Presented by RTÉ in partnership with the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Creative Ireland, Dublin City Council and the Office of Public Works, Culture Night with RTÉ will see Dublin Castle’s Upper Courtyard transformed as Arena’s Sean Rocks presents an evening of music, theatre, comedy and poetry in the company of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and special guests, including The Strypes, Áine Cahill, Mongoose, Dáithí with Sinead White, Stephen James Smith, Felispeaks, San Patricio Mariachi, Liam O’Connor and Matthew Gilsenan.

Speaking today, the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD said: “Culture Night is one of the highlights of every year for my Department. It is a night like no other on this island, bringing culture alive throughout the country in ways that are not always possible. I am delighted that my Department, through the Creative Ireland Programme, is again partnering with RTÉ, Dublin City Council and our colleagues in OPW to present what will be a wonderful evening’s entertainment in Dublin Castle. All in all, 3000+ special and unique events will take place throughout the country, making Culture Night 2017 our biggest celebration of arts, culture and heritage to date”.

Dee Forbes, Director-General of RTÉ said: “RTÉ is once again at the heart of Culture Night with great music, lively talks, fantastic workshops and big performances. RTÉ is at the centre of cultural life in Ireland, and Culture Night presents RTÉ with a valuable opportunity to give the stage to the amazing talent of Ireland. We are very excited about the concerts and other activities we’ve put together this year, which our audiences will be able to enjoy first hand, as well as on air and online, in Ireland and abroad.”

The Culture Night with RTÉ programme will also feature a selection of Banter talks with Jim Carroll and guests, poetry readings in association with Poetry Ireland and live RTÉ Radio 1 events which will be held throughout Dublin Castle on the night.