Culture Night/Oíche Chultúir is an annual all-island public event and a great opportunity for people to enjoy a range of specially programmed cultural activities at hundreds of participating locations, including museums, theatres, galleries, arts centres and more.
This year, Culture Night/Oíche Chultúir takes place on Friday, 18 September 2026.
The National Museum of Ireland is a long time supporter and participant of Culture Night and the Museum invites members of the public to visit, explore, engage with and enjoy our National Collections at three Museum sites in Dublin and Mayo. Find out more below.
Culture Night is supported by the Arts Council and local authorities across the island of Ireland and all activities are made available to the public free of charge.
16:00 - 20:00 | Friday 18 September | Free Admission | All Ages
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Celebrate Culture Night at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, on Friday 18 September from 16:00 to 20:00 with a free evening of discovery, conversation and hands-on experiences for adults and families. Explore fascinating tours, interactive handling sessions, self-guided museum trails and the special Echoes in the Courtyard exhibition, showcasing the rich social history of Ellis Court. From LGBTQIA+ histories and hidden stories within the Museum's collections to engaging activities exploring people, protest and progress in Ireland, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Drop in, explore at your own pace, and experience culture, history and community come alive in one of Dublin's most historic settings. Culture Night at Collins Barrack
18:00 - 21:00 | Friday 18 September | Free Admission | All Ages
National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Experience Oíche Chultúir/Culture Night 2026 at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, on Friday 18 September with a special late opening from 18:00 to 21:00. Enjoy free admission and take the opportunity to explore the Museum’s fascinating galleries after hours, including a final chance to experience the popular temporary exhibition The Murmur of Bees. Discover stories from Ireland’s National Folklife Collection through engaging displays on traditional crafts, community life, clothing and textiles, farming, fishing and life in the home. Join us for an evening of culture, heritage and discovery as part of this nationwide celebration of Ireland’s rich cultural landscape. Culture Night at Turlough Park
17:00 & 18:30 | Friday 18 September | Free Admission | All Ages
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Step back through Ireland’s past this Culture Night at the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, on Friday 18 September with free guided tours and access to the Museum’s renowned archaeology exhibitions. Discover the arrival and lasting impact of the Vikings on Ireland and Dublin with a special Viking Ireland tour, or explore some of the Museum’s most treasured artefacts on a Highlights of the National Museum of Ireland’s Archaeology Collection tour. From prehistoric beginnings to medieval treasures, visitors can uncover the stories behind some of Ireland’s most iconic objects during this engaging evening of history and discovery. Culture Night at Kildare Street