On a recent episode of Disability Matters, host Patrick O’Donnell welcomed Claire McGowan, Campaign Manager for We Act, to talk about Culture Night 2025 and how the initiative is helping to showcase Ireland’s charities, community groups, and cultural life.
What Is Culture Night?
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Culture Night, a nationwide celebration where theatres, museums, libraries, galleries, and cultural spaces open their doors late into the evening. Events take place in every city, town, and village, offering everything from history tours and music sessions to storytelling, circus acts, and late-night theatre.
Claire emphasised the accessibility of the programme:
“There really is something for everyone—children, families, young people, and older audiences. Whether it’s art, history, or live performance, Culture Night brings culture into the heart of our communities.”
We Act: Celebrating the Voluntary Sector
As Claire explained, We Act is a national campaign that celebrates Ireland’s charities and community groups, reminding the public that every one of us benefits from their work. The partnership between We Act and Culture Night—now in its fourth year—helps organisations open their doors and invite people in to see their impact first-hand.
“Only 15% of people feel they benefit from charities and community groups,” Claire noted. “But the reality is much closer to 100%. From disability supports to children’s services, to the things that bring joy and vibrancy to our lives—every community relies on them.”
Highlights in Dublin and Beyond
This year’s programme includes events for all ages and interests. Among the Dublin highlights:
- Children’s Books Ireland hosting a playful Book Doctor clinic at Dubray Books on Grafton Street.
- Bumbleance, the children’s ambulance service, offering tours of their ambulance at St Patrick’s Cathedral—a perennial favourite for families.
- Dublin Rape Crisis Centre presenting The Consent Chronicles, a powerful storytelling event based on real experiences.
- ATD (All Together in Dignity) partnering with inner-city artists to share poetry, art, and stories at Trinity College.
- We Act’s own storytelling night, featuring staff and volunteers from across the community sector sharing how they build belonging through their work.
Disability inclusion is central too. Vision Ireland will speak about community-building among those they support, and the Disability Federation of Ireland, a key We Act partner, helps ensure accessibility is at the heart of the programme.
Accessible, Inclusive, and Free
Culture Night is free of charge, making it an opportunity to explore, experiment, and enjoy culture without barriers. Many events are walk-in, while others are ticketed—details are available on culturenight.ie.
Accessibility information is now clearly highlighted across the programme, with both in-person and online events ensuring participation for as many people as possible. RTÉ will also provide national coverage.
Good News Matters
We Act is also working to change how the voluntary sector is portrayed. Research shows that people often feel charities are underrepresented in the media, or that their stories are overshadowed by negativity. In response, We Act launched the Good News Gazette, a monthly newsletter celebrating positive community stories nationwide.
“There’s so much good happening across Ireland,” Claire said. “We want to push those stories forward, because they deserve to be heard.”
Final Thoughts
For Claire, Culture Night is more than a festival—it’s a bridge between communities and the organisations that serve them:
“Whether it’s disability services, children’s projects, or grassroots activism, Culture Night reminds us that culture belongs to everyone. And when communities open their doors, they open possibilities for connection, empathy, and change.”
Culture Night takes place on Friday, September 19th, 2025, with events across Ireland. To see the full programme, visit culturenight.ie or weact.ie.
Disability Matters airs every Thursday at 4PM on Phoenix 92.5FM, with repeats on Monday at 3PM and Tuesday at 7AM & 3PM. Podcast available after each show on Mixcloud and on bcil.ie/radio.
Compiled by Valentyna Hordiichuk