Discover The Ark at a Broadband Connection Point near you this summer!

Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are an initiative of the National Broadband Plan (NBP). BCPs are located in rural and remote areas, including several offshore islands. They are publicly accessible locations that provide high-speed broadband in local communities free of charge to the public ahead of the national fibre roll-out under the National Broadband Plan.

BCPs are typically installed at community centres and sports clubs. The programme includes 300 sites in all 26 counties including 11 on off-shore islands and 13 in Gaeltacht areas. The locations can be found on the Connected Communities and Broadband Connection Points- NBI websites. DRCDG is funding a number of thematic programmes under Arts & Culture and Digital Skills and Education in BCPs to demonstrate the benefits and opportunities that connectivity offers to rural communities.

The Ark has created a bespoke programme for BCPS since an initial pilot project undertaken in 2021. Beginning in summer 2025, Broadband Connection Points can sign up for three different online workshops - Mystic Forest with Laura Whelan, Find The Magic Where You Live with Dave Rudden, and Wild Songs with Riona Sally Hartman, or stream up to three different productions – The Haircut by Wayne Jordan and Tom Lane, The Making of Mollie by Anna Carey, The Race by Marc Brew.

• Details of all events can be found on the streaming and workshop pages.

• For members of the public interested in booking, please get in touch with your local BCP centre (list here). If your nearest centre has not yet confirmed a workshop date, you can check with your centre about signing up with The Ark.
• For centres interested in booking a workshop, please connect with your Broadband Officer for more details.

Wild Songs: a bi-lingual musical adventure with Ríona Sally Hartman

For children aged 3-7 and their grown-ups
Duration: 75 minutes

Artist Ríona Sally Hartman will sing songs in Irish AND English about the various natural habitats we find in Ireland - like the sea, woodlands and the bog - and the flaura and fauna that live there. While this is being delivered bi-lingually, no Irish necessary to enjoy these songs!

Find The Magic Where You Live: a fantasy, storytelling session with Dave Rudden

For children aged 8–12
Duration: 75 minutes

Join award-winning author Dave Rudden in a new workshop all about turning your local area into a fantasy landscape, just as Tolkien did with Glastonbury Tor and Lewis did with the lamppost outside Campbell College.

Mystic Forest: a magical arts workshop with Laura Whelan

For children aged 5+
Duration: 75 minutes

Take a virtual trip to the Mystic Forest, home to some very unusual creatures, with artist Laura Whelan. Using collage and drawing, we will make our very own magical creatures inspired by the story of two little girls who fooled a nation with their magical photos.

NEW FOR 2025: The Haircut | Play | For Ages 8 +

In an Ireland just like ours, well almost, The Haircut is a fresh take on the old Irish fairytale of Labhraidh Loingseach, remixed, retold, and accompanied by a vibrant and exciting live score.The King has a secret. He wears his hair long. Once a year he cuts it, on the same night, in the same place, in the same style - but never by the same barber! The Haircut is a musical tale about secrets, creativity and being who you really are!

The Making of Mollie | Play | For Ages 8 +

In 1912 Dublin, 14-year-old Mollie Carberry’s life is pretty boring. That is, until she discovers that her older sister Phyllis is a secret suffragette! Mollie starts to realise just how unfair the world can be - and she wants to do something about it. When Mollie and her friend Nora get involved in the movement, they must face an important question: just how far should a girl go for her beliefs?

A bold new adaption for children aged 8+ by author Anna Carey of her first historical novel, The Making of Mollie. Commissioned and produced by The Ark in 2024.

The Race | Dance Show | For Ages 4 +

From acclaimed international choreographer, Marc Brew, The Race entwines three of Aesop's Fables to create a fun, interactive and colourful world of animals, puppets, theatre and movement. Cheer with our cast of animals as the Tortoise and the Hare set off for the finish line, join the Grasshopper in gazing with fascination as the Ants collect food for the winter ahead, and root for the little Mouse as she faces down the mighty Lion! Watch as their journeys unfold through beautiful dance and share in the lessons they learn along the way.

Commissioned and produced by The Ark, Dublin Dance Festival and Arts & Disability Ireland in 2023.