Thanks to each and every soul who Dared to Create this Cruinniú. We had blast!
Techno Nation
Some young collaborators joined us and Tommy Conway of Full Tilt Studios at the Revelate event at the Regional Cultural Centre to produce a dance song which they called "From Dusk".
Have a listen.
The Big Reveal
Some projects have been taking place in the run up to Cruinniú na nÓg. We'll reveal them here on Cruinniú day itself.
Some projects have been taking place in the run up to Cruinniú na nÓg. We'll reveal them here on Cruinniú day itself.
Telling our stories through RAP music
Rap is the modern take on a very old tradition that Donegal people have excelled in for generations, storytelling. In this workshop, young people have exchanged stories on social issues that have affected them, or that they are passionate about. With the help of writer Eve and local songwriter/ rap musician CM, young people have written their own rap songs on their chosen social issue stories. Listen to their song writing skills in the recordings below. |
Campaign for Change
Written by Yiu Leong - performed by CM |
Already Gone
Written by Neala - performed by CM |
Souls of Gaza
Written by Ciaran and Darragh - performed by CM We are experiencing issues with the recording below. Please check back later,
Invisible Chains
Written and performed by Gary |
Full of Litter
Written by Zhiyao - performed by CM |
Check out some footage from our Shared Island event
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Turn Up and Play!
We have a variety of events taking place on Saturday 15th June for you to drop into through out the day. Take a look, dress for the weather, and enjoy.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Shows at 11 AM, 11.45 AM and 12.30 PM An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny The children of An Grianán Youth Theatre, led by Orson Sterritt as the Ring Master, present a fun, theatrical and circus infused event for all the family, as An Grianán Youth Theatre present their own take on Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the story that launched Willie Wonka. This abridged version has all of the highlights, and all of its fabulous characters. Gather outside the front of the theatre at the new outdoor performance space where your magical, stilt walking, juggling and fiendishly clever Ring Master and his circus clowns invite everyone to Roll Up, Roll Up! for a chance to win the golden ticket. You will then be invited to mingle with the characters in an immersive theatre experience in the intimate space of An Grianán’s rehearsal room. This is a Youth Theatre Ireland Event |
Fun at the Railway Centre! 12pm - 4pm
Donegal Town Get involved in our Kids Railway Engagement Experience: 12noon – 4pm: Drop in. No Need to Book! Through railway themed games, worksheets and activities children will be introduced to the railway heritage of County Donegal in a fun and engaging way. Part of the experience will involve the delivery of a railway museum quiz, drawing inspiration from our many artefacts, displays and model railways. Participants will be encouraged to explore the museum site in search of answers and clues to complete their task. Caregiver must be present with child(ren). From 12- 1.30pm for children aged 2-5 there will be guided play with a large wooden train play set as well as DUPLO blocks which are large, colourful building blocks designed for younger children that foster creativity and play, teach problem-solving skills, teamwork, and help to develop fine motor skills. From 2pm – 3.30pm for ages 5+ There will be a session which will encourage participants to complete small challenges or test their building skills. It will also promote sharing of ideas, teamwork and provide the opportunity to make new friends. Get ready for a day jam-packed with activities including a LEGO workshop, storytelling and puzzles, circus skills workshop, arts & crafts, and games! |
Let's Play Donegal 12pm-1pm / 3pm-4pm
Drop in from 12 until 1pm and join in the fun and games at the ‘Let’s Play Donegal’! There’s plenty of physical activity promised with parachute games, enjoy player interaction with some traditional giant size board games like Snakes and ladders and Ludo. Slide giant Jenga blocks out, stack them on top without knocking the tower over. You will need skill, strategy, and a sharp eye for a giant version of the classic table top game Connect 4. Circus skills - 12pm to 4pm.
