What's happening for Culture Night in Monaghan this year

Culture Night returns to Monaghan this year, bringing a full evening of music, art, food and performance to venues across the county. Organised as part of the national Culture Night initiative, the event gives people a chance to explore local galleries, theatres, museums and community spaces, many of which open their doors for free.

This year's programme features a wide mix of activities for all ages, with something on offer whether you're after live music, hands on workshops or a quiet look round a historic building.

Here's are some of the things happening in Monaghan:

At the Oram Community Centre, Big Tom: Memories That Never Die celebrates Tom McBride's 90th birthday. Through treasured archive footage, photographs, music and personal interviews, look back on the life, music and memories of one of Ireland’s best-loved country music legends.

Meanwhile, at the Monaghan Peace Campus, Irish harpist and sean-nós singer Hannah Nic Eindrí will host an all-ages bilingual workshop with the opportunity to translate fan-favourite pop songs into the Irish language. Working together, attendees will build confidence using their cúpla focal and have the opportunity to discover how traditional songs and storytelling can inspire fresh new lyrics. There will be live music accompaniment, practical translation tips, and a performance at the end.

In the Garage Theatre, acclaimed writer Pat McCabe and singer-songwriter Grainne Duffy will present a newly polished and updated version of The Wildwood Flower. The performance celebrates the richness of local talent, creativity and artistic celebration in Monaghan, blending powerful storytelling with live music and guitar. This captivating production stars Grainne Duffy, Aisling McCormilla, Claragh McDermott, and Pat Deery, with a special guest appearance from Pat McCabe himself. A post-show Q&A session with the artists will follow.

Culture Night is free to attend and runs from early evening until late, with most venues open between 5pm and 9pm unless stated otherwise. Some events may require booking in advance, so check with individual venues for details. For the full list of participating venues and events in Monaghan, visit culturenight.ie.