Fintan O’Toole to speak in Turlough for Culture Night 

ONE of Ireland’s leading political and cultural commentators, Fintan O’Toole, is to speak at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, for a special evening event to celebrate Culture Night on Friday, September 22.

Culture Night, now in its 13th year, is an annual celebration of arts, heritage and culture when venues and public spaces across the island open their doors to host a free programme or event. Last year, more than 400,000 people attended Culture Night events across Ireland.

The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life will celebrate Culture Night from 7 to 9 p.m. in the museum galleries with Mr. O’Toole delivering a talk on the theme of Irish culture and identity. 

Mr. O’Toole writes a weekly political and social affairs column for The Irish Times and has authored more than a dozen books. He has featured in many international newspapers and magazines, including The New Yorker, The Guardian, the New York Times and the Washington Post.

Other activities for Culture Night at the museum include music in the galleries, refreshments, a film screening by the Museum Writer’s Group and taster tours of Ireland’s National Folklife Collection.

Tony Candon, Manager/Keeper of the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, said the museum is delighted to be taking part once again in Culture Night.

“Culture Night is a vibrant and exciting all island event which sees hundreds of venues across Ireland open their doors for an evening to celebrate and share our unique culture and heritage. 

“As a national cultural institution, we are, of course, delighted to embrace this wonderful initiative. I would encourage everyone to visit the museum on the night but also to see what is happening throughout the locality to enjoy one or more of the great events that are taking place on September 22.”

An Evening with Fintan O’Toole is a free event with no booking required. Places will be allocated on a first-come basis. 
For further information on Culture Night events at the National Museum of Ireland visit www.museum.ie or www.culturenight.ie.