to:

https://cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/events/location/louth/