Culture Night Monaghan Programme 2026

ONE NIGHT FOR ALL ONE NIGHT F

● 18 SEPT 2026 ● 18 SEPT 2026 ● 18 SEPT 2026 ●

ONAGHAN ● MONAGHAN ● MONAGHA CULTURENIGHT.IE/MONAGHAN

WHAT IS CULTURE NIGHT?

Culture Night is an annual all-island celebration of culture, creativity, and the arts. This year, it takes place on Friday, 18th September. From 5pm onwards, cultural venues and organisations across County Monaghan will open their doors, inviting everyone to experience the magic of Culture Night through a free evening of entertainment, fun, and creativity.

County Monaghan is home to a vibrant and diverse cultural community, and Culture Night offers a wonderful opportunity to explore and enjoy the county’s rich artistic and creative offerings at no cost. We are delighted to have so many organisations participating and hope you enjoy discovering the unique cultural experiences available throughout the county.

From storytelling sessions and musical performances to arts and crafts workshops, heritage events, and exhibitions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. All events are free to attend, although advance booking may be required for some activities

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UKE JAM Calling all Monaghan ukulele players to join us for an evening of tunes, singing, and top-tier craic! Hosted by Sound in Motion, it’s your chance to get that awesome live-band feeling, no matter your skill level. Grab your ukulele or just come hang out and listen. Expect familiar tunes, great vibes, and a warm welcome!

Venue: Adamsons Bar, Clones Town, Co, Monaghan, H23 TY32 Time: 8:00pm Booking: No booking required

SOUNDINGS PODCAST Join Clones Festival of Arts for a community recording celebrating the poems we love. Inspired by Soundings, the Leaving Certificate poetry anthology, this project invites people of all ages to read a favourite poem and share why it matters to them. Whether it’s a poem you studied at school, one you’ve carried with you through life, or a new discovery from our selection on the day, your voice can become part of a unique community podcast. Followed by a musical performance in the bar.

Venue: Adamsons Bar, Clones Town, Co, Monaghan, H23 TY32 Time: 8:00pm Booking: No booking required

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CINEMA AT THE COURTHOUSE

Ahead of what promises to be a very exciting 25th edition of the festival over the October bank holiday weekend, Clones Film Festival presents ‘Trad’, the new film from Lance Daly (Kisses, Black ‘47). A lively coming-of-age comedy drama, ‘Trad’ is also a joyful celebration of the power of traditional Irish music and communal performance. It features excellent performances from its young stars Megan Nic Fhionnghaile and Cathal Coade Palmer, alongside strong supporting turns from familiar faces such as Aidan Gillen and Sarah Greene.

Winner - Audience Award, Galway Film Fleadh, 2025 Dir: Lance Daly Starring: Megan Nic Fhionnghaile, Cathal Coade Palmer, Aidan Gillen, Sarah Greene, Peter Coonan Film info: 2025. 90 mins. Ireland. 15A English and Irish language Reviews: “★★★★★ One of the most enjoyable movies released so far this year, Irish or otherwise… The music, via a number of jams and sessions, is toe-tappingly brilliant.” - Declan Burke, Irish Examiner Presented in collaboration with Access Cinema Venue: Clones Courthouse, McCurtain Street, Clones, H23 Y659 Time: 9:30pm Booking: No booking required

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‘MEETING AT THE CROSSROADS’ STORYTELLING SESSION

A crossroads is always a great place to meet and when 5 roads lead into it, as at Greenan’s Cross, the stories are 5 times better! Greenan’s Cross Heritage Centre is the setting for a night of tales from near and far with renowned Finnish artist and storyteller Riikka Palonen. Riikka will take us on a journey along the unique Finnish story road, a road less travelled by Irish listeners – until now!

MC: Francis McCarron Venue: Greenan’s Cross Heritage Centre, Lecklevera, Co. Monaghan, H18 KF58 Time: 8:00pm Booking: Book on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/19935380670 23?aff=oddtdtcreator

STORIES IN FAIRYLAND

The townland name of Shee, where Cornagilta Schoolhouse stands, means ‘a Fairy Mound’ in the English language. Fairy music will be in the air, as folk musicians from Ireland, Canada and Finland set the rhythm for an evening of magical tales with the marvellous Kate Corkery. Kate will bring stories from her native Cork and further afield to entertain all!

