Enjoy inclusive events at Cruinniú na nÓg

10/06/2022

With Cruinniú na nÓg fast approaching, have you discovered what fun, free events are taking place near you? Among the 650+ taking place in person and online are a host of inclusive events and performances, ideal for children and young people with additional needs.

In Dún Laoghaire, Small Wonders, a multi-sensory creative experience for 1-2 year-olds aims to inspire your little one’s curiosity through play, music, puppetry and immersive space, all in the calming surrounds of the dlr LexIcon.

In Kildare, deaf and hearing children have been working together learning how to sign the signs for 100 countries in Irish Sign Language (ISL). On 11th June, pop along to It’s Time to Sign at Athy Library to enjoy deaf games, ISL games, speed signing and colouring fun too.

Come and admire awesome artworks created by seven young artists known as The Art and Movement Group in Mayo. These talented 9-18 year-olds, who are also members of Down Syndrome Mayo, have worked on their print and etching skills over six weeks and will see their final pieces unveiled on June 11th at Ballina Arts Centre. All are welcome!

Love a good yarn? That’s just what you’ll find over in Meath, as author Valerie Sheehan treats children to sensory storytime at Ashbourne Library. An autism-friendly event, Valerie will read the delightful adventures of Tony the Turtle, a little creature who sees and feels the world differently. The nine-book Tony the Turtle series offers helpful tips and strategies to manage everyday activities that many children may find challenging or overwhelming. 

Throughout May, teenage members of Autism Awareness Roscrea participated in fun stop motion animation workshops. Come and see their incredible final creations showcased at Autism Awareness Roscrea Community Hub, Tipperary, on Cruinniú na nÓg! 

Dancing shoes at the ready in Waterford! The brilliant Traces Dance Ensemble, known for challenging perceptions about dance and disability, have developed a talented youth ensemble, Traces Óg. This exciting youth division of ​​Traces continues the group’s stellar efforts at giving young people with a disability access to high-quality arts experiences. Catch Traces Óg’s contemporary dance performance at Garter Lane Theatre on June 11th. 

Want to try out a few moves yourself? Traces are also holding an informal outdoor ‘try it out’ workshop, especially for children and teens with additional needs. Pop along and get in the groove.

Online, Ceol Connected will provide a look behind the scenes at Lullaby Leaf, their immersive and inclusive experience for children with Down Syndrome. This short film will reveal just how they made Lullaby Leaf such a joyful, musical, participatory experience.

Find out what other fun, free events are taking place on June 11th – check out what’s on near you!