Mayo to celebrate children’s creativity on Cruinniú na nÓg

The county of Mayo is set to celebrate the creativity of children on Cruinniú na nÓg.

Circus and craft events in Achill, creative writing workshops in Claremorris, illustration events in Belmullet, a magic workshop on Inishturk, jiving and country music in Bohola – these are just a few of the exciting events for children happening Saturday, June 15th, as part of the Cruinniú na nÓg festival.

This year’s theme, ‘Dare to Create’ encourages young people to try something new and showcase their talents. 

Cruinniú na nÓg is Ireland’s national day of free creativity for children and young people under eighteen. 

Mayo Creative Ireland Coordinator, Austin Vaughan, said: "Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world to have such a day. In Mayo, we will have over 60 events covering all areas of creativity, from stop-motion animation workshops to dancing sessions inspired by nature."

Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Michael Loftus, called the day of free events ‘wonderful’ as it is an opportunity ‘for children to showcase and explore their creativity’. He explained the importance of creativity for children’s ‘for wellbeing, social connection, and economic development’.

The events are organised through the Cruinniú na nÓg Mayo Events Grant Scheme, and this year children and young people helped select the winning entries. 

“We decided this year to involve children and young people in the panel process for the grants,” explained Mayo County Council’s Creative Communities Engagement Officer, Anna Livia Cullinan. She continued: “The youth panel was brilliant. They thought of everything from making sure there were events for children with additional needs to having interesting options for all age groups. Their advice for event organisers was to have fun and be genuine. Silly voices are also welcomed, but not required.”

This year also sees the introduction of Cruinniú Late, a partnership with the Night Time Economy Task Force to keep our creative spaces open and active by providing a series of evening and late-night, alcohol-free events for older teens.

As part of Cruinniú Late, Brad Heidi, number one on the Irish Breakers Chart with his latest single 'Don't Let Go,' will be performing at Áras Inis Gluaire alongside a DJ, open mic, photo booth, and much more. There will be a VR mural session in Ballina Library where young people can step into a virtual world and explore different aspects of the mural in 3D, examining the intersection of art and technology. Additionally, there will be creative tasters and a street art event at Castlebar Library.

Cruinniú na nÓg 2024 is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme’s Creative Youth plan and is organised in Mayo by the Creative Ireland team of Mayo County Council with the support of young people, community groups, creatives, and organisations across the county.

Minister Catherine Martin expressed her delight at the expansion of the programme, and stated:“This year Cruinniú na nÓg is everywhere, and all at once! I am thrilled that we are launching Cruinniú Late, providing authentic, alcohol-free spaces for young people to perform. Our partners in local authorities have devised over 31 great events for 14-18 year olds.”

Cruinniú na nÓg takes place in County Mayo and across Ireland on Saturday, June 15, with a range of free events.

For a full programme of events and to find a Cruinniú na nÓg activity near you, see the Creative Ireland website.