The hunger for arts and culture was evident at Culture Night right across Kerry as eager culture vultures flocked to live events, theatre, music, exhibitions and tuned in online for a wide variety of events.

Mary O'Carroll and Irene McDonnell who attended John Spillane's concert in Muckross Traditional Farms as part of the return of Ireland's Culture Night 2021. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Stephen and Elaine Moore who attended the concert in Muckross Traditional Farms as part of the return of Ireland's Culture Night 2021. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Singer and songwriter John Spillane who performed at Muckross Traditional Farms as part of the return of Ireland's Culture Night 2021. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Colm Ó Súilleabhain (left) and Danny and Lynn O'Keeffe who attended the concert in Muckross Traditional Farms. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Singer and songwriter John Spillane meeting the staff at Muckross Traditional Farms as part of the return of Ireland's Culture Night 2021. From left: Mike O'Connor Majella Mangan Joan O'Connor and Tom Doyle. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

John and Eileen O'Mahony who attended John Spillane's concert as part of the return of Ireland's Culture Night 2021 on Friday night. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Marie and Joan Cronin pictured at the concert in Muckross Traditional Farms as part of the return of Ireland's Culture Night 2021. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Singer and songwriter John Spillane who performed at Muckross Traditional Farms as part of the return of Ireland's Culture Night 2021 on Friday night pictured with John Brosnan Connie O'Connor and Noreen Brosnan. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Singer and songwriter John Spillane who performed at Muckross Traditional Farms as part of the return of Ireland's Culture Night 2021. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Eamonn and Maura Fitzgerald with Nora Galvin and Anne O'Donoghue pictured at John Spillane's concert as part of Culture Night on Friday night. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Sheila O'Connor and Val Doughty also attended the concert in Muckross Traditional Farms as part of Culture Night 2021. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

On a hugely successful night for all involved, artists, arts organisations and arts centres offered up a diverse selection of free events late into the night, with many events sold out in advance. For many, Culture Night marked the return to good cultural times after a devastating 18 months for the live events industry. The evening was funded by The Arts Council, Kerry County Council, Department of TCAGMS and supported by Creative Ireland Kerry and the Local Live Performance Scheme.

Key events in Tralee, Killarney, Listowel and Dingle saw grateful audiences return to their beloved theatres, museums and arts centres, while the towns and villages of Kenmare, Waterville, Killorglin, Caherdaniel, Castlemaine, Ballybunion, Scartaglin and Tureencahill treated their communities to an eclectic range of events.

Siamsa Tire kicked off events in Tralee with ‘Tunes, Taps and Surprises’, while the wonderful people at St John of God Kerry Services opened their Wah-na-Be! exhibition in the County Museum. Catherine Young Dance created a ‘Homecoming’ film that was launched to a national audience online, while Kerry Film Festival hosted their film event at St John’s Church. People took their pick of events around the town, covering drama, visual art, crafts, literature and film.

Meanwhile in Killarney, the Fanzinis, who sold out weeks in advance, treated families to a hilarious circus performance. With Sharon Langston on board, the waterbus at Ross Castle was full to capacity for two sailings, while John Spillane was another sell out at Muckross Traditional Farms.

St John’s Theatre, Listowel and Kerry Writers’ Museum had several events showcasing the best of theatre, storytelling, poetry, music and literature that Kerry has to offer. In Dingle, a full night of culture from book launches to dancing and exhibitions to slam poetry, culminating in a Super Céilí concluded celebrations.

“We had over 40 events across Kerry, and we want to thank all the artists, event organisers, and audiences for making Culture Night the very special occasion that is was this year,” Kate Kennelly, Kerry County Arts Officer, said.