Aelish Spillane and Emma Durcova from Killarney pictured getting creative in Siamsa Tíre at the Graffiti Art Workshops all part of Cruinniú na nÓg on Saturday, a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean PhotographyCRUINNIÚ na nÓg shone a spotlight on the next generation of creatives throughout Kerry on Saturday as there were multiple opportunities for children and young people to participate in creative events which took place at Sneem to Caherdaniel, Killorglin, Listowel, Dingle/Daingean Uí Chuis, Castleisland, Killarney, Tralee and Kenmare.
The age groups catered for ranged from 4-20 years with indoor and outdoor events, workshops, screening and performances were at full capacity in many locations.
One of the highlights was Síamsa Tíre, Tralee, which played host to Youth Theatre Ireland, Wonder Walls, Voices of Traveller Tradition and Happy Hoopla.
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.Collis Sandes House hosted ‘Me and the Moon’ and Tralee Pottery Club, open from 10.00am-4.00pm. The events were jam-packed, showing a passion for creativity across the young generations.
Music Generation Kerry’s Speak Out Rap Project was a resounding success with young people in Tralee.
Inga Droździk and Fiach O’Sullivan from Castletownbere Youth Theatre take some time to show Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, part of their show before heading on stage for their performance at Siamsa Tíre as part of Cruinniú na nÓg on Saturday, a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean PhotographyDelivered in partnership with KCYS Tralee, the programme included both a core youth group and community workshops to celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg 2026.
Speak Out is a fresh and exciting addition to the Music Generation Kerry youth music programmes, and they are eager to expand on its success in 2027 in response to the clear appetite for more creative opportunities for young people in Kerry.
Listowel, the literary capital of Ireland offered creative writing to children and had a full house proving that creative writing remains central to the local culture.
Ciaran Lawlor, Jacob McDonnell and Fionn Daly had some colourful fun at the Draw Sounds and Me & the Moon workshop in Collis Sands House as part of Cruinniú na nÓg on Saturday, a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean PhotographyKillorglin, home to KVisual, a successor to KFest had a full turnout in the ‘Collaborative Collage’ workshops and exhibition.
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Participating libraries across the county were fully booked and feedback was extremely positive with planning underway already for 2027 due to obvious demand.
Creative Ireland Coordinator for Kerry, Kate Kennelly, stated “The day could not happen without the talented creative practitioners, venues and organisations across Kerry who delivered the range of creative events”.
She further expressed thanks to both the Arts Office team at Kerry County Council and Creative Ireland for their support in making the day the success it was. Scroll down for photos…
Members of Castletownbere Youth Theatre performed their show on stage at Siamsa Tíre all part of Cruinniú na nÓg on Saturday, a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
Creativity can start at any age as shown by one little girl at the Draw Sounds and Me & the Moon workshop in Collis Sands House part of Cruinniú na nÓg on Saturday, a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, and Arts Officer with Kerry County Council, Kate Kennelly, watch twins Ailbhe and Justine Kennelly O’Driscoll create some magic on the walls at the Graffiti Art Workshops in Siamsa Tíre as part of Cruinniú na nÓg on Saturday, a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