There’s loads to do at Donegal Town’s Family Fun Day which takes place from 12pm to 4pm. From 12pm to 4pm come along and enjoy juggling, plate spinning, hula hooping etc in our Circus Skills Workshop. Lots of circus skills for everyone to try!! Let’s have Stories! Storytelling by the Green FairyThere’s loads to do at Donegal Town’s Family Fun Day ! 12pm - 3pm
From 12 to 3pm enjoy delightful storytelling tales by the Queen of Spring Faires “The Green Fairy”. This flower fairy truly has green fingers and everything she touches will sprout and bloom! Arts and Crafts - 1pm to 3pm
Drop in from 1pm to 3pm for the Arts & Crafts Workshop where you can create and decorate your very own card puppet animals on sticks! |
Creativity at the Courthouse 12pm - 3pm
Lifford Old Courthouse Express yourself creatively at the historic Lifford Old Courthouse through collaboration with leading artists, musicians, photographers and more who will facilitate a wide variety of inspirational activities. Explore the Courthouse and develop creative expression by taking part in creative activities led by musician Brí Carr, illustrator Ruth Graham & astrophotographer Treasa Giblin Frazer. Activities will include the creation of a collaborative mural created by illustrator Ruth Graham and attendees on the themes of community and future. Using a variety of mediums, you’ll be able to express yourself creatively and voice your opinion on the future that you want to see. Musician Brí Carr will demonstrate a wide range of instruments, which participants will be able to try for themselves culminating in the creation of a bilingual music video. Astrophotographer Treasa Giblin Frazer will present an exploration of the night sky as well as the creation of astro themed bookmarks for participants. If you’ve ever been interested in night sky photography, this is a great introduction to it. |
‘Come and Try’ Play on lots of instruments!
Ionad Teampall Chroine, Dungloe 11am - 1pm Gairmschoil Chú Uladh, Fintown 2pm - 4pm Come along and take part in a couple of hours of musical mayhem. Have a go at a whole range of instruments – violin, trumpet, trombone, cello, recorder, flute, saxophone and more. If the noise allows, you might have the chance to hear musicians have a go! This is a walk in event, no need to book. Suitable for anyone aged 5 years and over. |
Revelate (No booking required) 6pm - 8pm
Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny For young people aged 14 - 18 years Spend an evening exploring a curated mix of creative activities that are a little out of the ordinary. From throwing clay to tooting your own horn, there’s a great selection of activities for young people to explore between 6-8pm. There's free pizza and cool socks, so no reason not to join us! Tell your friends, pop along, eat and explore. |
Pull A Print. Screen Printing with the Print Barn Folk. Pull your own print on one of our provided tote bags. We’ve different designs for you to choose from and 100 tote bags to give away !
The Great Pottery Throwdown ! Try your hand at throwing a pot on the pottery wheel, or build your creation from slabs, under the guidance of master potter Mathew Porter. Give an instrument a go ! Every instrument you ever wanted to try but never had the chance … The Donegal Music Education Partnership will have a whole room full of instruments for you to try, with knowledgeable staff on hand to guide you through. Special FX Workshop, the amazing Anna Czajak will guide you through how to do amazing special FX Make Up! Maybe you could see yourself on set in the future? Paper and Pen, explore your creativity on paper with artist Cathal McGinley. Techno Nation, Sing, play, or just got a keen ear for a good beat? Come and be part of producing a dance track with Full Tilt DJ, Producer and legend Tommy Conway. (Booking required for this - bookings now closed). This event is brought to you by the Night Time Economy |
Donegal's Cruinniú na nÓg Ambassador
Donegal Local Ambassador – Muireann Bradley
I’m Muireann, a Singer-Songwriter from Donegal. My favourite creative activity is playing guitar and singing. My Dad bought me my first guitar when I was 9 and I have been playing since. I felt very lucky during covid as I was never bored, all the sports I loved had shut down but I still had my guitar! My earliest memory of creative activity is when my Aunt Emma taught me piano. I remember being so small I needed a cushion to raise me up on the piano stool. When I’m being creative I just lose myself I suppose, I don’t really think of anything when I am playing and singing, I just switch off from everything. For Cruinniú na nÓg this year I will be going back to my old primary school and doing a show for the teachers and students. I will be creating a video for Cruinniu na nÓg too, so keep an eye out for it across social media channels! |
Events that require Booking -
Booking lines now closed!
