Fun at Siamsa Tíre during Culture Night. Photo by Dermot CreanCULTURE Night Kerry 2026 has been hailed as a wonderful celebration of creativity and community, following an evening of events across the county on Friday last.
More than 60 events took place across Kerry’s five Municipal Districts in villages, towns and communities throughout the county.
From music, dance and live performance to exhibitions, workshops, storytelling, film, heritage and family events, this year’s programme offered an exceptionally broad snapshot of cultural life in Kerry.
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One of the standout moments of Culture Night Kerry 2026 was RTÉ’s live national Culture Night television broadcast from Killarney.
The broadcast put Kerry centre stage in the national Culture Night celebrations and offered audiences throughout Ireland a glimpse of the creativity, character and cultural energy of the county.
There was strong local support across the five Municipal Districts throughout the evening, with the Cathaoirligh of each district visiting key Culture Night events and meeting artists, performers, organisers, volunteers and audiences.
A performer at Siamsa Tíre. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean PhotographyThe 2026 programme also had a distinctly European dimension. As Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union this year, a number of events were supported through Culture Ireland / Cultúr Éireann, creating opportunities for international cultural exchange.
Ireland is paired with the Czech Republic (Czechia) in the Presidency cultural programme, and Kerry welcomed Czech poet Šimon Leitgeb, bringing a further international voice to the county’s Culture Night celebrations.
Looking back on the success of the programme, Kerry County Council Arts Officer and Creative Ireland Co-ordinator Kate Kennelly paid tribute to everyone who contributed.
“Míle buíochas le gach éinne who helped make Culture Night Kerry 2026 such a memorable celebration. The success of the night belongs to the artists, performers, venues, community organisations, volunteers and audiences who embraced it with such generosity and enthusiasm.”
“What was particularly special was seeing that sense of excitement spread right across the county. From our villages to our towns, people came together to experience something, make something, hear a story, enjoy a performance or simply share in the atmosphere.” Scroll down for photos…
Mayor of Tralee Angie Baily taking part in an event at Siamsa Tíre during Culture Night. Photo by Dermot Crean
A juggler performing at Siamsa Tíre during Culture Night. Photo by Dermot Crean
An event at Siamsa Tíre. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
At Siamsa Tire. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
At Siamsa Tíre. Photo: Michelle Breen Crean Photography
Taking part in an event at Siamsa Tíre during Culture Night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Edgars Sasko at Siamsa Tíre during Culture Night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Sergey Markowski, Gráinne Mulligan and Laurie Enright at Siamsa Tíre during Culture Night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Koren O’Brien with young crafters at Siamsa Tíre during Culture Night. Photo by Dermot Crean