Music by Comhleá | MC: Paddy Sherry Venue: Cornagilta School and Heritage Centre, Tydavnet, Co. Monaghan H18ED89 Time: 8:00pm Booking: Book on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1993 531359962?aff=oddtdtcreator 6

BALLYBAY CULTURE IN MOTION

JUMP, JIVE & FLY Camphill Community Ballybay are delighted to welcome two exciting acts for a fun and inclusive celebration for our community, families, friends and visitors.

Funky Fi – Disco Date is a 30-minute, high-energy street theatre performance combining aerial rope, rope skipping, comedy and lots of audience interaction, all wrapped up in a brilliantly fun disco vibe. Expect impressive skills, playful comedy and plenty of opportunities for the audience to become part of the show.

Aerial performance • Rope skipping • Comedy • Disco • Audience fun

Hakuna Matata Acrobatics Show bringing a 30-minute performance packed with energy, strength and high-skill acrobatics. Fast-paced and exciting, this spectacular show combines impressive physical skill with great entertainment and is designed to be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Acrobatics • Balance • Fire Performance • Strength • Energy • Family entertainment A NIGHT FOR EVERYONE At Camphill Community Ballybay, we want this to be a night where everyone can take part, enjoy something different and celebrate our community together. Come along, bring your family and friends and enjoy an evening filled with circus, disco, fire, acrobatics, laughter and a little bit of Culture Night magic. Everyone welcome!.

Venue: Camphill Community, Corraskea, Ballybay Co. Monaghan, A75 E065 Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm Booking: No booking required

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THE SPIRIT OF TRADOODLE: HANDBAND PUPPET-MAKING WORKSHOP WITH ANNE CRADDEN Get ready for a burst of creativity and fun!

Join visual artist Anne Cradden for a playful workshop where children (and their grown ups!) can dive into the world of imaginative puppetmaking.

Using all sorts of quirky and colourful recycled materials, you’ll create your very own HandBand Puppet — maybe a punk princess, a singing alien, a jazzy jungle cat… or whatever character your child dreams up! Once the puppets are made, children can join the Tradoodle Big Band Session and bring their characters to life.

A joyful, hands-on experience perfect for sparking creativity and making memories together. Parents/guardians stay throughout — and are encouraged to join the fun!

Suitable for age 7+ Venue: Monaghan Peace Campus, Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan Time: 5:30pm to 6.30pm Booking: Booking on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/tradoodle-puppet-making-workshop-with-annecradden-tickets-1997255649412?aff=oddtdtcreator

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TRADOODLE LAUNCH WITH

THE TRADOODLE BIG BAND FOLLOWED BY PÁDRAIG MCGOVERN & SABINA MCCAGUE An evening of music awaits as we celebrate the launch of the 9th Annual Tradoodle Festival.

Join the Tradoodle Big Band for a boogie! Feel free to bring along an instrument and join in, or if you prefer, sit back, relax, and listen to some tantalising tunes.

Then, settle in for a stunning performance

by Tradoodle Festival headliners Pádraig McGovern & Sabina McCague who have recently released their highly anticipated duet album, The Starry Lane to Monaghan.

Venue: Monaghan Peace Campus, Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan Time: 6:15pm to 8pm Booking: No booking required

HOLA MONAGHAN! LOTERIA NIGHT

Join visual artist Andrea Soto for a fun, interactive bilingual twist on the traditional Guatemalan lottery game. Featuring original hand-painted cards inspired by Monaghan’s landscapes, wildlife, culture and traditions, this family-friendly event invites all ages to play, learn simple Spanish and English vocabulary, and enjoy a lively mix of art, storytelling and cultural exchange. Prizes for winning players add to the fun! Suitable for children and adults.

