Longford celebrates Cruinniú na nÓg with free creative events for children and young people

Striking LEGO sculpture of St Mel’s Cathedral forms flagship event

Press Release: Friday, 29 May 2026 

Longford will come alive with creativity on Saturday, 6 June for Cruinniú na nÓg, Ireland’s national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18.

This is a fun- packed programme of events across the county. Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world to host a national day dedicated to free creative activity for children and young people. Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme’s Creative Youth Plan and is delivered locally through Longford County Council.

The main flagship event in Longford takes place at Longford Library, where families can view a striking LEGO® sculpture of St Mel’s Cathedral, created by brick artist Jessica Farrell. The sculpture recreates the cathedral to mini‑figure scale and reflects both the history and heritage of the building. 

Children over eight can take part in a drop‑in LEGO® workshop, with Jessica and Faolán who will guide them through how to build a mini cathedral. Everyone who takes part in the workshop will be entered into a draw for LEGO®‑themed prizes, which will be awarded on the day.

There is something for everyone with a LEGO® Brick Pit for the under eights. These workshops will run from 10.30 am to 1pm.

Alongside the workshops, the library is hosting a competition “Guess how many bricks were used to create the sculpture” which will run for the entire month of June. The winner will receive a LEGO themed prize. 

Across the county, a wide range of free creative activities will take place throughout the day in library branches. These include eco wind chime making in Lanesborough, creative science‑inspired art workshops in Edgeworthstown, LEGO® block printing workshops in Drumlish, children’s poetry and book events in Ballymahon, and LEGO® creativity sessions in Granard.

Young people aged 12–18 can take part in street art workshops, youth theatre performances at Backstage Theatre, and a series of Night-Time Economy Cruinniú Lates events, including DJ workshops, music sessions and visual art workshops in venues across Longford Town.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Garry Murtagh said, “Cruinniú na nÓg is about giving children and young people the space to be creative, curious and confident. The LEGO® sculpture of St Mel’s Cathedral is a wonderful centrepiece for this year’s programme and reflects the pride we have in our local heritage and our young people.”

Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon said, “This programme shows the strength of partnership across libraries, arts organisations and community venues. Cruinniú na nÓg ensures that creativity is open to every child, free of charge, in towns and villages across Longford.”

All events are free, with some workshops requiring advance booking. Full details are available through Longford Libraries and Backstage Theatre booking platforms.