Get Involved in Culture Night 2026

The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Mikey Sheehy, is encouraging people across the town to get out, get involved and experience Culture Night 2026 on Friday, September 18.

The local programme includes exhibitions, workshops, theatre, concerts, film, dance, and street spectacle across Killarney, running from afternoon into late evening.

Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is brought to you by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon, in partnership with local authorities and cultural organisations across Ireland. In Kerry, the Arts Office of Kerry County Council coordinates the programme and provides funding towards participating events.

Cllr Sheehy said: “Culture Night is a great night for the Kingdom because it shows just how much creativity we have in every corner of Kerry. Our artists, musicians, performers, makers and communities bring it to life, and for one evening we get a chance to celebrate all of that together.”

Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer with Kerry County Council, said: “Culture Night is one of those evenings when Kerry feels full of possibility. What gives the Kerry programme its energy is that it comes from the ground up. Local people have the ideas and make the events happen in their own communities. The Arts Office is delighted to support that work through funding, coordination and promotion, and to help bring all of that activity together for one night across the county.”

All events are free, though some require advance booking.

Culture Night 2026: Killarney Event Highlights
Clay Culture Tiles with Me and The Moon
Venue: Muckross Garden Restaurant, Muckross Traditional Farms
Time: 16:00 – 19:00
Details: Kids create their own tile for the ‘Culture Wall’ celebrating diverse identities.

Dancemania with Katrina Galvin
Venue: Killarney Heights Hotel
Time: 16:30 – 20:00
Details: A fun general dance class for children, followed by a student performance showcase.
30 Years of Kerry Travellers Health & Community Development Project
Venue: Anam Arts and Cultural Centre
Time: 18:30 – 21:00
Details: A special celebratory exhibition marking 30 years of community development and health initiatives.

Betty Rohan Art Exhibition
Venue: Dromhall Hotel
Time: 19:00 – 22:00
Details: A showcase dedicated to breathtaking landscapes by Kerry-born artist Betty Rohan. Accessible and neurodivergent/ASD friendly.

Film Screening – TRAD (Kerry International Film Festival)
Venue: Cinema Killarney
Time: 20:00 – 22:00
Details: A free KIFF Film Club presentation celebrating traditional culture on screen

Funding sought for Bohereen na Goun link road

The compulsory land acquisition process for the proposed Bohereen na Goun link road has advanced, but construction remains dependent on securing capital funding.

At Wednesday’s meeting of the Killarney Municipal District, Councillor Niall Kelleher raised the timeframe for the project, asking: “What is the update on Bohereen na Goun? When will this link road be open?”
In a formal response, Kerry County Council confirmed that statutory land acquisition procedures are moving forward alongside initial site preparation.
Local authority officials stated: “The compulsory acquisition/land-access process has formally progressed via Notice to Treat, and Kerry County Council is now co-ordinating with affected property owners while preparing the initial works. Progression to the construction phase of the project is subject to securing an appropriate funding stream. Kerry County Council is actively pursuing all available funding opportunities to enable the project to proceed.”