Venue: Monaghan Peace Campus, Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan Time: 6:00pm Booking: Book on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ hola-monaghan-loteria-night-tickets-1996799998548?aff=oddtdtcreator

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GAEL POP: TRANSLATE YOUR FAVOURITE POP SONGS INTO IRISH WITH HANNAH NIC EINDRÍ

Love Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, or a good singalong? Join this fun, all-ages bilingual workshop where modern pop music meets the Irish language. Working together, you’ll translate popular songs from English to Irish, build confidence using your cúpla focal, and discover how traditional songs and storytelling can inspire fresh new lyrics. There will be live music accompaniment, practical translation tips, and a chance to perform your creations at the end!

This workshop is suitable for children age 5+.

Parent/Guardian must accompany their child.

Venue: Monaghan Peace Campus, Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan Time: 7:00pm Booking: Book on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/ culture-night-2026-gael-pop-translating-pop-songs-into-irish-workshop-tickets1997645532563?aff=oddtdtcreator

A Woman’s Voice The Old Monaghan Society are delighted to bring you a magical celebration of ‘women of Irish folk music’ featuring the gifted vocal artist & multi-instrumentalist Paula McAree and her musically talented friends.

With a sprinkling of original prose & poetry thrown into the mix, this is most definitely an Old Monaghan Society Culture Night Event not to be missed.

Venue: Monaghan Peace Campus, Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan Time: 8:00pm Booking: To book email oldmonaghansociety@ hotmail.com

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Culture Night at Monaghan County Museum Celebrate Culture Night at Monaghan County Museum, open until 8pm. Take a look around the museum’s exhibitions, discover stories from Monaghan’s past, and enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the county’s rich heritage. Whether you’re calling in for a quick visit or spending time with family and friends, everyone is welcome. Admission is free.

SHE.HER.ME & YOUR ONE! Join Artists Aisling and Celia for a creative journaling workshop to celebrate our womanhood. Using recycled papers you will create your own eco inspired journal. A intimate life drawing class will draw the workshops to a close.

Dates: Wednesday, 2nd, 9th and 16th September with exhibition on Culture Night.

Venue: The Garage Theatre Time: 7pm to 8:30pm Booking: To book contact Aisling on 087 1514803 11

THE WILDWOOD FLOWER: AN EVENING OF STORYTELLING AND SONG

Join us for a memorable evening as Garage Theatre’s Artists in Residence, acclaimed writer Pat McCabe and singer-songwriter Grainne Duffy, present a newly polished and updated version of The Wildwood Flower. This captivating production stars Grainne Duffy, Aisling McCormilla, Claragh McDermott, and Pat Deery, with a special guest appearance from Pat McCabe himself.

Blending powerful storytelling with live music and guitar, The Wildwood Flower is a beautifully crafted performance that celebrates the richness of local talent, creativity, and artistic collaboration in Monaghan.

Don’t miss this unique theatrical experience — an inspiring showcase of music, drama, and community spirit.

A post-show Q&A session with the artists will follow the performance.

Venue: Garage Theatre, Monaghan Education Campus, Armagh Road Knockaconny, Co. Monaghan, H18 XE98 Time: 8:00pm Booking: Booking required: https://www.garagetheatre.com/ event/culture-night-the-wildwood-flower/

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RUNAWAY HANDS PIANO RECITAL

Come and join us for an evening of music with the talented students of Monaghan-based piano studio Runaway Hands. Enjoy a varied programme of performances from young local musicians as they showcase their hard work, creativity, and love of music. A wonderful Culture Night event for all ages.

Venue: Market House, Market Street, Monaghan, H18 R268 Time: 6:30pm Booking: No booking required

GLOBAL COMMUNITY EXHIBITION Art Flow Studio warmly invite members of our local community to share artwork inspired by their travels or reflecting the countries, cultures, and places they call home.

This beautiful collection will be on display as a special exhibition and will serve as the creative inspiration for our live workshops taking place on Culture Night.

Come, explore art from across the world, celebrate our shared heritage, and create something wonderful together!