Scroll down to find the right fit for your little creatives. There's lots of choice across Donegal.
Booking lines now closed!
Scroll down to find the right fit for your little creatives. There's lots of choice across Donegal.
Le chéile / Together: Through songs, painting and games – Family Workshop
Ardara Town Playground An energetic, hands-on and interactive workshop for kids, where they'll get a bit of fresh air too! Marianne O’Kane Boal will deliver this outdoors children’s workshop featuring song, painting and games in Ardara . Marianne will begin this workshop by singing interactive and inclusive songs and playing some traditional playground games including Hurly Burly, The Farmer in the Dell, Statues and Grandmother’s Footsteps. Afterwards there will be hands-on activity where children will use painting materials to create a group portrait with linked hands on a huge roll of paper. The children will lie down and Marianne will draw their outlines. They will then paint their individual portraits within the outlines. Workshop suitable for ages 5-8, all materials provided and children can bring their portrait home following the workshop. If the weather is unsuitable, part or all, of the workshop will take place in the Community Centre. |
Hip Hop Dance Classes with Andrea
Leabharlann Phobail na Rosann Engage in high energy fun dance routines! A chance to learn and perform new choreography in a supportive environment. This class is suitable for complete beginners and intermediate level too. We will explore a variety of styles including Hip Hop, Musical Theatre Dance and Freestyle! |
Tj’s Bounce Clay
Bundoran Library / Cloghan Learning through play is incredibly important to a child’s development. Encouraging fun with Bounce Clay stimulates all the senses and boosts a child’s development and education as they learn through play. Join TJ’s bilingual ‘Bounce Clay’ workshop for children aged 5+ and their families. Participants will have fun creating a special theme that they can bring home with them. |
Circus Explored
Central Library, Letterkenny Join ISACS Circus Explored for a fun introduction to the world of circus. Experience the thrill of juggling, master the art of hula hooping, or experience the excitement of plate spinning. Come along and unleash your inner circus explorer! As this is a physical class, we recommend bringing a water bottle and to wear comfortable clothes. No experience necessary, our tutors will be on hand to help you along. |
Busy Buzzy Bee Music & Craft Workshop!
The Exchange, Buncrana Get ready for an exciting adventure into the world of bees with our Busy Buzzy Bee Music & Craft Workshop! This engaging session combines music and crafts to introduce kids to the fascinating world of pollinators. Led by Bernie Doherty, kids will start by buzzing along to original bee-inspired tunes, using fun instruments, bee props and sensory tools. Then, they’ll dive into hands-on crafts, creating bee-themed art pieces to take home. Through interactive storytelling and activities, children will learn about the world of the bees, their behaviour, and their crucial role in nature. We’ll have a blast learning and creating with Crunniú na Óg this June! Join us for a hive of fun and discovery in our Busy Buzzy Bee Music & Craft Workshop—where learning meets creativity for young explorers, crafters, music lovers and environmentalists of the future! |
Interactive Music & Nature for Wellbeing Workshop:
The Exchange, Buncrana The Music and Nature for Wellbeing workshop is a fun and interactive experience designed for children aged 8-12. This workshop combines music and nature to promote overall well-being and emotional health. We will also Learn to do our bit in helping the environment through the principles of the LEAVE NO TRACE organisation. Art is created outdoors depending on weather, and made using discarded and recycled materials, to take home. By using these materials, we ensure that we do not strip the outdoors of potential food sources and habitats for the animals and birds who make their home there. Throughout the workshop, children will engage in a variety of activities that encourage self-expression, connect them with the natural world, and foster a sense of wellbeing. By combining music and nature-based crafts, the workshop nurtures the mind, body, and spirit of each child. Children will leave the workshop feeling inspired, refreshed, and connected to both themselves and the natural world. |
Melody Refuge
Cara House, Letterkenny Join Cara House for a day filled with music and fun! Musician Maria McCormack will design and facilitate creative musical activities tailored to the needs and interests of children and young people. Bring your friends or makes new ones along the way. |
Magical Creativity, Folklore and Fantasy
