Waterford City and County came alive on Saturday, June 6th as Cruinniú na nÓg 2026 inspired children and young people to do, make and create through a vibrant and inclusive programme of free events across the region.
Part of Creative Ireland’s national initiative to celebrate and nurture the creative potential of every child, the day placed young people at its heart, by—empowering them as creators, participants and audiences.
In the lead-up to Cruinniú na nÓg, Waterford Libraries and Creative Waterford hostdhosted a week-long programme of activity for children and families , encouraging curiosity, imagination and creative exploration in libraries throughout the city and county.
On the day itself, in Central Library young writers from The Lit Festival shared original work, giving voice to their ideas and experiences through poetry while artist Roibí O’Rua led a collage making workshop for teens to create vibrant and unique designs from old magazines.
Ardkeen Library welcomed younger children and families to take part in creative activities designed to support early engagement with the arts, including visual art workshops with Ciara Roosli and a joyful movement session with Ready Steady Play.
At Theatre Royal, the Dreamers Mini-Festival exemplified the spirit of Cruinniú na nÓg, with a programme devised, programmed and produced by young people in collaboration with Curious State Theatre Company. You may have even spotted their distinct costumes roaming around the Viking Triangle throughout the day!
The Waterford Cultural Quarter provided a dynamic hub of activity throughout the day. At the Waterford Gallery of Art, young people enjoyed a game of Exquisite Corpses inspired by the work on display by Little Red Kettle, Youth Reach and Waterford Youth Arts in the gallery windows. Waterford Youth Arts imaginative “Living Art” performance, which transformed classic works into contemporary interpretations, was a hit with the crowd joining in by drawing their own interpretations of the creations.
Garter Lane Arts Centre hosted the culmination of their Cruinniú Couture workshops with BLAST was a celebration of sustainability and innovation through a striking fashion showcase of upcycled design. A stunning collective art piece by ChillOUT made for Pride na Deise was also on display. And Little Red Kettle’s Culture Club presented “Moving Mountains,” an exhibition inspired by the music, art and theatre that the group enjoyed throughout May and June.
Across the county, children and young people participated in a wide range of creative experiences in Dungarvan, Tramore and Lismore, ensuring accessibility and opportunity for all to take part.
Cruinniú na nÓg 2026 in Waterford once again brought children and families together to experience the joy of creative expression, reaffirming Creative Ireland and Creative Waterford’s commitment to enabling every child and young person to realise their creative potential.