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Closure of Council Offices Due to Industrial Action

All local authority offices and public buildings, including libraries, will be closed to the public on Wednesday, 14th October, due to planned industrial action.

The Sleeping Giant Web Hero

Gulliver 300

Gulliver's Travels 300

On Sunday, 25th October, Cavan will mark Gulliver 300 - a celebration of the 300th anniversary of Gulliver's Travels, Jonathan Swift's classic satire, much of which was written in County Cavan. Gulliver 300 is part of Cavan's Cultúr 2026 Programme.

Programme of Events

We invite you to enjoy a diverse programme of events that showcases the creativity and cultural heritage of County Cavan. Whether you're a lifelong arts enthusiast or a first-time visitor, there's something here to inspire and engage.

Gulliver's Travels 300 – Cultúr 2026 Programme of Events Sunday 25 October 2026 Cavan Courthouse · 2pm–8pm CAVAN COURTHOUSE 2:00–2:30 Gulliver's Travels Céilí with CCE Branches Co. Cavan In front of Cavan Courthouse 2:30–3:30 Gulliver's Travels Official Launch with Music Generation Harp Ensemble, Gaelphobal an Chabháin, Cavan Rugby Club Male Voice Choir and more. 2:30–7:30 Interactive Installation 'Gulliver Bound' by Louise Swords and Ross Buckey with Cavan Communities. Narrated by Michael Harding with children's making station. Courtroom 1 3:30–5:30 Townhall Theatrical Ensemble and Gonzo Youth Theatre: 'Gulliver's Troupe' and 'Lilliput' various locations, Cavan Courthouse, directed by Mary Farrelly 4:00–4:30 Ian Wilson crOw Duo Sounds from 'The bog of small things' Contemporary Classical Composition Courtroom 2 5:00–5:30 Ian Wilson crOw Duo Sounds from 'The bog of small things' Contemporary Classical Composition Courtroom 2 6:00–6:30 Cavan Sinfonia Orchestra, Director Sue Donohoe. Upstairs: Council Chamber 6:45–7:15 Cavan Singers, Director Eileen Tackney, acc. Sue Donohoe. Courthouse Steps 7:30 Digital Art Mapping Spectacle ‘Gulliver 300’ by Sergey Khadzhava with Anastasiia Zasimchuk Audio Artwork Andrew Lynch 7:45 Lantern Parade Cavan Courthouse to TESCO Carpark Live Music Stage The Tumbling Paddies ________________________________________ URNEY CHURCH OF IRELAND 2:30–4:30 Silva Lumina – Sound Installation Colm Ó Snodaigh and Brian Hogan 5:00–7:30 First Commissioned by First Fortnight 4:30–5:00 WEBBS – Electronic Duo featuring soprano Eileen Coyle 5:00–8:00 'The Sleeping Giant' lights up for a second night by Tom Meskell. With Emma Leddy, Andrea Mulhern and Caroline Clarke and communities across Cavan ________________________________________ MARQUEE IN THE CARPARK 3:00–4:30 Poets Corner: Poetry and Literature Readings 4:30–5:30 GaelPhobal an Chabháin Irish language event 4:00–4:30 Irish and Latvian Folklore with Daniel Downey of Cavan Yarnspinners 5:30–6:30 Latvian Dance, Theatre and Music with The Latvian Association of Cavan and Martin Donohoe, NYAH Cavan ________________________________________ ALSO RUNNING THROUGHOUT THE DAY 2:00–8:00 Community Voices Choir under Claire Crehan Art Installations: • Anna Wierchioch • Rosie Cole • Anastasiia Zasimchak • Elena Duff • Kevin McHugh • Mihail Bachu 2:00–7:30 Food and Coffee Stalls

The Sleeping Giant

The Sleeping Giant is an ambitious community arts project led by artist Tom Meskell, in collaboration with artist facilitators Andrea Mulhern, Caroline Clarke and Emma Leddy, engaging with Cavan-Monaghan LYCP, schools, after-school services, and community groups across the region. Through a creative programme of workshops and shared making, participants have explored local stories and imagination to bring this unique large-scale artwork to life.

The completed work will be unveiled at Urney Church of Ireland on Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 October, with the installation open to the public from 5pm to 8pm each evening.

Audiences are invited to experience this special community-led celebration of creativity, connection and place.

Toilets are available and this is an accessible event.