Cruinniú na nÓg dlr 2026: Creativity in the Park

Get ready for a fun filled family adventure at the musical instruments in Shanganagh Park for Cruinniú na nÓg 2026! Families of all ages are invited to join us as we bring movement, music, and nature inspired creativity to the park.
 

Children have told us they wanted to take part in their local neighbourhood and parks – we have responded by programming an exciting morning. Come along and enjoy art and nature workshops, drumming and music sessions, dance workshops, and live performances by talented young local musicians. You can also catch pop up interactive performances from Irish National Opera and try out the musical instruments already in the park.

Our line up so far includes:

All That is Hidden and All That is Seen – A Sensory Woodland Experience

Time: drop in any time between 11.00am – 1.00pm

Step into the Shanganagh Park woodland and discover nature in new and surprising ways. This immersive, family-friendly experience invites children and adults to explore the forest through their senses—feeling textures, listening closely, and seeing the world from the perspective of woodland creatures.

Follow a short guided “Badger Walk,” explore tiny ecosystems in the “Bug Eye Circle,” and create your own clay creatures in the “Bird’s Eye Circle.” Along the way, you’ll be encouraged to slow down, look closer, and connect with both what is hidden and what is seen in the natural world.

A creative, hands-on experience designed to spark curiosity, imagination, and a sense of wonder.

Parc Perc

Times: tbc closer to the day

We all know how to play in the park, but have you ever played the park? Join Masamba Samba School at the Shanganagh Park, where we will bring the park to life with percussive sounds. 

Open to all abilities, this hands‑on drumming experience introduces the vibrant rhythms of Afro‑Brazilian samba, with no previous experience required. Participants will explore a range of authentic percussion instruments, work together to create a complete samba piece, and immerse themselves in the infectious spirit of Rio’s famous carnival. All instruments provided. 

Print with Nature

Time: drop in any time between 11.00am – 1.00pm

Join artist Mika Moret in this drop in workshop, where we invite children and families to explore the magic of nature-inspired print making using leaves, sticks and other natural found materials. The little artists will dip, press and print the natural elements to create colourful patterns and textures, making imaginative artworks. We encourage creativity, curiosity and sensory play in a relaxed and supportive environment among the trees!

Family Hip‑Hop Jam with Jay Asolo

Times: tbc closer to the day

Join Jay Asolo for a fun hip-hop workshop for all the family to enjoy. Jay will teach some simple but effective steps and will bring high energy and good vibes. Families of all ages are invited to dance together and celebrate one another. No previous experience necessary!

Jay is a successful choreographer, dancer and teacher and Co-founder of World of Dance Ireland. With over 22 years of teaching experience, Jay has developed dance crews to compete at international standards. Jay is a well-established choreographer. He provided private lessons to Ronan Keating and Mikey Graham from Boyzone for their tour preparation.

Irish National Opera Comes to the Park

Time: tbc closer to the day

Join acclaimed mezzo-soprano Sharon Carty for a fun and interactive opera workshop, presented by Irish National Opera. Sharon will share insights into life as a professional opera singer, offering a glimpse of what it’s really like to perform on stage and bring music to life. Audience members will discover how to find their opera voice and learn to express character through singing. The session will culminate in learning an aria, giving everyone the chance to experience the magic of opera firsthand.

Ceoltóirí Óga DLR 

Time: tbc closer to the day

Join us for a lively celebration of traditional Irish music performed by talented young local children, led by harpist Clodagh Dalton and fiddle player Fiona Gaffney! On the day, you’ll hear a wonderful selection of traditional instruments and enjoy the energy of live music. Children will be encouraged to tap to the beat, find the rhythm, and even dance or sing along to the tunes! It’s a fun, interactive experience full of music, movement, and Irish culture for everyone to enjoy!

Sensing Sculpture: Imagine, Create and Inspire

Time: drop in any time between 11.00am – 1.00pm

Children are invited to use the sounds, shapes and textures of Shanganagh Park to dream up amazing sculptures with artist Róisín White. Your designs will inspire artists to create a series of magical sculptures in the park!

No need to book—just drop in! A full schedule of activities and performances will be shared closer to the day.

Comhaltas Craobh Naithí

Time: 12:45pm

To finish off our day we will be enjoying live traditional Irish music performed by Comhaltas Craobh Naithí! 

Age: all ages
Time: 11.00am – 1.00pm
Location: Shanganagh Park Dublin Road Entrance, Shanganagh Cemetery, Shankill, Dublin