The Wishing Chair, Bundoran The Far Darrig, The Gruagach, and Merrows will spring to life in this enchanting workshop as Marian Rose, artist and children’s author, introduces the children to the fascinating world of Irish folkore. She will assist the children in realising their own artistic visions of these faerie creatures in both 2 and 3 dimensional forms, drawing inspiration from her interactive faerie stories. Old clothes are advised as there will be colouring and painting. |
Copper Craft Creations
Gweedore Under the guidance of a local copper artist the young people will learn how to create beautiful pieces of art through the traditional technique of copper embossing, practicing the techniques and skills involved in working with copper and creating their own piece of copper art, which they will frame and take home with them after completion. The workshop will last for 3 hours. Perfect for anyone over 9 years old. |
The Welcome Mural
Finn Valley Family Resource Centre The Finn Valley Family Resource Centre are planning a mural and they’d like everyone aged between 7 and 15 to take part ! You can be involved in the design and painting of the mural, and have a chance to make new friends from all across our community. The mural will represent children & young people’s voices and preferences, and will be a welcoming entrance into our building. All participants need to bring is their imagination, creativity, originality, sense of fun and wonder, oh, and please wear old clothes. |
Innovative Textile Workshop
The Sewing Room at the Old Gym, Carndonagh Join renowned local fashion designer Bernie Murphy for a textile making workshop which invites teens to explore fabric manipulation techniques such as weaving, felting, and embroidery, inspiring imagination and innovation in textile design. Perfect for young people aged 11 – 18 years. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing. All materials will be supplied. |
Level Up: Beginners Guide to Game Development
St Eugene’s Hall, Moville Digital Creative Lab presents an interactive gaming workshop where teens can learn about game design, development, and storytelling, encouraging creativity and collaboration in a digital environment. This workshop is ideal for anyone who loves technology and creative means of expression and best suited to those aged 12- 18 years. |
Word on the Street
Warren View Manor, Muff Word on the Street/Street stories will see the children write and draw stories on the pathways at Warren View Manor in Muff. On a day filled with imagination – Chalk will be the writing tool of choice for street stories, and books will provide us with our garden stories. The gardens and paths of Warren View Manor will be a hive of fun. Participants can sit and read in the garden areas there or create stories in the garden with our ‘word blocks’, story cubes, story puzzle sand more. |
Drumming workshop with movement exercises
Downstrands Family Resource Centre This dynamic project aims to engage young people aged 7-18 from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of inclusivity and creativity within the local communities of Ardara, Portnoo and Glenties. Through rhythmic exploration and collaborative learning, participants will have the opportunity to discover the joy of percussion while building valuable skills in communication, teamwork, and self-expression. The artist and musician Maria Coleman will host the workshop. Her work is focussed on bridging the gap between novice and expert and creating situations where people can easily open to the joy of creativity. The workshop will open with movement and body percussion exercises which will work to teach and demystify the rhythms. A selection of hand drums and tom-toms will then be introduced and the participants will be shown basic beat patterns which allow the group to instantly work as a percussion ensemble. As the workshop progresses poly-rhythms and traditional songs will be introduced to prepare the group for a closing informal performance. The artist frequently delivers similar workshops to various age-groups across the county and they have been hugely successful and well-received. Downstrands FRC are excited to host this workshop as part of Crinniú na nÓg for 2024, and delighted to be introducing the local youth to this creative and life-affirming work as well as include them in this national celebration of youth creativity. Parents are welcome to attend with children and young. |
Creative Hope Arts and Crafts Workshop
Carndonagh Library This workshop will provide young people with a space to not only be creative and arty, but also reflect on a lovely encouraging vision of Hope. This is a very important concept to introduce into young minds. Evidence shows how Hope is a major protective factor for emotional wellbeing, and is a concept and tool that people can use when they are in challenging time. An individual art piece will be created to represent each young person own representation of Hope. It is also proposed that an additional group art piece will be produced composed of efforts by everyone in the group. |
Sock Puppets: Creative Puppetry with ART FARM
