Minister Patrick O'Donovan T.D. has officially launched Cruinniú na nÓg 2026 at TU Dublin, Grange Gorman. Recognised as Ireland's National Day of Creativity for children and young people, this year's all-island celebration is set to take place on Saturday, June 6. The initiative will feature more than 1,300 free events spanning music, art, circus, storytelling, film, and various other creative forms.

Ireland stands as the sole nation globally to dedicate a national day to the creative expression of young people. Through the scheme, Creative Ireland is encouraging youth across the country to discover new interests, ignite their imaginative potential, and participate in the unique celebration.

The launch event included a special live performance from Garageland Galaxyz artists Aerial, a four-piece musical group from Dublin, alongside solo musician Eabha O'Keeffe, who is scheduled to play at the 'We Own the Castle' event at Swords Castle on June 6th.

A number of representatives and ambassadors also attended the launch, including members of Youth Theatre Ireland alongside youth ambassadors Sam Whelan and Ella Jurascheck. They were joined by Waterford Walls ambassador Megan Hogan, Circus Explored ambassadors Molly Noone and Sadhbh White, and Robyn Faith Summerbell, who represents RTÉ's This Is Art!.

Following a successful rollout last year, the Cruinniú Late initiative is returning to the programme. Backed by the Department's Late-Night Economy Initiative, this strand focuses on youth-led nighttime events designed specifically for teenagers aged 13 to 18, providing secure and welcoming environments for artistic expression and connection.

Among the scheduled Cruinniú Late highlights are the 'We own the Castle' youth music festival at Swords Castle in Dublin, the 'Rebel Teen Social Hive' located in Cork City, and the 'Youth Stage' at Father Burke Park in Galway, which will host quizzes, spoken word, open mic sessions, live music, and DJ performances from teenagers aged 16 to 18. Announcing Cruinniú na nÓg 2026, Minister O'Donovan said: "Cruinniú na nÓg continues to be a standout moment in Ireland's creative calendar, celebrating young people as creators, performers and creative voices. This year's programme includes over 1,300 free events all over the island of Ireland, alongside the return of Cruinniú Late, which offers dedicated youth-led spaces for teenagers to gather, create and express themselves in a safe environment created by and for young people. From Shared Island collaborations to local community events, Cruinniú na nÓg 2026 is ambitious, inclusive and inspiring, reflecting the importance of investing in young people's ideas, voices and creative potential."

Highlights include:

• Circus Céilí – Six events, as part of Circus Explored and hosted by Irish Street Arts, Circus and Spectacle Network (ISACS) will bring young people and families together to celebrate circus through workshops, performances and new creative collaborations.

• Rock the Block - A high-energy, youth-led celebration of music, dance, and street culture taking place in Shandon in Cork.

• We Own the Castle - A live youth music festival set in the historic surrounds of Swords Castle, giving young performers a chance to take centre stage.

• The Walls Project - During May, workshops in 13 locations will offer young people the opportunity to work with professional mural artists, exploring colour, design, and graffiti techniques to create large-scale public artworks.

• Youth Theatre Ireland Gatherings - 21 youth theatre groups will unite in five regional hubs to collaborate, perform, and celebrate their creativity as part of the Youth Theatre Ireland project.

• RTÉ This is Art! 2026 -Creative Ireland and RTÉ's celebrated national art competition returns with workshops and exhibitions across the country, where young artists collaborate with leading Irish creatives to showcase and celebrate youth creativity.

• Aran Islands – Galway County Council will deliver ten events as Gaeilge across Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr, including circus skills, drama, illustration, mosaic, drumming, spray paint and a silent disco.

RTÉ is supporting Cruinniú na nÓg with a nationwide campaign on television, radio, online and digital. For full details visit cruinniu.gov.ie