Check out the jam-packed programme of fun and excitement for Cruinniú na NÓg

The goal of Cruinniú na nÓg is to ensure that every child in the country has equal access and opportunity to explore their creativity and engage with the arts.

The national day of free creativity takes place on Saturday, June 6, and there are more than 40 events planned for Donegal, with communities going all out to ensure a great day is enjoyed by all participants.

Here is a small flavour of some of the many activities taking place in community centres, libraries, family resource centres, arts hubs and other venues throughout Donegal. To book or to find out more about what is happening in your area, go to donegalculture.ie

Drama and Dance in Ballyshannon

Cruinniú na nÓg Drama and Dance Workshop takes place in the Abbey Arts Centre on Saturday, June 6 from 5pm to 7pm. This is a free workshop, but children must be registered as places are limited. Registration is via abbeycentre.ie or by calling 071 9851375.

This workshop combines the vibrant energy of dance with the storytelling power of drama games, offering a unique opportunity for participants to explore creativity and build confidence. Children will engage in a variety of activities, including movement exercises, character development, and improvisation, all while fostering teamwork and communication skills.

This workshop invites you to unleash your creativity and have a blast through fun drama games, different dance styles, rhythm and expression!

Please arrive on the day of Registration at 4.30pm.

Drama Workshop in Bundoran

Bundoran Community Centre and The Creative Lab are proud to announce that they have come together for Cruinniú na nÓg Donegal to host a free drama workshop for young people.

Hop in for Movement and Creative games, Improvisation, Script Readings and lots of fun and laughter!

The workshop takes place on Saturday, June 6 in Bundoran Community Centre.

3pm - 5 - 7 Years

4pm - 8 - 10 Years

5pm - 11 -13 Years

This is a free event but places must be booked as spaces are limited. To book, call 087 6917852

Fabulous Family Fun in Donegal Town

Donegal Town will come alive on Saturday, June 6 for Cruinniú na nÓg with a fabulous family fun day in the amazing surroundings of Donegal Castle from 12noon to 4pm. There’ll be games to play and performances from the fabulous Professor Peartree, Story Finder, The Drum Circle, Bee Yonce & Honeybee, Magic by MJ, Face painting , Lets Play Donegal Arts and Crafts.

Donegal Town Community Chamber, Donegal Family Resource Centre, Donegal Castle, Donegal Railway Heritage Museum are delighted to have come together to host this fabulous event. There’s no need to book, just come along and join in the fun. Children must be supervised at all times.

Donegal Town Community Chamber, Donegal Family Resource Centre, Donegal Castle and Donegal Railway Museum would like to express our sincere thanks to Joy Mc Laughlin for her assistance and the Culture and Creativity section of Donegal County Council for their funding support with this initiative.

Professor Peartree: 12 noon to 2pm

Story Finder: 12 noon to 2pm

The Drum Circle: 1.30pm to 2.15pm

Bee- Yonce & Honey Bee 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Magic By MJ 2pm to 3pm

The Drum Circle 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Let’s Play Donegal 12 noon to 4pm

Arts / Crafts & Facepainting 12 noon to 4pm

Interactive Model Railway Display & Activities 12 noon to 4pm

Make Your Own Kite in Letterkenny

A kite-making workshop where participants design, build and fly their own kite is taking place in Letterkenny as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. Participants will also learn safe flying practices.

All materials will be supplied.

The event is suitable for ages five to twelve. Please note that adults must remain on the premises for the duration of the event.

The workshop takes place in Donegal County Museum, 2 High Road, Letterkenny, F92 K123 this Saturday, June 6. There are two options: 1pm to 2pm and 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Places are filling up very quickly.

Ceramics in Fanad Lighthouse

An artist-led Ceramics & Lino Printing workshop will take place in Fanad Light. Participants will have the opportunity to use clay for ceramic pieces and create lino prints inspired by the landscape, flora and fauna.

This workshop is for ages six to twelve. It takes place on Saturday, June 6 in Fanad Lighthouse, Arryheernabin, Fanad, F92 YC03 from 10am to 10pm.

For booking, call Donal on 085 8570132 or email [email protected]

Youth Theatre Ireland

Enjoy performances from Youth Theatres from around the north west in An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, F92 RV1F

Performances run from 3pm to 4.30pm on Saturday, June 6 and are suitable for teens aged 13 to 17 years of age.

Stop Motion Animation in Inishowen

Create short animations using an iPad and open source software; learn editing, music and publishing tips.

This event is suitable for children and teens aged 7 to 14 years of age. Adults must remain on the premises for the duration of the event if accompanying children aged 12 or under.

There will be two workshops running in Carndonagh Library, Public Services Centre, Carndonagh F93 NR70 on Saturday, June 6 from 10am to 11.45 am, and 12.10pm to 2pm.

Other flagship events include Scoil Rac le Declan McClafferty ar Árainn Mhór and aCruinniú na nÓg Takeover in the RCC in Letterkenny. And there is a strong as Gaeilge programme across several Gaeltacht areas, including Toraigh, Ghleann Cholm Cille, Oileán Árainn Mhóir, Gaoth Dobhair and An Clochan Liath.

This year’s Donegal Cruinniú na nÓg Young Ambassador is JJ McCaughey from Bundoran. JJ is interested in Dungeons and Dragons, drawing and Lego and is a member of Comhairle na nÓg, the Donegal Youth Council.

Cruinniú na nÓg is an initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme and is organised locally by Donegal County Council’s Culture & Creativity Team, in partnership with young people from the Donegal Youth Council, and the Family Resource Centres, Múintearas, Spraoi agus Sport, the Night Time Economy Advisor and Bundoran Community Centre.

Full details of Donegal events and booking information are available at donegalculture.ie. Some activities are capacity-limited and booking is required.