Mary Immaculate College (MIC) will join communities across Ireland in celebrating the twentieth anniversary of Culture Night on Friday 19 September, by opening its Limerick and Thurles campuses to the public.
Culture Night, brought to you by the Arts Council, is a national celebration delivered nationwide in cities, towns, villages, rural locations, and online. It highlights culture, creativity, and the arts while promoting the belief that this rich and varied heritage is alive, treasured, and nurtured in people’s everyday lives.
MIC staff and students will contribute to a programme of free events across both campuses, showcasing culture, heritage, music, and history. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore historic landmarks, enjoy live performances, and experience the atmosphere of a college that has been at the heart of education and community life for generations.
At MIC Limerick, events include a guided walking tour of the College’s 125 year-history with Dr Paul O’Brien, Assistant Professor in Social & Environmental Education (Pedagogy of History); a guided-walk with Dr Patricia Kieran, Director of the Irish Institute for Catholic Studies at MIC, exploring intercultural and inter-religious dialogue through visits to multi-denominational sacred spaces across Limerick city; followed by an intimate concert in the College’s chapel.
At MIC Thurles, the evening will feature a historical tour of the campus, followed by a musical performance by Ceola and Friends.
Patricia O’Sullivan, Enterprise and Community Engagement Manager at MIC, spoke of the importance of Culture Night to connect the College with the wider community: Mary Immaculate College values the opportunity Culture Night provides to open our campuses to the wider public and to welcome our local communities in Limerick and Thurles to share in this national celebration. It is a wonderful occasion for our students, staff, and neighbours to come together to experience culture, creativity, and heritage in a vibrant and inclusive way. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Culture Night 2025 @ MIC”.
Echoing this, Dr Maeve Liston, Director of Enterprise and Community Engagement at MIC, highlighted the importance of Culture Night as a platform for connection and inclusivity: “Culture Night is a strategically important annual event for Mary Immaculate College, reflecting our strong commitment to culture, the arts, and inclusive, accessible community engagement. Events like Culture Night provide a valuable opportunity for MIC to connect with the wider community, fostering meaningful dialogue and shared cultural experiences. We are proud to participate in this national celebration that champions creativity and a sense of belonging”.
Professor Jennifer Johnston, Vice Dean at MIC Thurles, added: “Culture Night at MIC Thurles is a wonderful way to celebrate the unique heritage and creativity of our campus and community. It allows us to open our doors, welcome people in, and share the history, stories, music, and traditions that make Thurles such a vibrant place to live and learn”.
All events are completely free and open to the public. You can find out more about this year’s Culture Night by clicking here.
On the following evening at the Thomas MacDonagh Museum in Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary which commemorates the life of poet and patriot Thomas MacDonagh and is hosting a four-day programme including an art exhibition, writing workshops, talks, discussions and poetry readings. Professor Eugene O’Brien, Head of the Department of English Language and Literature at MIC and Dr Ailbhe McDaid, Assistant Professor in English Literature and Language at MIC, will host a discussion on how poets respond to different political events, and the symbolic language of poetry to capture the past and current political upheavals.
For more information, check out the Thomas MacDonagh Hedge School 2025 webpage.
Events at MIC Limerick
Over 125 years of History: Guided Tour of MIC
Time: 4pm-5pm
Location: Meet at Main Reception, Foundation Building
More info: Join Dr. Paul O’Brien for a guided historical walk of the MIC campus. Discover the rich history and architectural heritage of Mary Immaculate College since its founding in 1898 and hear fascinating stories about how MIC has contributed to Irish education for over 125 years.
Intercultural Walk
Time: 5.30pm-7.30pm
Location: Meet at Main Reception, Foundation Building
More info: Explore Limerick’s rich cultural and religious landscape on this guided walk with Dr Patricia Kieran. The tour highlights sacred spaces across the city, offering a unique opportunity to reflect on intercultural and inter-religious dialogue in today’s world. The tour will end at St Mary’s Cathedral.
Culture Night Concert
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: MIC Chapel
More info: Join MC Tony Doyle and celebrated Limerick musicians and singers, including Francis Barret, Bryan Meehan, Karen Franklin, and Charlie Reynolds, together with MIC staff and students for an intimate performance in the College’s chapel.
Events at MIC Thurles
Historical Tour of MIC Thurles
Time: 5pm and 6pm
Location: Meet at Main Reception, MIC Thurles
More info: Explore a campus that brings together a mix of architectural styles, from Gothic and Georgian. This guided tour highlights some of its most distinctive features, including the Gothic Chapel and the serene surroundings that have provided a backdrop to centuries of academic excellence.
Musical performance by Ceola and Friends
Time: 7pm-9pm
Location: Everard Memorial Chapel, MIC Thurles
More info: Enjoy a concert by Ceola and Friends, a four-part vocal harmony group that performs a unique mix of traditional, folk, and contemporary songs. Booking is recommended for this performance. Please contact +353 504 20530 from Monday 15 September, to reserve your seat.
