Draíocht - Celebrating 25 Years in 2026

25 years of inspiring and captivating audiences
25 years of engaging communities
25 years of supporting artists
And there's so much more to come …

THANK YOU
To our funders, supporters, artists and audience members - We couldn't do it without you.

Space for the arts - Space for magic - Space for you

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A message from Director Emer McGowan ...

"2026 sees Draíocht celebrate our 25th birthday. It has been an exciting 25 years as we work to bring our audiences of all ages a diverse range of high-quality arts experiences. So, whether your interests lie in attending performances, creating work or participating in workshops, we have programmed it, here in your local venue.

50,000 people a year attend events at Draíocht, Many more attend our galleries, use our facilities and drop into us for a coffee at Koffee and Kale. Since 2001, we have welcomed over 1 million visitors! To all of you and to all of the artists and local groups that enable us offer the programmes we do, a very, very, big thank you. It has been our pleasure to work for you and we will continue to offer you the same great range of experiences and facilities in the years to come.

A special thank you must be given to our principal funder, Fingal County Council and to the Arts Council who provide additional funding.  Without this public funding, Draíocht would not be able to bring you the range of work we do.

A word of thanks to that group of people from the D15 community who envisioned an arts space to serve this vibrant area. Their commitment and tenacity made Draíocht, a reality. We all owe them a huge debt. 

Thank you to those who were members of our Board of Directors over the years. Your time and expertise have been invaluable. And to the current team and those who have worked with us previously, you have contributed so much. My gratitude always.

Our 2026 programme includes all of your favourites, Coolmine Panto Group, Coolmine Musical Society, a full comedy, music, theatre and visual arts programme. Our children/youth arts programme will continue to provide the range of workshops and projects for family and school groups that we know you want. And look out for some special projects too."

Emer McGowan
Director

Events & Projects to Celebrate 25 Years

January-December - Draíocht’s 25th Birthday Portal
We’ve created a dedicated page on our website where you can win free tickets throughout 2026, send us video greetings or share your special memories of the last 25 years with us. 
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January - Celebrating 25 Years of Panto
So many wigs, costumes, dance routines and feathers. Glitter everywhere, laughter and friends made for life. Countless Dames, Princes and Princesses and not to mention Villains. Thanks to Coolmine Panto Group for bringing us Panto Magic every year! As well as a special message from Panto Dame John Furlong for our Birthday, we looked back at all previous pantos! 
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January-February - Artist Support - Ceol Connected
Draíocht welcomes Ceol Connected to the Studio this Spring, as we continue our longstanding developmental relationship. 
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January-May- Theatre Artists in Residence Announced
Draíocht welcomes Louise Lewis & Veronica Coburn to the Studio for a 5 month residency called 'Other Kitchens'.
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February - Launch of Dreamer's Space by Corrina Askin
Draíocht’s Dreamer’s Space and Trail Guide is a Draíocht Children's Commission created in direct response to advice from pupils in Scoil Mhuire Senior School who felt that our lobby needed “more fun stuff".
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February - 3 Year Mentoring Residency begins with Artist Em Ó Ceallaigh
The need for mentoring has been highlighted to Draíocht consistently by artists. As has the desire for longer Mentoring Residencies which can develop over an extended timeframe, giving an artist an anchor project which can assist them to build a sustainable career.   
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February - Celebrating 25 Years of Comedy
Countless punchlines, all-round madness & zero hecklers (well, maybe a few!), enjoy this lookback to 2001 as we celebrate 25 Years of Comedy in Draíocht. From the local legends and warm up acts to the touring greats, Happy 25th Anniversary to the comedy icons who have graced our stages, given us glorious moments of pure hilarity and kept Blanchardstown belly laughing since the very beginning.
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March - Launch of SPRING26 - Open Call Exhibition 2026
Curated by Aisling Prior and featuring 26 emerging artists with a Fingal connection, SPRING26 is part of a series of initiatives for artists to mark Draíocht’s 25th Birthday and launched on 4th March. The exhibition will run until 2nd May 2026 in the Ground & First Floor Galleries.
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"This extraordinary Exhibition platforms the work of 26 very talented Visual Artists who are from or live in Fingal. The Exhibition forms part of Draíocht’s 25th Birthday programme and is one of the anchor events of same. These works capture a moment in time and are representative of the quality and range of work that Fingal artists are engaged in and demonstrates the wealth of talent in the county. Together they create an Exhibition of the highest quality and one that is rich in its depth, consideration and artistry. Since its opening in 2001, Draíocht has facilitated 214 Exhibitions platforming the work of hundreds of artists. It’s Artists Studio is a very valuable resource and indeed a number of the artists exhibiting in SPRING26, have had the opportunity to spend some time there on Residencies. Draíocht has a track record of delivering for Dublin 15 and Fingal to the highest standards. The organisation's ongoing commitment to the support of artists and the engagement of the public and facilitating the relationship between those two communities is steadfast. On that note, I would like to express my deep appreciation to the Draíocht team and to its Board of Directors for their work over the last 25 years."- Cllr Siobhan Shovlin

March - Launch of 2 Newly Commissioned Artworks
Meet artists Tom Climent and Deirdre O’ Reilly at the official launch of Draíocht’s newly commissioned artworks by them on 21st March, as part of our project 'Your Walls'. These beautiful new artworks will start life in Draíocht’s foyer, and will then travel to Dublin 15 schools, complete with project videos and other resources.
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March - Celebrating 25 Years Of Schools On Stage in Draíocht
Thousands of school children. Countless tiny dancers, big dreamers, first‑time performers and future stars. 𝗛𝘂𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 to all the stage, dance & music schools, youth groups, choirs & orchestras, & primary & secondary schools who’ve performed their shows here. And to all the parents, guardians and teachers who’ve mentored and supported them all the way to the stage for each standing ovation celebrating their endless talent. Happy 25th anniversary to every young person who has lit up Draíocht’s stage and filled Blanchardstown with all-round MAGIC.
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