Cruinniú na nÓg 2026
Join us in Axis on 6th June 2026 for a full day of free fabulous creative activities and shows for children and young people. Come and see what puppet monsters come out of the monster making machine, take part in a messy play session, learn how to play trad songs, or how to create a paper fan. All activities are free of charge - tickets are first-come first-served, and must be booked in advance.
MUSIC: IRISH BAROQUE ORCHESTRA
THEATRE / WORKSHOP: SKETCH CARAVAN
The Monster Making Machine
2pm, Axis Theatre
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.
Cushions Concert
10am and 11am, Axis Theatre
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!
The Mess
10am and 11am, Axis Conference Room 3
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!
Come and Learn the Bodhrán
10am, Axis Dance Studio
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!
WORKSHOP: TAMAO OKA
MUSIC: AIMEE FARRELL COURTNEY, CLAIRE SHERRY & PATRICK STEFAN GROENLAND
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: MEGAN SCOTT
Paper Fan Workshop
10am: Ages 5-8
12pm: ages 9-14
Axis Art Room, 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!
