Ireland’s youth clubs and services will open their doors to local communities this November for Oíche na hÓige, also known as Youth Night Ireland. The national celebration will highlight the contribution of youth workers, volunteers and youth organisations supporting young people across the country.
Youth Night Ireland 2026: Date and Purpose
Oíche na hÓige 2026 will take place on Friday, 13 November 2026. Organised by the Department of Education and Youth, the initiative invites youth clubs, projects and services to create showcase events for their communities.
Participating organisations may welcome members of the public into their facilities to demonstrate what youth work means to young people and the wider community. Events can include displays, activities, performances and informal opportunities to meet youth workers and volunteers.
The 2026 programme will take place during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Clubs and projects are therefore encouraged to consider incorporating a European theme into their events, including themes linked to European Youth Goal 4: information and constructive dialogue.
Who Can Host an Oíche na hÓige Event?
Funding will be distributed through Ireland’s Education and Training Boards (ETBs). Youth clubs supported under the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme and youth services funded through UBU Your Place Your Space are invited to participate.
Eligible organisations should contact their local ETB Youth Officer for information about application procedures and deadlines. ETBs will notify clubs and services when grant applications open.
Available funding
- Local Youth Club Grant Scheme clubs may apply for up to €500.
- UBU Your Place Your Space youth services may apply for up to €1,200.
Funding can support costs such as food and refreshments, music, equipment hire, materials, displays, entertainment and promotional work. Eligible promotional expenses may include video, photography, printing and media preparation completed before Youth Night.
Read More: Irish Community and Public-Service Updates
- Latest Ireland community news and local public-service updates
- Irish education, youth and national news coverage
Why Oíche na hÓige Matters
Inspired by public-facing initiatives such as Culture Night and Open House Dublin, Oíche na hÓige aims to raise awareness of the diverse youth-work network operating in communities throughout Ireland.
Youth clubs and services provide spaces where young people can learn, build confidence, develop relationships and take part in activities. The initiative is supported by Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024–2028.
Oíche na hÓige is delivered by the Department of Education and Youth in partnership with Education and Training Boards, the National Youth Council of Ireland and the wider youth-work sector.
Explore More: Find Youth Services Near You
YouthMap Ireland is an interactive online map designed to help young people, families and communities locate youth clubs, services, projects and organisations in their area. Details of local Oíche na hÓige events will be added as they become available.
Organisations can also follow updates through the Department of Education’s social media channels and use the official partner pack, which includes suggested text and social-media templates for promoting events.
What to Remember About Youth Night Ireland
Youth Night Ireland will take place on 13 November 2026, with grant support available through the ETBs for eligible clubs and services. The key takeaway is that local youth organisations should contact their ETB Youth Officer early, confirm eligibility and begin planning an event that showcases the value of youth work in their community.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