Buncrana Community Library Join ART FARM for a funky creative art workshop where participants will imaginatively use odd or unwanted socks to make cool little puppets! Whether it’s a cute princess bunny, superhero, alien or whacky monster ART FARM has you covered! This is a chance for your little one to get crafty and have a little fun with colour, texture & construction. Workshop for ages 5-10. Participants are advised to wear old clothing. |
Grá na Mara
Fanad Lighthouse Many Irish language phrases associated with the ocean have a beautiful, lyrical quality to them with evocative mental imagery. This exciting and vibrant workshop will bring them to a new generation, and provide the stepping off point to let their creativity run free, and guided by an experienced artist working to nurture their creative skills and producing visual art inspired by theses phrases. During the activity marine biologists will share their knowledge of the marine biodiversity on our home shores. This workshop will foster a sense of pride in our local marine heritage and biodiversity for the participants, and with the artwork displayed locally, encourage use of phrases that could be lost to time. |
STEAM Exploration for Young Innovators
St Eugene’s Hall, Moville Join the Digital Creative Lab for a hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) workshop where participants can experiment with coding, and digital design, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This workshop will deliver hands-on, fun and engaging activities for ages 8-15. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing. |
Lego Block Printing with Laura Buchanan Designs
The Galloglass Centre, Milford These workshops are designed to give children a fun introduction to the wonderful world and creative skill of printmaking. Perfect for anyone aged 5-12 years. Under the expert and joyful guidance of designer Laura Buchanan the children will make block prints from Lego dots ! Just bring yourself and your wild imagination! |
SewStart: Introductory Sewing Class
The Sewing Room at the Old Gym, Carndonagh Join renowned local fashion designer Bernie Murphy for a beginner-friendly sewing class where children can learn basic sewing skills and create their own fabric crafts, promoting fine motor skills and encouraging self-expression through textiles. This workshop is perfect for children aged 9-15 years. All materials will be provided |
Collage!
Falcarragh Come and muck in with other kids as we cut and paste our new artistic creations, using found images. Collage is a very easy way for children to start to engage their artistic side – there’s no wrong way to do it! Collage making offers children a chance to explore their creativity and engage in creative development, experiment with colours and shapes, and develop fine motor skills through cutting, tearing, and arranging materials. The materials used can range from paper, fabric, and natural elements to recycled materials, stickers, and paint. All materials will be supplied but if you’d like to bring some pictures of your own to use that’s fine too. |
Make your first comic!
The Base, Stranorlar Are you interested in making your first manga comic? Or improving your manga comic skills? This workshop will help participants develop a story flow that will engage readers and create characters emotions and actions that readers can connect with. This is an opportunity to imagine and create a souvenir manga comic book to take home at the end of the workshop. |
Make Your Mark
Donegal County Museum, Letterkenny Kids Art Workshop – Interactive Installation We all make our mark on the world in our own unique way. Different traditions, languages, cultures, and backgrounds all play a part. When we choose to learn from each other we all grow together. In this arts workshop for children aged 6-12, participants will make artifacts (objects) that represent us and our uniqueness which will be hung on a tree to represent the abundance that grows when we learn from each other. Trees are symbols of strength, expression, calmness and the interconnectedness of everything. Participants are advised to wear old clothing. |
Mold & Make: Pottery Workshop for Teens
Naíscoil Dhomhnach Óg Teo , Carndonagh This is a great opportunity to get hands on with clay in a pottery making session where young people can unleash their artistic talents. Moulding clay into unique creations and exploring the fundamentals of sculpture and design will underpin this activity. Best suited for young people aged 9-18 years. Participants are advised to wear old clothing. All materials will be supplied. |
Smarty Pants
Letterkenny Let your young one’s imagination run wild this Cruinniú with Smarty Pants in Letterkenny. This custom built facility will fuel your young one’s imagination as they immerse themselves in role play, hang out with other children and flex their negotiating skills, empathy and their creative side. Role play allows for creative expression from the earliest age and builds many skills that last into adulthood. This event is suitable for children as young as 1. |
Professor Play Time!
