Tots to Teens: Cruinniú na nÓg helps young people find their spark

Plus: the 218-year-old showcase of Cork’s rural culture, Cork Summer Show, next weekend.

Tue, 11 Jun, 2024 - 02:00

Sharon Ní Chonchúir

Cork City will host the 218-year-old showcase of Cork’s rural culture next weekend.

On June 15 and 16, the Cork Summer Show will take place at the showgrounds in Curraheen, and all are invited to enjoy its family-friendly exhibits, entertainment, and activities.

The showgrounds will be divided into 20 different zones. In the farming zone, you can get up close to cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry.

There will be live on-stage cookery demonstrations in the food zone, including interactive workshops on healthy eating for kids and a food village serving the finest local food.

Kids’ entertainment will range from Lego building projects and art and cookery competitions to puppet shows, a funfair and face painting.

There will also be live music, science exhibitions, tractor and machinery displays, a pet dog show, hot air balloon demonstrations and more.

Visit www.corksummershow.com to view the full programme of events or to purchase tickets: €25 for adults, €20 for students and seniors, €10 for those aged between 16 and 18. Under-16s go free.

Ice-cream Fundays

TV chef, Instagram star, and mother of three Gina Daly is calling on people to host Ice Cream Fundays. The ice cream parties raise funds for Down Syndrome Ireland.

This issue is personal for Gina as her two-year-old son Gene has Down syndrome.

You can host a party on any date between June 17 and 23 and invite family and friends to have fun, eat ice cream, and donate to the charity.

Get involved by registering at www.downsyndrome.ie where you’ll find posters, bunting, invitations and everything you need to get the party started.

Free activities

Cruinniú na nÓg takes place on June 15, offering a programme of more than 1,000 free activities for youngsters.

This collaboration between the Creative Ireland Programme, 31 local authorities nationwide, and RTÉ has a diverse line-up.

There are animation workshops in Cork, breakdancing lessons in Co Clare, a battle of the bands in Co Tipperary and chocolate chip cookie-baking classes in Co Waterford.

The Irish Street Arts, Circus and Spectacle Network will host events for young people who want to try their hand at circus skills.

Musical youngsters are invited to assemble for a massive day of rap at the GMC Beats Headquarters in Cork City.

For the first time, Cruinniú na nÓg will also offer a series of late-night events.

These will include a play performed in the crypt of Waterford Museum, a Rocky Horror Picture Show screening and dance-off in Limerick and silent discos in Dublin and Co Offaly.

To find out what’s happening near you for this year’s Cruinniú na nÓg, visit www.cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie.

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