Athlone Castle, Luan Gallery and Abbey Road Artists’ Studios Host Free Events and Extended Opening Hours for Culture Night 2025
Athlone Castle, Luan Gallery and Abbey Road Artists’ Studios will once again open their doors to welcome all those interested in exploring our arts and heritage sites this Culture Night which takes place on Friday 19th September.
Culture night activities will commence with free entry to Athlone Castle Visitor Centre between 5.30pm and 8:30pm. There will be two guided tours of the Visitor Centre, Historical Garden and Wildflower Meadow beginning at 6pm and 7pm respectively.
Visitors also have the option to explore the Castle’s incredible story from 1210 to modern times as a self-guided experience, with the help of interactive exhibitions and a diverse array of artefacts – and have some fun dressing up in a selection of medieval costumes! Visitors can enjoy playing a selection of popular traditional games in the Courtyard area, as well as enjoy the views of the River Shannon from the Upper and Lower Battlement areas.
Tour places are limited and will be taken on a first-come first-served basis. For any queries, please email [email protected] or call Athlone Castle at 090 6442130.
Culture Night will be an opportunity to meet Westmeath Artist Awards 2024 awardee and resident artist Amanda Ralph in Abbey Road Artists’ Studios who will host an open studio from 6pm to 8pm. Amanda will provide a unique, behind-the-scenes view of her practice and will showcase some of her existing artwork and work in progress. She will also be available to explain what inspires her and her work to visiting members of the public. Studio visits will be facilitated in an open-door manner on a first come first served basis. For further information on the artists and their studio practice contact Luan Gallery on email: [email protected] or call Luan Gallery on 090 6442154.
Athlone Photography Club will host an exhibition of photographic works captured by their members in the first-floor community space in Abbey Road. The exhibition ‘The People of Athlone – Volume 1’ will open at 7pm with speeches and wine reception and all are invited to attend.
The People of Athlone is a powerful photography exhibition celebrating the richness, diversity, and character of the town’s people. The exhibition captures individuals in their everyday surroundings—at work, at home, or in spaces that reflect who they are. From shopkeepers and musicians to tradespeople and lecturers, this project honours the individuals who form the fabric of Athlone.
Luan Gallery will extend its opening hours until 8:30pm on Culture Night, inviting the public to experience its current exhibition, SYSTEM ARMING. This dynamic group exhibition explores digital technologies, artificial intelligence, transhumanism, and contemporary power structures through sculpture, film, and installation.
From 5:00pm to 8:00pm, visitors can drop into Forging the Future: Tools for Resistance & Protection, a hands-on sculpture workshop suitable for all ages (under 18s must be accompanied by a guardian). Inspired by the themes explored in Luan Gallery’s exhibition SYSTEM ARMING, the workshop invites participants to imagine what tools might be needed in a future shaped by powerful technologies — tools to protect freedom, outsmart machines, or reclaim human agency. Using natural materials and recycled e-waste, participants will create symbolic artefacts, from enchanted staffs and striking swords to protective talismans. No previous experience is required.
At 6:00pm, a child-friendly tour of SYSTEM ARMING will introduce younger audiences to the exhibition’s themes in an engaging and accessible way. Later in the evening, at 7:30pm, Luan Gallery curator Aoife Banks will lead a Curator’s Tour of the exhibition, offering deeper insights into the works on display and the questions they raise about technology, power, and resilience.
Luan Gallery looks forward to welcoming visitors of all ages for an evening of creativity, reflection, and community as part of this year’s Culture Night celebrations.
Culture Night is an innovative public event taking place nationwide that invites people to spend their evening exploring the best cultural offerings available to them on their doorstep. With museums, galleries and artists’ studios extending their opening hours all around the country, Culture Night is the perfect opportunity to visit sites that you may ordinarily miss out on due to your work schedule.
Athlone Arts and Tourism looks forward to welcoming the public to this celebration of culture! For further information and bookings please contact Athlone Castle on 090 6442130 or Luan Gallery on 090 6442154.
