Kerry going full-steam for Cruinniú na nÓg

JAM-PACKED LINE-UP AT THE READY AS KERRY NURTURES ITS YOUNG, ARTISTIC TALENT

IT gets underway nationwide on Saturday, June 23, and it looks as though Kerry’s Cruinniú na nÓg billing is no less packed than those of other counties. Aimed at nurturing our youth’s creativity, Kerry’s events run from 11am to 5pm in the county’s three largest towns – Killarney, Listowel, and Tralee – but are not limited to these locations, with Brosna, Cahersiveen, Dingle, Kenmare, Killorglin, Milltown, and Sliabh Luachra all set to host events of their own.

“It is a great opportunity for our young people to get creative and meet new people,” said Creative Ireland Coordinator and Kerry County Council Arts Officer Kate Kennelly.

“Communities and organisations across the county are set to take part and it is also a chance to connect and celebrate our individual creativity”

Among the events taking place will be a ‘Storytime’ at Tralee Library, with Kerry County Museum hosting both a ‘Horrible History Tour’ and ‘Punch and Judy Show’. Choral performances, a ‘Create in the Park’ event, and dance performances will also be held between Siamsa Tíre and Tralee Town Park.

The Seanchaí in Listowel will host a creative writing workshop and will display a giant balloon art sculpture.

Balloon art will also be to the forefront in the form of a workshop at St John’s Theatre, alongside a youth choral performance and workshops in theatre, music and film.

Killarney hosts a similarly broad range of events, with games, film, and writing workshops at Muckross Traditional Farms’ Schoolhouse. Southwest Counselling have arranged a Mandela workshop, while the KDYS hosts another youth choral performance at their base.

Killarney library also hosts an “Adventure in Science” programme, with video art film screenings at Muckross Traditional Farms, with ‘WildArts’ and Explorations between 2pm and 5pm at Killarney House.

“There really is something for everyone and we encourage young people and families alike to get involved and take part in events which have been organised free to the public”, said Kerry County Council Cathaoirleach Councillor John Sheahan.

“We are delighted to see Creative Ireland reaching out to communities through the Cruinniú na nÓg festival and delighted that our communities, our venues and our artists in Kerry will benefit from the national programme,”. he added

For a list of events outside of the larger towns, and times, visit www.creative.ireland.ie/cruinniu, or follow updates on Facebook and Twitter via @KerryCoArts; @creativeirl; and the hashtag, #mycruinniu.