Kilkenny celebrates youthful creativity with Cruinniú na nÓg 2025
Grants totalling nearly €200,000 have been awarded for cultural and creative activities under the Creative Ireland and Cruinniú na nÓg schemes
Cruinniú na nÓg 2025 was the world’s first national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18. Supported by Creative Kilkenny, the festival featured 52 free activities across the county from May 18 to June 7.
The festival celebrated youthful creativity with events like cameraless filmmaking, dancing, miniature painting and table-top game design. Older teens enjoyed night-time events including DJ parties, animation workshops, creative dancing as Gaelige and digital music sessions.
Cruinniú na nÓg Kilkenny was organised by Kilkenny County Council Creativity Team as part of the Creative Ireland Programme.
Established in 2017, Creative Ireland is a culture-based programme connecting people, creativity, and wellbeing. Inspired by the Ireland 2016 Centenary, it aims to inspire and transform communities through creativity.
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Kilkenny’s Creative Communities Engagement Officer, Majella Keating, coordinator of the events said: “It was wonderful to see all the smiling faces and to increase accessibility for so many people across Kilkenny. These events were a success thanks to the collaborative efforts and dedication of everyone involved.”
A total of 59 grants, amounting to over €182,290 have been awarded under the Creative Ireland and Cruinniú na nÓg schemes in Kilkenny.
Liz O’Brien, from Abbeyhall, Graiguenamanagh ,a beneficiary of the programme, expressed her gratitude saying, “Thanks to Creative Ireland, engaging in quality creative experiences has become more accessible for everyone. This support is transforming lives and communities.”