Central Library: Creative Hubs Summer Programme 2025 1 Jul - 12 Aug 2025
As part of the Children's Art in Libraries Creative Hubs Summer Programme in Central Library, we have created a series of creative events that will keep all the family entertained!
Creative Hubs is a Dublin City Council Arts Office and Libraries initiative delivered by The Ark.
The following workshops can be booked directly through the library via dublincity.ie
Sunshine in Portmarnock: Sensory Dance Workshop & Performance
Early Years: 2 – 5 years and grown-ups | Tues 1 July @ 10.30am & 12pm
We all love the beach: the sand, the water, the wind, the bubbles …..
Join dancer Monica Munoz and Luke Andrew Feeney for a dance workshop and for ages 2-5 years. We all love the beach: the sand, the water, the wind, the bubbles …Join dancers Monica Munoz and Luke Andrew Feeney for a dance workshop and performance celebrating sensory, tactile and playful elements of the sea. It takes ordinary objects and makes them extraordinary and magical. Bursting with dance, colours and textures to create a multi-sensory wonderland from a day on a beach. We invite you and your grown-ups to join us in this very special invitation to watch, feel and move.
Created & Facilitated by Monica Munoz
Performed & Facilitated by Luke Andrew Feeney
Fur, Feathers, barks and Bites!
For all the family | Mon 7 July @ 10.30am & 12pm
Join Irish musician Shane Mc Grath, aka Mad Dog will perform a selection of interactive stories and original story songs in this fun music concert for children aged 5 to 12 years and their grown-ups. These songs are based on urban myths, Dublin lore and in some cases just a straightforward celebration of delicious food! Shane will perform some songs from his album Fur & Feathers along with some brand new tunes.
Extraordinary Creative Cakes
Ages: 5 – 7 years & grown-ups | Tues 22 July @ 10.30am & 12.30pm
This year The Ark children's cultural centre turns 30! To celebrate artist Debora Adachi is inviting children ages 5-7 and their grown-ups to unleash their imagination in a unique workshop where you'll design and craft your very own 3D birthday cake using paper, cardboard and craft materials.
No baking required - just bring your creativity and dream up the most fantastical cake design you can imagine! From rainbow-coloured tiers to rocket-shaped confections, you'll work together to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Animation Celebration
Ages: 8 to 12 years | Tues 15 July @ 10.30am & 12.30pm
Children aged 8-12 will find inspiration and learn new techniques for developing animated characters in these fun workshops with award-winning animator Eimhin McNamara.
As we celebrate The Ark's 30th birthday, we invite children to be inspired by big and small in their own life! Think about your favourite place, what adventures you have had and create drawings to tell your own story.
Shimmering Lights of Summer
Early Years: 2 – 5 years & grown-ups | Tues 29 July @ 10.30am & 12pm
Summer is a time for blooming, bright lights, shining sun and long days. In this workshop, little ones and their grown-ups are invited to celebrate this season by exploring light, shadow, colour and textiles. This hands-on sensory workshop with visual artist Jane Groves explores the beautiful nature that comes to life during this magical summer season.
Úlla Búlla - bilingual music concert for families
Ages: 2 to 12 years & their family | Tues 12 August @ 10.30am & 12pm
Join us for a lively, bilingual family concert filled with songs, stories, rírá agus ruaille buaille! Singer-songwriter Ríona Sally Hartman will share her original Irish-language songs alongside engaging stories told mostly in English. This informal, interactive performance is perfect for all ages—sing along, learn a fun clapping game in Irish, and soak up the cool craic agus damhsa!
No Irish? No problem! Everyone is welcome to join in the fun at this musical adventure in the library.