Paddy O’Dea: Culture Night shows that Dublin’s night mayor cannot be a cheap imitation

Culture Night gives a platform for Ireland’s creativity at its best but there needs to be a long term strategy for our nighttime economy

Approximately 750,000 people attend over 1,700 different events in cities and towns across Ireland in celebration of Culture Night Picture: Photocall Ireland

Tonight will see approximately 750,000 people attend over 1,700 different events in cities and towns across Ireland in celebration of Culture Night. Now in its 18th year, the annual festival marks “a national moment, celebrating culture, creativity and the arts”.

For many, Culture Night embodies Ireland’s creative scene at its very best.

This year’s programme includes Culture Night Late, an initiative in its second year, designed to build on the Government’s recent commitment to develop ...