Wet weather fails to dampen spirits at Culture Night

Wet weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm for Culture Night with hundreds of thousands turning out all over the country to avail of more than 1,400 free events tonight.

Some 900 venues, including museums, galleries, cathedrals, libraries, parks, government buildings and theatres, in 36 regions, towns and cities, opened their doors in the ninth year of the cultural feast.

Dubliners had over 100 events to choose from. Annual classics proved popular, such as the opening of Leinster House. There were 40 new venues including Áras an Uachtaráin and Farmleigh in Phoenix Park and Airfield farm in Dundrum.

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Members of the public pictured in the President’s private study in Aras An Uachtarain. Photograph: Aidan Crawley

At Smithfield, visitors could watch films from the comfort of their cars, at the National Gallery of Ireland, people could have their photograph taken in a life-size replica of some of the gallery’s master paintings.

Even public transport took on a cultural theme, with Dublin Bus running shuttle buses on four routes to cultural venues, with musicians and storytellers on board. A team of poets from InkStorm Poetry Depot wrote bespoke poetry for passengers.

Downstairs Dublin, curated by The Irish Times, offered a mix of talks, installations and music in the open-air basements of Merrion Square. Events included a fashion show, blindfolded dining at Dine in the Dark and the luminous Neon String, an art installation, by Aideen Barry, commissioned by The Irish Times.

Connecting with people

In the square, the Arts Council hosted a marquee with poetry readings, theatre by Don Wycherley, arias from Emma Nash and Cillian Farrell of Irish Youth Opera and music from 17-year-old singer songwriter Danny Battles.

Director of the Arts Council Orlaith McBride said Culture Night was gaining strength not only in Dublin but throughout the country. The organisation hosted the event in the square to connect with people in a different way, she said. "It's about saying this is what we do," she said.

The programme was appreciated by over 1,000 people, including David Mahon (9) and his brother Oscar (7) from Cabra who were particularly pleased with the free food.

Longboat

There were lots of events in Dublin’s suburbs too including dance classes in Dún Laoghaire and free tours of the Joyce tower, the Casino in Marino, and Malahide Castle and Gardens.

Among national highlights were views of Cork City from a 40ft Bantry Bay Longboat, a digital display of the National Self-Portrait Collection of Ireland in the windows of RTÉ Lyric fm in Limerick, a performance by the Barrack Street Concert Band in Waterford City and a traditional-living evening at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Kildare.

In Letterkenny, Co Donegal, highlights included music from jazz ensemble Errigal Groove Orchestra. In Castlebar, Co Mayo, at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, the 20th anniversary of Riverdance and its Mayo roots were celebrated with music, dance and conversation. In Sligo, among more than 20 events, the PassePartout Circus presented a fiery performance, Inferno.

Among 16 events in Belfast was the Big Gigantic Drum Circle by The Gathering Drum. A Chinese Dragon Dance was among more than 50 events in Derry. Events also took place at Irish cultural centres in Paris and New York.