Celebrate Culture Night Cavan 2025

Cavan County Council warmly invites everyone, locals and visitors alike, to join in the celebration of Culture Night Cavan 2025 on Friday, September 19.

Spanning the entire county- from Dowra to Ballyjamesduff and from Virginia to Ballinagh- this year’s programme promises over 40 free, family-friendly events celebrating creativity, heritage, and community spirit.

Culture Night is a national moment of celebration that places culture at the heart of Irish life, and Cavan's 2025 offering is one of the most ambitious and diverse yet. Whether you’re into art, music, literature, or local history, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s a round-up of seven unmissable events that capture the spirit of Culture Night Cavan.

Open-Air Cultural Carnival

WHERE: Townhall Street & Market Square, Cavan Town.

WHEN: 3pm–7:30pm.

WHAT: Experience the joy and vibrancy of street performance with this exciting outdoor showcase. Expect circus acts, DJs, interactive art, and hands-on experiences. Highlights include the Fanzini Brothers Circus, beloved Irish performers known for their witty, whimsical street theatre; DJ Paul Cox and The Disco Bike, providing funky beats and good vibes; a Mini Art Vending, a nostalgic installation by Helen MacDermott, dispensing miniature prints from a vintage machine; a Mummer Installation by Daragh Slacke, blending folklore and contemporary performance; and the Cottage Market & Dexter Cow Installation, featuring artisan produce, traditions, and a sculptural tribute to Cavan's farming heritage by Rosie Cole Arts.

Guerilla Readers Corner

WHERE: Cafés and businesses, Cavan Town.

WHEN: 1pm–3pm.

WHAT: Get caught up in a surprise story! Local writers from Culúr Cavan Creatives will pop up in cafes and shops with spontaneous readings, poetic interludes, and literary chats. Keep an eye on @Cavanarts social media for times and locations.

History and music in Mullagh

WHERE: St Killian’s Heritage Centre, Mullagh

WHEN: 8pm

WHAT: Delve into local history with a fascinating presentation by John Smith on the old Virginia Road Railway Station, with insights from community members on its link to Mullagh Fair.

The evening continues with a beautiful live performance of original guitar compositions by Tomasz Grzesik. Café UanUladh will be serving refreshments. All ages welcome.

Community Crafting in Ballinagh

WHERE: Ballinagh Community Centre.

WHEN: 4pm–8pm.

Join Louise Swords from 'Make It Clay' for a hands-on air-drying clay wreath workshop. Suitable for all ages, participants will craft wreaths that represent their personal connection to Ballinagh- through sport, history, nature, or imagination.

Tradition at St Brigid’s Cottage

WHERE: St Brigid’s Cottage, Drumanny, Milltown (H14 E003).

WHEN: 6pm–10pm.

WHAT: Step into an authentic Irish cultural experience at St Brigid’s 300-year-old thatched cottage at Drummay Spirit. This magical evening includes traditional music, storytelling, crafts, sean-nós dancing, butter and bread making, and Ireland’s largest handcrafted drum. All ages are welcome to this joyful celebration of living heritage.

Art, ecology and history in Blacklion

WHERE: The Market House, Blacklion

WHEN: 4pm–7:30pm.

WHAT: Explore Blacklion’s watery landscapes in this two-part event starting from 4–6pm with a calm and creative crochet session with the Blacklion Crochet Group and artist Sinéad Curran, inspired by local rivers and lakes.

This will be followed (6–7:30pm) with a guided walk to River Belco and Lough MacNean, led by ecologist Andrea Parisi, historian Joe Gowran, and Curran. Learn how water shapes both land and life in the local area.

Cootehill Uke Jam

WHERE: Side Street Café, Cootehill.

WHEN: 4pm–5pm.

Wrap up your Culture Night with music and laughter at the Cootehill Ukulele Jam.

After a series of workshops, local players gather for a communal jam session that’s open to all.

Bring your uke or simply come and sing along.

Hosted in the welcoming Side Street Café, this event promises connection through music.