Culture Night to attract 300,000

More than 300,000 people are expected to avail of a range of free cultural events this evening.

Culture Night is in its seventh year and a record 34 towns, cities, counties and islands will be taking part in the festivities.

Every year, museums, galleries, theatres, churches and many more cultural institutions open their doors to the public until late.

Arts Officer with Cork City Council Liz Meaney says it's a great introduction to culture for children in particular: "One of the great things about Culture Night throughout the country is that this is one of kids' first introductions to culture.

"It shows how much culture is free. It's free tonight but it's also free throughout the year for the most part. In Cork you can go to the Glucksman gallery, where children can learn to draw. They can draw on the walls or on the floor or even on people if they want."