Cruinniú na nÓg, Ireland’s national day of free creativity for children and young people, returns on Saturday, 6 June 2026, with over 40 free events taking place across Donegal. Local Ambassador, Youth Cllr JJ, is encouraging young people across the county to check out the exciting events happening in their areas.
JJ, who has a keen interest in all things creative, spoke about his love for his hobbies: “Dungeons and Dragons, drawing, and Lego. During the beginning of lockdown, I started making Lego stop-motions, which I now post to YouTube. I love being creative and find it’s a great way to escape reality. When I am creating something, I feel calm, peaceful, and energetic. I even made a comic series before lockdown with my own characters and villains, all designed by me. I also founded my own Dungeons and Dragons group, and I loved creating the characters' stories, names, and the world they live in.”
As this year's Ambassador for Donegal, JJ is encouraging young people to get involved. Venues and organisations right across the county are taking part—from Bundoran to Carndonagh, and Toraigh to Gleann Cholm Cille, Letterkenny, Donegal Town, and beyond. Family Resource Centres, libraries, arts centres, and community halls will all host fun, creative activities, completely free of charge.
To check out the full line-up of what’s on near you, visit cruinniu.gov.ie.
Cruinniú na nÓg is an initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme. It is organised locally by Donegal County Council’s Culture & Creativity Team, in partnership with young people from the Donegal Youth Council, local Family Resource Centres, Múintearas, Spraoi agus Spórt, the Night Time Economy Advisor, and Bundoran Community Centre.
A full lineup of events in Donegal is available at
https://www.donegalculture.ie/en/explore/festivals-programmes/cruinniu-na-nog/
The Family Fun day at Donegal Castle is just one of the many events happening as part of Cruinniú na nÓg 2026.
