THE PUBLIC WILL tonight get a once-a-year opportunity to visit a host of museums, galleries, churches, historic houses, artist’s studios and cultural centres – free of charge.

The year, Culture Night will see a record 34 towns, cities, counties and islands offer a night of cultural discovery for all ages.

Check out some of the regional highlights…

Cork

• Corona Cork Film Festival (film)

A limited number of attendees will be welcomed to a ‘secret cinema’ at Corona Cork Film Festival HQ and enjoy an intimate audience experience with a local filmmaker who will introduce their film. Screenings: 6pm, 7pm, 8pm. Email: culturenight@corkfilmfest.org to enquire about space.

• CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory (stargazing)

The Cosmos at the Castle exhibit at CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory will be open to the public from 6-9pm, and Cork Astronomy Club will guide visitors in stargazing at nightfall from 8.30-10.00pm.

Image: brianfuller6385/Flickr/Creative Commons

Waterford

• A Night of Theatre (theatre)

Theatre-lovers in Waterford are in for a treat tonight: some of the city’s best up-and-coming talent will be featured in Loose Screw Theatre Company‘s staging of two thought-provoking productions at Blackfriars at 6pm (not to be missed!). Meanwhile, the Theatre Royal and Waterford Youth Arts will open their doors to the public for airs fairs and drama workshops.

• Central Hall Studios (mixed-media)

Central Hall Studios will host an exciting mixed-media exhibition featuring a range of work by local artists, with video installations and live performance by Mixile and Maryam Bash and accompanying visuals by David Kelly – 9.30pm till late.

Image: Molotov Ape/Loose Screw Theatre Company

Limerick

• Opera Works @ The Hunt (opera)

University Concert Hall, in association with Olive Cowper, is bringing opera to Limerick city centre for Culture Night – with a performers set to delight with arias from Carmen, La Boheme, Don Giovanni and Samspon & Delilah. Opera Works will take place at the Hunt Museum at 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm (25 minute recitals).

• Celtic Music & Poetry in Lough Gur Heritage centre (music)

A night of music and poetry will take place in the Thatched Heritage Centre at Lough Gur tonight, with the evening’s entertainment featuring a number of local artists. No need to book, events take place from  7.30 – 9pm. More details can be found at www.loughgur.com.

Image: The Hunt Museum Limerick/Facebook

Galway

• Galway City Library (dance, spoken word)

Galway Dance Project will host An Evening of Dance, Movement and Spoken Word at Galway City Library tonight, featuring short performances and screenings of work produced by some of the city’s contemporary dancers. A dance workshop will also be included, culminating  in a specially devised piece exploring the forms of dance and spoken word. Galway City Library, St. Augustine St. Galway, 6-9pm

• Duniry Night of Music and Dance (sean nos, dance)

A night of Irish dance and music including sean nos and set dancing will be hosted by Duniry & District Active Retirement Association. This family-friendly night welcomes one and all to come along  - refreshments will be served. Duniry Night of Music & Dance 8.00pm – midnight, at Duniry Community Centre.

Image: Plashing Vole/Flickr/Creative Commons

Read more about Culture Night…

Read: Culture Night -10 amazing places you wouldn’t normally see>
Read: Fancy a rave this lunchtime? We have just the thing for you>

Arts lover? Check out our coverage and competitions for Absolut Fringe 2012>

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