Kilkenny celebrates creativity with 59 grants awarded under Creative Ireland and Cruinniú na nÓg schemes

A total of 59 grants, amounting to over €182,290, have been awarded under the Creative Ireland and Cruinniú na nÓg schemes in Kilkenny.

Cruinniú na nÓg 2025 is 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 bubblicious fun, miniature painting and table-top game design creative printing, and collaborative murals through Wonder Walls. Older teens enjoyed night-time events, including DJ parties, animation workshops, Creative dancing as Gaeilge and digital music sessions.

Cruinniú na nÓg Kilkenny was organised by Kilkenny County Council Creativity Team as part of the Creative Ireland Programme.
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“It was wonderful to see all the smiling faces and to increase accessibility for so many people across Kilkenny,” said Kilkenny’s Creative Communities Engagement Officer, Majella Keating, coordinator of the events. “These events were a success thanks to the collaborative efforts and dedication of everyone involved.”

Grant Scheme
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.
Positive Impacts

Increasing accessibility: More individuals, including those in rural and minority communities, now have access to cultural and creative activities, enriching their lives and fostering inclusivity.
Enhanced Community Wellbeing, Social Cohesion and Economic Development.
Of the 59 grants, amounting to over €182,290, they were distributed as follows:
Eight Kilkenny County Council projects - €72,050; 31 external projects - €66,520; and 20 Cruinniú na nÓg and night time events - €43,720.

Liz O’Brien, from Abbeyhall, Graignamanagh, a beneficiary of the programme, expressed her gratitude.
“Thanks to Creative Ireland, engaging in quality creative experiences has become more accessible for everyone,” she said. “This support is transforming lives and communities.”