![Jack
for ages 5-7 [England]
With a handful of beans and a heart full of courage, Jack sets out on a tall tale of high adventure.](https://www.draiocht.ie/content/images/Jack_Spreacha2004.jpg?v=1673540665)
![Hannah & Hanna
for ages 12+ [England]
The story of a powerful friendship between two girls with the same name and so much in common, yet with so many obstacles to overcome.](https://www.draiocht.ie/content/images/HannaAndHanna_2004.jpg?v=1673541537)
![Portofino-Ballade
for ages 8-11 [Switzerland]
Mr Cuckoo pops out of the clock on the hour every hour while his son hangs out in the back room dreaming of a different life.](https://www.draiocht.ie/content/images/Portofino_Ballade_2004.jpg?v=1673541537)
![The Happy Prince
for ages 6-10 [Italy]
A beautiful adaptation of the Oscar Wilde story of a friendship between a swallow and a statue prince, told through paper art](https://www.draiocht.ie/content/images/TheHappyPrince_2004.jpg?v=1673541538)
![What Can I do?
for ages 2-4 [Ireland]
A beautiful puppet performance using bright vivid colours for the little people in our lives.](https://www.draiocht.ie/content/images/WhatCanIDo_2004.jpg?v=1673541538)
![The Con Tempo String Quartet
for ages 7+ [Romania]
Let these young and energetic performers introduce your children to the delights of classical music in this interactive performance.](https://www.draiocht.ie/content/images/ConTempoQuartet_2004.jpg?v=1673541536)
![Toby Kinsella Storyteller
for ages 5-10 [Ireland]
Join Toby as he takes you into another world with his amazing stories.](https://www.draiocht.ie/content/images/TobyKinsella_2004.jpg?v=1673541538)
The Elephant in the Room
Draíocht & Paul Curley in Primary Schools
February 2026
February 2026
Spréacha, Fingal’s International Arts Festival for Children will be officially launched by President Mary McAleese on Monday 20th September in Draíocht Arts Centre, Blanchardstown. This six-day festival promises to be a magical experience, which will spark the imaginations of children everywhere.
Draíocht, in partnership with Fingal County Council will present a unique festival program of theatre performances, puppetry, paper art, storytelling, visual arts exhibitions and workshops, all guaranteed to capture the minds and hearts of children of all ages.
The Festival will kick off with an enchanting tale about ‘Jack’ presented by English Theatre Company Storybox. This is the story of a young boy who sets off with a handful of beans and a heart full of courage on a tall tale of high adventure. Other highlights include, The Happy Prince, a production by Italian Company Fonazione AIDA and What Can I do by Pignut Productions from Galway.
Shows not to be missed include Portofino Ballade, by Swiss Company Theatre En Gros Et En Detail. This story involves an amazing double bass, which becomes the stage for this story of love and conflict between a father and his son. Classy Strings is a musical performance by Romanian Company ConTempo String Quartet who introduce children with enthusiasm to the delights of classical music.
The festival’s sparkle will also extend to Blanchardstown Library, which will be host to a series of wonderful workshops and performances. The highlights include Comedy by Rueben the Comedian, Dance workshops by Dance Theatre of Ireland and Puppetry by The Lambert Theatre.
Marcella Bannon, Assistant Arts Officer for Fingal County Council and Emer Mc Gowan, Director of Draíocht Arts Centre are the key organisers of ‘Spréacha’ festival. They added: ‘We are delighted to be presenting an International Arts Festival for children. This new initiative underlies Draíocht’s and Fingal County Councils ongoing commitment and dedication to the provision of high quality arts activity for this age group.’
Spréacha (which means Sparkles) would like to give special thanks to additional sponsors. These include the Arts Council, Fingal Childcare Committee, The Swiss Council and AMC Coaches.
