10 FREE family friendly events around Ireland to bring the kids to this Culture Night

This Friday, September 22nd, is Culture Night. And the event, which is in its 11th year, keeps getting bigger and better, and has without a doubt by now manifested itself as one of Ireland's top events for both hipsters, culture junkies and families alike. Culture Night sees a range of sees a host of museums, galleries and theatres across the land keeping their doors open after hours (and for free!) to allow culture-philes an opportunity to experience art on a more accessible and intimate level. And what is more; there are tons of things to see and do that the whole family will enjoy. Fancy getting your culture on this Friday? We have rounded up 10 great events across the country to help you do just that:   Dublin 1. Children’s Books Ireland at Hodges Figgis Colouring the City with Children’s Books Ireland at Hodges Figgis Picture book makers Lucy Cousins (A Busy Day for Birds and Maisy Mouse) and Rob Biddulph (Kevin) will be creating art in the beautiful historic window at Hodges Figgis, come on down and tell them what you want to see!Inside, the Children’s Books Ireland Book Doctor will prescribe the perfect books for young readers. Time: 5pm - 9pm Address: 56-58 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 2. Dublinia With four exciting exhibitions, you can visit Viking and Medieval Dublin, see archaeology as a History Hunter and climb the medieval St Michael’s Tower. See Dublin from a new perspective and come away knowing more about its citizens throughout the ages! Time: 5.30pm - 8pm Address: St. Michael’s Hill, Christchurch, Dublin 8 3. GAA Museum Take a guided tour of Croke Park and immerse yourself in Ireland's sporting and cultural heritage. Visit the GAA Museum and test your hurling, camogie and football skills in the interactive games zone. Free guided tours of the stadium will depart every fifteen minutes from 5pm to 9pm and there will be further surprises on the night. Time: 5pm - 10.30pm Address: Croke Park, Dublin 3 4. National Museum of Ireland – Natural History Celebrate World Rhino Day this Culture Night at the Museum. Meet zookeepers, Brendan Walsh and Ken Mackey from Dublin Zoo and our very own Museum Conservator, Nieves Fernandez, to discover how she created the perfect replica horn for our black rhino.  No booking required. Partially wheelchair accessible. Time: 5.30pm - 8pm Address: Merrion Street, Dublin 2 5. Airfield Estate Enjoy a range of tours and talks about the estate. Delve into the history of the Overend family and discover their remarkable lives. Sample some farm-fresh produce and discover the charm of Airfield! Time: 5.30pm - 9.30pm Address: Overend Way, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Cork 6. The Quay Co-Op Bookshop Join author Kevin Doyle as he reads from this beautiful children’s book that expores the ecological and community aspect of the Old Head of Kinsale and it’s salvation by young girl Connie and some plucky Cork worms! Kevin Doyle is a Cork writer, winner of the Michael McLaverty Short Story Award, and will read from his book at the new bookshop in the Quay Co-Op. Illustrator and community arts educator, Spark Deeley, is the artist behind the beautiful illustrations in ‘The Worms that Saved the World’. The illustrations will be on exhibition throughout the Quay CoOp. Time: 6pm - 9pm Address: 24 Sullivan Quay, Cork 7. CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory Join a host of experts to look back on 13 years of discovery from data returned from Saturn, the jeweled planet. Experience stunning displays of the gassy giant and her many moons. Meet people who worked on NASA’s Cassini and ESA’s Huygens on video links to Blackrock Castle Observatory. If we are lucky with the weather too we may even get a chance to see Saturn through telescopes! Time: 6pm - 11pm Address: Castle Road, Blackrock,Cork Galway 8. Harry Potter Night of Wizardry, Magic and Trivia at the Galway City Library A free event for all ages 0 to 100, the night includes Magic Potions shows by the Junior Einsteins (booking essential), fancy dress judged by NUIG Harry Potter Society and Potter Trivia. Be prepared for…..Wingardium Leviosa, Petrificus Totalus, Alohomora and Locomotor Mortis A family fun evening for all! Time: 6pm - 8.15pm Address: Galway City Library, St Augustine St, Galway Kerry 9. Art for Everyone Meet the artists from Tralee Art Group as they make new work. Create your own work of art. A show will be brought together in one large piece at the end of the evening Time: 7pm - 9pm Address: Baile Mhuire Day Care Centre, Balloonagh, Tralee Belfast 10. Circus on the Street An evening of circus, samba and fun for all ages presented by Streetwise Community Circus. Time: 6pm - 10pm Address: The Big Fish, 9 Donegall Square North Belfast