Workshops: 6pm - 7pm (age 7-16) | 7:30pm - 9pm (age 17+) Venue: Art Flow Studio, Unit 1, Lakeside Walk, North Rd, Monaghan Town Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm Booking: To book a workshop email artflowstudio1@gmail.com 13

BÍONN SIÚLACH SCÉALACH (THE TRAVELLER HAS TALES TO TELL)

Suí siar, lig scith agus bain taitneamh as meadaracht na scéalta a inseofar i dteanga dúchais na hEirinn. Níl aon áit níos fearr le é seo a dhéanamh ná sa Nead, ionad Gaeilge Mhuineacháin i gcomhluadar an seanchaí clúiteach Seosamh Ó’Maolalaí.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the rhythm of the stories told in Ireland’s native language. There is no better place to do this than at ‘An Nead’— Monaghan’s Irish-language centre—in the company of the renowned storyteller Seosamh Ó Maolalaí.

Venue: An Nead, 19/20 Sráid na Páirce, Muineachán, Time: 7:00 i.n. Booking: Níl aon áirithint de dhíth

CEARDLANN LOGAINMNEACHA MHUINEACHÁIN An bhfuil suim agat i logainmneacha? Éist le saineolaithe logainmneacha Mhuineacháin, Grace Moloney agus Brian Mac Domhnaill, agus iad sa Nead le labhairt faoin taighde atá déanta acu ar an ábhar seo. Beidh sólaistí agus ceol ann ar an oíche fosta. Oíche thaitneamhach agus suimiúil a bheidh ann do chách!

Venue: An Nead, 19/20 Sráid na Páirce, Muineachán, Ireland, H18 TN88 Time: 8:00i.n. - 21:30i.n.

Booking: Ní gá áirithint a dhéanamh 14

URBAN SKETCHING IN GLASLOUGH

Join us for a relaxed evening of urban sketching in the scenic village of Glaslough. This free, informal event is open to everyone, whether you’re an experienced artist or completely new to sketching.

Participants are invited to explore the village and create their own sketches of the buildings, streets and surrounding scenery. You are welcome to bring your own sketching materials, and there will be some simple materials available for anyone who would like to come along and have a go.

At the end of the sketching session, we’ll create a small open-air exhibition, with participants invited to peg up their sketches for an informal show-andtell. We’ll then take some time to look at everyone’s work, chat and enjoy the opportunity to connect with other artists and sketchers.

Sketching from 5.30pm–7.00pm, followed by the informal open-air exhibition and chat from 7.00pm–7.30pm.

Venue: Meeting Point: Outside The Coach House and Old Bar, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan Time: 5:30 pm to 7:30pm Booking: https://lynseymckernanart.com/

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DIARIES,

TRAVEL ACCOUNTS AND MEMOIRS OF CO. MONAGHAN

This talk by Grace Maloney, will explore a fascinating range of written accounts from different periods, including accounts by visitors to County Monaghan and diaries written by farmers, women, clerics, political activists and soldiers.

It will also look at extensive memoirs reflecting on people’s lives, including experiences of life in other countries.

The topic will also encourage the audience to think about the importance of recording their own experiences, whether through keeping a daily diary or writing memoirs of their own lives.

Venue: Doohamlet Community Centre, Doohamlet, Co. Monaghan, A75 EF99 Time: 8:00pm Booking: No booking required 16

FLAX FESTIVITIES HOSTED BY ÚNA CURLEY

Come along to Íontas, your local community hub, for an evening of hands-on making, accompanied by stories and insights into the flax industry that helped shape Castleblayney. Discover the history of flax farming and harvesting, fair days, and the mills and factories that played a vital role in the town’s development. Local artist and flax artisan Úna Curley will give a talk at 7pm on the lost flax-farming communities of the region and the important role rushes played in binding communities together. With demonstrations and hands-on making activities, this promises to be an engaging and informative evening. Úna will also showcase a selection of handcrafted items from her collection.

Hands on Flax Making session 6pm to 8pm, with “Flax, Fairs & Factories” Talk at 7pm Venue: Íontas, Conabury, Castleblayney, County Monaghan, A75 HK09 Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm Booking: No booking required

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TRAD TOGETHER

Trad Together is an interactive traditional Irish music workshop followed by an open session.

