Get ready for a day of imagination, creativity, and fun at the National Museum of Ireland on Saturday, 6 June, as part of Cruinniú na nÓg 2026 — Ireland’s national day of free creativity for children and young people!
Families are invited to explore a vibrant programme of drop-in handling sessions, book readings and interactive art sessions designed to spark young imaginations and bring stories to life across our Museum sites in Dublin and Mayo.
Cruinniú na nÓg | Saturday, 6 June 2026
See our list of highlight events below. Admission is free.
11:15 to 13:00, break & 14:00 to 15.30 | Saturday 30 May 2026 | 6-8 yrs with Parent/Guardian | Booking required
National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Celebrate creativity this Cruinniú na nÓg at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park with All Kinds of Bears!, a fun, hands-on art workshop for young children. Led by artists Deirdre Walsh and Cas McCarthy, children aged 6–8 will draw and paint their own teddy bear masterpieces, inspired by the Alaskan brown bear in The Murmur of Bees exhibition. This free, day-long session provides all materials, and participating children will have their artworks showcased in a special pop-up exhibition as part of the national celebration of young people’s creativity.
11:00 to 12:30, & 13.30 to 15:00 | Saturday, 6 June 2026 | 8-12 yrs | Booking required
National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Get creative in this hands-on workshop inspired by nature. In Dragonflies and Bumblebees, artist Cas McCarthy leads engaging 90-minute sessions where primary school-aged children can craft their own colourful creatures using paint, cardboard and glue, drawing inspiration from the Crónán na mBeach (The Murmur of Bees) exhibition. This free event invites young people to explore art and creativity in a fun, imaginative setting, with all materials provided.
11:00 - 13:00 | Saturday 6 June 2026 | Families, Ages 7+ | No booking required
Dead Zoo Lab, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Explore fascinating bird specimens, get hands-on with real and replica feathers, eggs and nests, and chat with Museum Educators while taking part in short creative activities inspired by the natural world. This free event is perfect for curious minds of all ages, with no booking required (though short waits may apply).
Throughout Saturday, 6 June 2026 | Families | No booking required
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg with a range of free guided tours exploring Ireland’s rich past. Taking place at Kildare Street, these family-friendly tours (suitable for ages 8+) include highlights of the Museum’s iconic treasures such as the Ardagh Chalice and 'Tara Brooch', as well as themed tours on Vikings and Ireland’s Saints and Scholars. With no booking required, visitors can join on a first-come, first-served basis and enjoy an engaging introduction to history through expert-led tours.