Culture Night on RTÉ 2026
On Friday September 18th RTÉ once again celebrated Culture Night with a rich schedule of live programmes across its television, radio and online services.
Live performances from some of Ireland’s best musicians and performers took centre stage across RTÉ One, RTÉ Player, RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ 2fm and RTÉ Lyric fm, with a special live performance from the RTÉ Concert Orchestra as RTÉ once again put the spotlight on the richness and diversity of cultural talent in Ireland today.
TELEVISION | RTÉ One and RTÉ Player
Culture Night 2025 | RTÉ One
RTÉ Culture Night Live 2026
TIME: 8PM- 9PM
RTÉ Culture Night Live is a special bilingual television programme presented by Carla O’Brien and Doireann Ní Ghlacáin (live from St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower, Kilkenny) and Katja Mia (live from Killarney).
Music Performances from Kilkenny
The programme features a diverse lineup showcasing contemporary Irish talent:
Jamie Duffy, the internationally successful musician and composer whose debut single Solas became one of the most-streamed Irish debut releases in recent years.
Clada, a five-piece traditional music group from Galway known for their high-energy live performances.
Jessica Doolan, a 2FM Rising Artist, performing her new single Smell The Roses with an ensemble of cello, violin and piano.
Mick Flannery joined by Susan O’Neill performing material from his new album The House Must Win with a full band.
Niamh O’Sullivan, the Cork mezzo-soprano and former BBC New Generation Artist, performing with concert pianist Gary Beecher.
The programme will feature three specially recorded packages which highlight Irish heritage, history and culture:
- Gulliver Was a Cavan Man: Author Michael Harding (main picture) explores the 300th anniversary of Gulliver’s Travels and connections between Jonathan Swift, County Cavan and the inspiration for Lilliput.
- The Office of the Attorney General: For the first time in its history the building will be open to the public for Culture Night. Tour guide and Architectural Historian Emma Gilleece will give presenter Brendan Courtney and viewers at home a sneak peek into this fascinating building.
- The Butter Museum, Cork: Actress and podcaster Norma Sheahan (pictured) celebrates Cork’s rich food heritage and the global significance of the historic Cork Butter Exchange, once the largest butter markets in the world.
Community and Cultural Highlights live from Kilkenny and Killarney
Mothú’s street spectacle The Seeker, features giant puppets, lantern lit figures, fire dancers and stunning visuals. This performance is inspired by Irish poet and writer Seán Ó Ríordáin’s life and legacy.
Maracatu ilha Brilhante, an Afro-Brazilian drumming/dance ensemble who are joined by the Global Dance Club Kilkenny. Together, they’re performing Cortejo Real, a colourful celebration of cultural diversity.
Nialler9 – DJ, music journalist, and former Culture Night ambassador chats about his Culture Night Late event in Kilkenny and gives us the lowdown on music events across the country.
RADIO
RTÉ 2FM RISING CULTURE NIGHT LIVE EVENT FROM ST LUKE’S CORK
RTÉ LYRIC FM | MARTY IN THE MORNING
TIME: 7AM – 10AM
As part of Culture Night, acclaimed pianist Finghin Collins joins Marty for an engaging conversation about the world of music. Alongside the recital, Finghin will discuss his role as Artistic Director of the forthcoming New Ross Piano Festival, preview highlights from the Dublin International Piano Competition, and share insights into Music for Galway’s plans as it prepares to celebrate its 45th season.
RTÉ LYRIC FM LIVE WITH PAUL HERRIOTT
TIME: 7PM-10PM
From 7.00pm – 10.00pm, RTÉ lyric fm Live with Paul Herriott brings us Ireland’s National Symphony Orchestra live from the National Concert Hall, Dublin, and critically acclaimed British saxophonist Jess Gillam under the leadership of Alexander Shelley for a special Culture Night programme including Bernstein’s Candide Overture, Anna Clyne’s Glasslands, Augusta Holmès’ La nuit et l’amour, and the cinematic brilliance of John Williams’ Star Wars. The programme blends favourites with contemporary works for this Culture Night special.
RTÉ RADIO 1 | ARENA CULTURE NIGHT SPECIAL
TIME: 7PM – 8PM
Presented by Rick O’Shea, from 7.00pm – 8.00pm on RTÉ Radio 1, an Arena Culture Night Special will celebrate the stories and music which root us to this land and all those generations who came before and all those who are yet to be. We brought our music and stories with us throughout the world and this Culture Night the programme will celebrate the strength of our storytelling, the power of our music and the sound of our voices with musicians such as Irish legend Liam Ó Maonlaí, the pure Aran Island tones of Lasairfhríona Ní Chonaola, supreme concertina player Jack Talty and the close harmonies of traditional singers Landless, as well as others, with poems chosen by poet Tony Curtis. It will be a night to draw the curtains, light a candle and travel through time and space, communing with ghosts of our forebears through music and stories.
Raidió na Gaeltachta | Pé Scéal É
TIME: 3PM – 5PM
Join Máire Treasa Ní Dhubhghaill for Pé Scéal É, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta’s energetic Friday afternoon programme. Broadcasting live from Casla, the show brings together music, entertainment and engaging conversation with young people from across the country. Featuring interviews with artists, musicians, athletes, entrepreneurs, content creators and cultural figures, Pé Scéal É offers a fresh and contemporary perspective on Irish life through the medium of Irish, while celebrating the creativity, talent and interests of a new generation. For Culture Night, the programme will preview events taking place that evening and inform listeners about what is on offer.
Raidió na Gaeltachta | Cuireadh chun Ceoil
TIME: 7PM – 9PM
Join Peadar Ó Riada each week for Cuireadh Chun Ceoil, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta’s much-loved traditional music programme. Featuring outstanding performances, rare recordings, lively conversation and insights into Ireland’s rich musical heritage, the programme brings together the finest musicians, singers and storytellers from across Ireland and beyond. A unique celebration of traditional arts and culture, Cuireadh Chun Ceoil continues to inspire and entertain audiences with its warmth, expertise and deep connection to the living tradition. The Culture Night edition will refer to and celebrate Culture Night within the programme.
RTÉ CONCERT ORCHESTRA SPECIAL LIVE PERFORMANCE
The RTÉ Concert Orchestra is heading to Co Donegal with a special brass ensemble for a Culture Night celebration in two secondary schools. Students will experience a brass octet performing jazz, traditional and big band favourites up close. Reactions will be shared on RTÉ Concert Orchestra social channels on Friday, 18 September.
AND MORE
RTÉ Culture (rte.ie/Culture) will hand over the editorial reins to acclaimed Irish filmmaking duo DADDY – AKA Mike Ahearn and Enda Loughman – who will guest edit the site for the day, sharing a selection of their own cultural recommendations and inspirations.
Across RTÉ Culture’s social channels, architectural historian Emma Gilleece will also offer audiences an exclusive preview of her forthcoming book, This Modern World. Bringing her expertise and enthusiasm for Ireland’s built environment to the conversation, Emma will explore some of the stories, ideas and architecture behind the book ahead of her appearance on RTÉ One’s Culture Night special that evening.
In addition, RTÉ Culture will bring you highlights from RTÉ’s Culture Night celebrations across TV, radio and online.
RTÉ News will have previews and live reports across RTÉ News programmes, from Morning Ireland and throughout the day by RTÉ’s Arts and Media Correspondent Evelyn O’Rourke, along with reports from RTÉ’s Regional Correspondents across the country.
ONE NIGHT FOR ALL