ATU Letterkenny Enjoy a range of creative and exciting interactive play experiences which are designed for children aged 3 to 9 years. On the day activities will include: – Lego and STEM station – Messy Play Station – Face Painting – Storytelling and Storyboards – Dance Workshop All children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather and the messy play! |
Creative Chaos!
The Bluestack foundation Step into a world of pure imagination at Creative Chaos, the ultimate messy play day event that promises to ignite your creativity and leave you buzzing with excitement! This event celebrates youthful creativity among children and young people, offering a space for them to express themselves freely and without limitations. At Creative Chaos, participants will have the opportunity to dive into a world filled with paint, slime, sand, and endless possibilities. Whether you’re a toddler or a teenager, there’s something for everyone at this inclusive and engaging event. The stations are designed to inspire and challenge creativity, allowing participants to let their imaginations run wild in a safe and supportive environment. But Creative Chaos is more than just a messy play day – it’s a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. The event is accessible to everyone, including those with additional needs, ensuring that all children have the chance to join in the fun and let their creative spirit shine. This commitment to inclusivity and diversity sets Creative Chaos apart as a truly welcoming and supportive event for all. Teaming up with Kids Party Club, the event organisers have lined up an array of interactive entertainment to keep the excitement flowing throughout the day. From magic tricks to puppet shows and even a groovy disco, there’s no shortage of fun to be had at Creative Chaos. |
Specifically for 14-18 year olds
There's a host of events taking place across the county specifically for young people aged 14-18 years. We didn't want them to get lost among the reams of other events taking place, so we've given them their own dedicated space on our website.
There's a host of events taking place across the county specifically for young people aged 14-18 years. We didn't want them to get lost among the reams of other events taking place, so we've given them their own dedicated space on our website.
Special Delivery
Get Cruinniú delivered to your door in time for 15th June. When they're gone, they're gone!
Revving Up with Balloon-Powered Cars!
Delivered to your home Get ready for a hands-on adventure that will ignite creativity and STEM skills like never before! In our thrilling at home activity, children become engineers, designers, and innovators as they dive into the exciting world of balloon-powered cars. Each child receives their very own kit, packed with everything they need to construct their own unique balloon-powered car from scratch. From wheels to axles, and of course, the star of the show – the balloons – every component is carefully selected to inspire imaginative engineering. Allow young minds to embark on a journey of discovery, learning how simple principles of physics and engineering come together to power their creations. As they assemble their cars, they explore concepts like aerodynamics, friction, and propulsion, all while exercising critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This event is best suited for children aged 5 years with adult supervision and over of all abilities as it can be done at a time and pace that suits each child. |
Why not make a day of it?
Check out the downloadable playground passports for Donegal available in both Irish and English.
Cruinniú na nÓg is another event organised by Donegal County Council's Culture Team, which takes place annually as part of the national Creative Ireland Programme for 1 day each June.
See below some recordings which have taken place in recent years as part of the initiative.
We're so proud of everyone involved.
Rhyme Island 2023
"Use That Light"
"Use That Light" - GMC Beats had great craic working with a very talented group of young people in Letterkenny to create this song and video about inspiration in a couple of hours in May. This was an all island initiative travelling to many other counties across Ireland. Check out the other raps created for Cruinniú 2023 here.
Cruinniú na nÓg 2022
"Exploring Myths and Legends through Storytelling and Art" & "Fís Feasa"
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We had an amazing storytelling workshop in the run to to Cruinniú with young people aged 12–18 from ethnic minority backgrounds, including young people living in Direct Provision and young people from the Irish community. Check it out. Full details in the YouTube description.
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Young people from the Dunfanaghy area had a blast creating short films inspired by the resources around them in recent weeks. This is the result which we're sure you'll agree is fab. Full details are in the YouTube description.
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