Celebrating The Irish On Culture Night

Last week Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism encouraged people to participate in Culture Night, which took place tomorrow on Friday in 11 participating towns and cities throughout Ireland.

On Culture Night, artistic and cultural organizations in participating locations extended opening hours until late to provide the public with increased access to collections and free events.

The event wass supported by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and organised by Temple Bar Cultural Trust.

The Minister said: "Culture Night gives us a wonderful opportunity to embrace our unique creativity and celebrate the talents and achievements of the Irish imagination."

"Last year, in addition to Dublin, Culture Night was extended to include the four cities of Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford," he continued. "This year, the towns of Letterkenny, Roscommon, Sligo, Wexford, Mayo and Tralee are participating, building on the success of the event and supporting cultural tourism.

"I would encourage people to celebrate Ireland's artistic and cultural heritage by participating in Culture Night this Friday, as they have done in previous years. I hope this imaginative way for people to enjoy our culture in all its diversity, can further expand in the years ahead."

Minister Cullen added: "Culture Night is an ideal opportunity for participating towns and cities to highlight the best of their artistic and cultural heritage and facilities.

"Events like Culture Night also have an important role to play in opening up arts and entertainment to new audiences.

"The extended opening hours provide a unique opportunity for people to discover and enjoy the wealth of our culture.

"The exciting programme of free exhibitions and performances planned by the participating 11 towns and cities will further increase the appeal of the event amongst locals and visitors alike."

Dublin City held its first Culture Night in 2006. Over 100,000 people participated in the event in Dublin in 2008.

This year in Dublin alone, 124 venues opened until late including the Science Gallery at Trinity College, Dublin City Hall, the Ark Cultural Centre, FilmBase Centre for Film and Video and Dublin Castle State Apartments.

Temple Bar Cultural Trust anticipated that at least half a million people participated in events across the country on Friday night.