Minister Hildegarde Naughton has unveiled plans for the second annual Oíche na hÓige (Youth Night), taking place on Friday, 13 November 2026, to celebrate young people and highlight the impact of youth work across Ireland.

The Minister for Education and Youth announced the nationwide initiative following the success of the inaugural 2025 event, which brought communities together to recognise the contribution of youth clubs and services, along with the youth workers and volunteers who support hundreds of thousands of young people each year.

Clubs and services are invited to stage their own showcase—opening their doors to the public or designing creative alternatives—to demonstrate their activities, achievements and impact on the wider community.

To support planning and delivery, the Department of Education and Youth will provide funding through Education and Training Boards (ETBs) for events organised as part of Oíche na hÓige. Further details on funding and participation will be available shortly from local ETB Youth Officers. Groups funded via the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme or the UBU Your Place Your Space programme are specifically invited to take part.

Announcing the plans, Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, said: "I am delighted to announce Oíche na hÓige 2026, a flagship celebration of youth work and the remarkable contribution made by young people, youth clubs, youth workers and volunteers across Ireland. "Oíche na hÓige provides a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the transformative role of youth work in enriching young people's lives, building confidence and strengthening communities across the country.

"More than 450 groups took part in last year's inaugural event, demonstrating the incredible breadth and diversity of youth work taking place in communities throughout Ireland. I encourage even more clubs and services to get involved in 2026, showcase their achievements, share their stories and highlight the lasting impact youth work has on young people and their communities."

The 2026 programme aims to increase public awareness and recognition of youth work; build local understanding of youth services and clubs; demonstrate the value youth work brings to young people and the wider community; and create opportunities for deeper integration of youth projects and clubs within their communities.

Organisers intend that as many events as possible will take place on the same date, with flexibility for nearby evenings to maximise participation. All activities should promote community awareness and strengthen links between clubs and their local areas. Where opening premises is not feasible, participants are encouraged to design alternative ways to showcase their work and impact.

Oíche na hÓige 2026 will coincide with Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and groups will be encouraged to consider incorporating a Presidency or European theme into their events.

The initiative is led by the Department of Education and Youth in partnership with education and training boards, the National Youth Council of Ireland and the wider youth work sector.