CRUINNIÚ NA CÁSCA will take place across the country tomorrow.

An initiative by Creative Ireland, and presented by RTÉ, Cruinniú na Cásca is a free public event that aims to create a new national day of culture and creativity.

The festival will “celebrate culture and creativity in contemporary Irish society” through live music and dance, coding, theatre, art and music workshops, talks and tastings, readings and screenings and more.

Meaning “a meeting at Easter”, Cruinniú na Cásca promises lots of fun for the young and old, with a special focus on events for families.

From cabaret in Wexford, a light art and music installation in Dingle, Co Kerry, to a light ceremony at Dusk in Abbeyshrule, Co Longford, Cruinniú na Cásca promises something for everyone.

Taking place tomorrow on Easter Monday, here’s what happening around the country:

Dublin

The capital is the location for the special large-scale event of Cruinniú na Cásca.

Four zones in the city centre – Custom House Quay, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin Castle and Smithfield – will be transformed from 11am to 6pm for a huge number of events across Dublin.

The full list can be found here, but some of the highlights include:

• A Bollywood beats dance workshop at the Custom House at midday, with a tango fiesta taking place at 4pm.
• A special edition of Liveline featuring the people of 1917 Ireland telling Joe Duffy what’s on their mind, broadcast live from the Custom House at 1.30pm.
• A stop-go animation workshop for children with autism at St Stephen’s Green.
• A 14ft diameter community drum that everyone can have a go on at Stephen’s Green.
• A fun quiz for all the family in the Green at 11.30
• Dozens of live music performers in a variety of styles throughout the day on the Green.
• Talks on “masculinity and Irish society”, “Irish literature at the national library”  and “crime fiction and rural Ireland”.
• Puppet shows, magic shows and arts and crafts workshops with Sillybilly Events across Dublin.
• A talk on controversial garda commissioners of the past in city hall at 11am. You are advised to book ahead for this one.
• A range of talks on women’s role in Irish society – and how that’s changed and evolved over the years in city hall.
• Exhibitions from Science Gallery and VW camper vans at Smithfield.
• Film-making workshop for teenagers in Smithfield at 5.10pm.

Munster

St Peter’s in Cork will host a full programme of family friendly events for Cruinniú na Cásca.

Storytelling will kick off proceedings at midday, with a local history and walking tour at 2pm.

In the spirit of the Irish-named event, you can brush up on your cúpla focal for live music and chat from 3pm.

There will be a special screening of the film Song of the Sea at 2pm in Triskel Christchurch, with a trad music session hosted by The Lee Sessions in the bar An Spailpín Fánach that evening.

In Limerick, the city and county council are offering a programme of free walking tours through the Georgian and medieval parts of the city, as well as guided walks around Adare and Kilmallock.

Tipperary will host a theatrical circus performance of A Fairies’ Tail in Templemore. Although free, booking is recommended.

The Seanchaí Centre in Listowel will feature a walking route along the river taking in the readings, poetry and drama from renowned Kerry natives such as John B Keane and Bryan MacMahon.

The walk will finish with the opening of an art exhibition from Colourful Spirits, a local artist cooperative.

Ulster

Creativity is the focus of Cruinniú na Cásca celebrations in Monaghan, with the council hosting a workshop in creative clay sculpture in Clones branch library from 11am.

Budding sculptors will get the chance to use sculpting tools to create spring animals that they will be able to bring home.

Glenveagh Castle in Donegal will open its doors for visitors to come and experience the ghosts of its past.

The extensive grounds can be visited by all, but numbers on the tours of the castle may be limited.

Leinster

Outside of Dublin, an Easter parade will come to the streets of Naas in a day that promises “cross-cultural creativity” a day early today.

The parade will finish up with a demonstration of local talent in the Osprey Hotel.

The Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise will host a special showcase of young people performing, with the Laois Dance Ensemble and Music Generation Laois featured from 2.30pm.

A family day at Athlone castle will keep the kids entertained in Westmeath, while Wexford Arts Centre will host a Cruinniú na Cásca cabaret from 2pm.

Connacht

Mayo kicked off festivities early, with Ballina buzzing for a bee creative day yesterday.

In Leitrim, there is a host of events for children in Carrigallen. Budding artists can attend a curiosity workshop at 2pm, while the tech-minded can explore “electronics wizardry and instrument building” to make some unique sounds.

In Sligo, there is a guided tour of the town’s heritage sites interspersed with traditional Irish music.

Read: A new cultural festival will reach every county in Ireland this Easter Monday

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