Mary Immaculate College (MIC) will join communities across the country in celebrating Culture Night on Friday 18 September, opening its Limerick and Thurles campuses to the public for an evening of free events celebrating culture, heritage, music, art and history.
Culture Night, funded by the Arts Council, is a national celebration of culture and creativity, with events taking place in communities across Ireland. MIC’s programme will offer visitors the opportunity to explore the College’s rich history and heritage, experience live music and performance, and take part in activities celebrating Ireland’s cultural traditions.
At MIC Limerick, the programme of events begins at 4.30pm with a guided tour of the historic Summerville House led by Dr Paul O’Brien, Assistant Professor in Social & Environmental Education. Visitors can then enjoy a performance by Half Arsed Half Biscuit (Niall Quinn) and guests at 5pm, alongside a bilingual Ogham workshop exploring Ireland’s earliest form of writing.
The evening will conclude with the Culture Night Concert in the MIC Chapel at 7pm, curated by Dr Michael Murphy and Tony Doyle, featuring familiar Limerick musicians and singers alongside MIC staff and students.
At MIC Thurles, visitors can explore the history and heritage of St Patrick’s Campus through guided historical tours led by librarian Ruth Talbot from 5.30-7pm. The evening will continue with performances by MIC Limerick student and award-winning uilleann piper Muireann Meade at 7pm, followed by the Thurles Community Orchestra from 8pm.
Dr Maeve Liston, Director of Enterprise & Community Engagement at MIC, said:
“Culture Night is a wonderful opportunity for MIC to open its doors and welcome people from across our local communities to our campuses. This year’s programme brings together music, art, heritage and history, showcasing the creativity within MIC and the wider communities we are part of. We look forward to welcoming people of all ages to enjoy what MIC has to offer and to share in the spirit of Culture Night.”
Professor Jennifer Johnston, Vice Dean at MIC Thurles, added:
“MIC Thurles has a rich history and a strong connection with the local community, so Culture Night is a great opportunity to share that heritage while celebrating the creativity and talent of our students and the wider Thurles community. From our historical tours and traditional music to the Thurles Community Orchestra, there will be plenty to enjoy, and we look forward to welcoming people to the campus.”
All events are free and open to the public.
Events at MIC Limerick
Guided Tour of Summerville House
Time: 4.30pm
Location: Meet at Main Reception, Foundation Building
More info: Join Dr Paul O'Brien for a talk and walk through the historic Summerville House located on the grounds of the MIC campus.
Half Man Half Biscuit
Time: 5pm
Location: G24, Art Studio
More info: Half Arsed Half Biscuit (Niall Quinn) plus guests perform songs from the great Half Man Half Biscuit songbook.
Ogham Worksop | Ceardlann Oghaim
Time: 5pm
Location: G10
More info: Discover the fascinating tradition of Ogham, Ireland's earliest form of writing, at this bilingual workshop. All levels of Irish welcome.
Buail isteach agus faigh blaiseadh de thraidisiún ársa an Oghaim, an córas scríbhneoirachta is luaithe in Éirinn. Cuirtear fáilte roimh gach leibhéal Gaeilge.
Culture Night Concert
Time: 7pm
Location: MIC Chapel
More info: Curated by Dr Michael Murphy and Tony Doyle, MIC are delighted to host familiar Limerick musicians and singers together with MIC staff and students for a wonderful evening of song and music in the College's chapel.
Events at MIC Thurles
Historical Tours of St Patrick’s Campus, MIC Thurles
Time:5.30-7pm
Location: Meet at Main Reception
More info: Historical tours of the campus led by librarian Ruth Talbot detailing the history and heritage of the College.
Musical performance by uilleann piper Muireann Meade
Time:7-7.30pm
Location: Everard Memorial Chapel
More info: Join us as MIC Limerick student and award-winning uilleann piper Muireann Meade takes to the stage. A native of Templemore, Muireann has won multiple All-Ireland titles, along with both the Uilleann Pipes and Slow Air competitions at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2023.
Musical performance by Thurles Community Orchestra
Time:8-8.45pm
Location: Everard Memorial Chapel
More info: Come along, bring the family, and experience the magic of live music as Sonja Cadogan and the Thurles Community Orchestra join us for an unforgettable performance in St. Patrick's Campus MIC. Booking is recommended. Please contact +353 504 20530 to reserve your seat.
