Cruinniú na nÓg 2026
On 6th June 2026 Axis hosted a full day of free fabulous creative activities and shows for young audiences as part of Cruinniú na nÓg, Ireland’s national day of free creativity for young people. From puppet monsters coming out of the monster making machine to messy play sessions, to traditional music workshops, the building was filled with exciting events. Keep an eye out for future Cruinniú na nÓg programmes!
DANCE: DUBLIN YOUTH DANCE COMPANY
Step Into Dance:
Performance and Workshop
Ages 6-12, 20 mins
Join Dublin Youth Dance Company for a free performance and dance workshop! Six young DYDC dancers will perform an energetic and engaging dance piece designed for children and young people aged 6-12.
The performance will run alongside a fun and informal dance workshop. Through rhythm, movement games and dance, participants can explore creativity, build confidence, and challenge their minds and bodies in an enjoyable and supportive environment.
Participants are welcome to attend both the performance and the workshop (either at 3pm or 3.30pm), or to come to one or the other. Both performance and workshop are free to attend, and must be booked separately.
Performance choreographed by Amanda Braide; workshop led by Florentine Ryan. Supported by Dublin City Council as part of Cruinniú na nÓg.
MUSIC: IRISH BAROQUE ORCHESTRA
Cushions Concert
Ages 0-4, 45 mins
Join Catherine and a mystery musician from the IBO, Ireland's time-travelling orchestra, as the ever-popular Cushion Concerts arrive at Axis!
In this Cushion Concert we'll discover our magic hands, and use them to conjure sounds! There will be plenty of singing, clapping, dancing, and maybe even some conducting...
Bring along a cushion, and don't forget to bring your ears!
THEATRE / WORKSHOP: SKETCH CARAVAN
The Monster Making Machine
Ages 3-7, 1 hour
(Show 30 minutes; workshop 30 minutes)
This playful multi-media performance invites the audience to watch and wonder as 2D cardboard shapes become characters inside The Monster Making Machine. During the story individual shapes go into the machine, they are mixed up, arranged and rearranged until a fully formed monster puppet drops through a trapdoor. As each character takes to the stage it reveals a special talent, perfect for a mini monster circus. But there is trouble ahead, the star of the show gets stuck in the machine and needs help getting out. The story is told through mime, movement to music, puppetry, animation and poetry. A short workshop follows the performance, giving children an opportunity to play with materials and concepts seen in the show.
ART WORKSHOP: MEGAN SCOTT
Paper Fan Workshop
Ages 5-8 and 9-14, 1 hour
Join artist Megan Scott and create something fun you can show off all summer. In this art workshop we will be making colourful, personalised paper fans so you can stay extra cool as the days get hotter. Learn different paper craft techniques and how to create various styles and designs, we will cover a range of designs from simple and fun to more complex paper craft for older kids and kids at heart!
MUSIC: AIMEE FARRELL COURTNEY, CLAIRE SHERRY & PATRICK STEFAN GROENLAND
Come and Learn the Bodhrán
Ages 6-12, 1 hour
Join World Champion Aimée Farrell Courtney for a lively bodhrán workshop! This hands-on session introduces young people to Ireland’s traditional frame drum, exploring basic rhythms, techniques, and the rich cultural heritage behind the instrument. Guided by Aimée’s expert instruction and accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Claire Sherry and guitarist Patrick Stefan Groenland, participants will have the chance to try the bodhrán for themselves, build confidence in making music, and enjoy the energy of group playing. No experience needed—just curiosity and a love of rhythm!
MUSIC: AIMEE FARRELL COURTNEY, CLARE SHERRY & PATRICK STEFAN GROENLAND
Come and Learn Trad Songs
11.15am, Axis Dance Studio
Ages 12-18, 1 hour
In this workshop, young musicians can discover a range of traditional songs, accompanied by three professional musicians. Join multi-instrumentalist Claire Sherry, percussionist Aimee Farrell Courtney and guitarist Patrick Stefan Groenland for an inclusive session of traditional Irish songs. Learn the songs, and hear the stories and traditions behind them. No singing experience necessary, all welcome!
WORKSHOP: TAMAO OKA
The Mess
Ages 3-6, 45 mins
THE MESS is a playful, hands-on creative workshop for children that blends music, storytelling, movement, and large-scale drawing. Participants are gently guided through songs and a short story to spark imagination and playful engagement. The experience then opens into a shared, floor-based art space, where children are invited to explore colour, shape, sound, and rhythm using their whole bodies. This is a sensory, process-led session where creativity is encouraged to be free, physical, and joyfully messy. Please wear clothes that can get dirty—mess is an essential part of the experience!
Note: limited tickets available. Children should be accompanied by an adult, but please only book one ticket per child - adults don't need tickets!
Cruinniú na nÓg 2026 Schools Programme
SongTales sa Spéir: Ceol Connected
Ages 3-7 years, 45 minutes
Bring the magic of music to your school with SongTales sa Spéir, a live music experience for children brought to you by Ceol Connected, one of Ireland’s leading live music and performing arts companies for children. Get ready for a high energy performance filled with original music, singalong songs, and interactive fun! Featuring some of Ireland’s finest musicians, SongTales sa Spéir is designed to captivate children and families alike. From foot-tapping tunes to enchanting tales, this is a performance that leaves everyone smiling, singing and dancing along.
Alongside our programme for the public, the Axis 2026 Cruinniú na nÓg Programme included a programme in local schools. Children enjoyed visits from artists with fabulous theatre and music shows. If you’d like to know more about our school programme or to hear how we can facilitate performances in your school, get in touch with liza.cox [at] axisballymun.ie.
Teddy Play: Rose Producing
Ages 7-10 years, 90 minutes
Benji has lost the key to his imagination. Where could it be? Autistic children and their grown ups are invited to enter and journey through a sensory world of teddies, marshmallows and marbles.
This multisensory experience was created with and for children ages 7-10 across the autistic spectrum. Each child is welcome to play with us as much or as little as they wish, in whatever way works for them.