Designed for intermediate and advanced musicians of all ages, it provides an opportunity to learn new tunes, connect with fellow musicians, and take part in a collaborative learning environment across a range of traditional instruments.

Venue: Lough Egish Old Creamery, Lough Egish, County Monaghan, A75 NP92 Time: Workshop - 4.30-5.30pm, Session directly afterwards Booking: No booking required

BIG TOM:

MEMORIES THAT NEVER DIE

A special Culture Night celebration marking what would have been Big Tom McBride’s 90th birthday.

Through treasured archive footage, photographs, music and personal interviews, we’ll look back on the life, music and memories of one of Ireland’s much-loved country music legends — and the man who was always proud to call Oram home. Suitable for all ages Venue: Oram Community Centre, Oram, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan A75 DX85 Time: 7:00pm Booking: No booking required 18

WINE GLASS PAINTING WORKSHOP

Join Rua Designs for a relaxed and creative workshop where you’ll transform a second-hand wine glass into something unique. Choose a glass and decorate it with your own design, with plenty of guidance and inspiration provided along the way.

Whether you’d like to paint a simple pattern, flowers, or something completely personal, you’ll be supported through each step of the process. At the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a beautifully decorated glass that’s ready to use or gift to someone special.

Venue: NCBI Charity Shop, Main Street, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan Time: 6:00 pm Booking required: https://ruadesigns.ie/products/culture-night-wine-glasspainting-carrickmacross

DON’T HAVE ME TELL YOU AGAIN! Step back in time and relive the hilarious, heartwarming nostalgia of a bygone era with the ultimate tribute to a true cultural phenomenon the Irish mammy. Following her success on social media, the brilliant Eileen Gomez will bring her one-woman show, the iconic and laugh-outloud portrayal of the 1990s Irish Mammy to life.

Packed with unforgettable memories, classic one-liners, and pure nostalgia, this is a comedic journey to a time that is no more—but will live forever in our hearts.

Venue: Deery’s Bar, 66 Main St, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, A81 PW80 Time: 8:00pm Booking: No booking required 19

THE CANDLE OF VISION EXHIBITION

BY DARA VALLELY

This exhibition of work by Dara Vallely is a series of 24 paintings inspired by AE Russells visionary text of the same name. In this text AE articulates a philosophy where art, imagination, storytelling and spiritual sight are inseparable. This exhibition is Dara’s own exploration of the concerns expressed by Russell in The Candle of Vision.

Venue: Patrick Kavanagh Centre Centre, Inniskeen, Co. Monaghan A91 KT20 Time: 7:30pm Booking: No booking required

TRADITIONAL MUSIC SESSION

Join Carrickmacross Comhaltas Ceoltóirí for a traditional music session in the Mountain Dew. Family friendly atmosphere suitable for all ages (from 8 to 80) and abilities (suits beginners). Visiting traditional musicians welcome Venue: The Mountain Dew, Corduff Community Centre, Corduff, Carricknmacross, Co. Monaghan, A81 A263 Time: 9:30 pm Booking: No booking required 20

MULTI–CULTURAL SHOWCASE

Come along and celebrate the rich mix of cultures that make up our community. This family-friendly event will showcase traditions, talents and skills from around the world through food, music, dance, art and crafts. Special performance by Carrickmacross World Choir Venue: Magheracloone Community Centre CLG, Knocknacran East, Magheracloone, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, A81 HC99 Time: 7pm Booking: No booking required

SHARING

TRAD

Award winning harpist Evelyn McCaul will bring Culture Night to several nursing homes in the county. Evelyn will facilitate a performance of traditional music and song for all to enjoy! Attendance at these events is restricted to residents of participating nursing homes Venue: Restricted to participating nursing homes

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To find out more on Culture Night go to

www.culturenight.ie Culture Night is brought to you by the Arts Council in partnership with Monaghan County Council We want to thank all the organisations, groups and individuals for taking part in Culture Night 2026 For further information contact

culturenight@monaghancoco.ie https://culturenight.ie/country/monaghan/

Comhairle Chontae Mhuineachaín Monaghan County Council