Nineteen years of Hullabaloo! – Offaly’s Children’s Arts Festival

SINCE its first edition in the welcoming embrace of Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, Hullabaloo! Offaly’s Children’s Arts Festival has blossomed from a small local event into a county-wide celebration of creativity.

Now in its 19th year, Hullabaloo! runs for four days, across five towns, featuring over 90 events designed to spark imagination and inspire young minds.

This Mid-term Break — from Wednesday October 29th to Saturday November 1^st — Hullabaloo! brings a brilliant mix of art-making, creativity and family fun to Birr, Clara, Edenderry, Tullamore, and, after last year’s successful pilot, Kilcormac joins the line-up too.

At its heart, Hullabaloo! is about giving children the opportunity to explore, create and play through the arts. The programme features workshops and performances led by some of the best artist-facilitators and performers from across Ireland and beyond, all curated to nurture the imagination and creative development of children under 12.

With more than 90 events spanning writing, painting, crafts, drama, dance, and abstract art, plus an exciting selection of family-friendly performances, there truly is something for everyone. And with affordable ticket prices, Hullabaloo! continues its commitment to making the arts accessible and inclusive for all.

The festival is co-ordinated by Birr Theatre & Arts Centre and Esker Arts, in partnership with Creative Places Edenderry, Offaly Library Services, Clara Family Resource Centre, and Kilcormac Development Association, with support from Offaly County Council Arts Office.

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“It’s incredibly exciting to see how Hullabaloo! has grown in both ambition and reach,” says Emma Nee Haslam, Festival Founder. “Children across the county are discovering their artistic talents under the guidance of professional artists, and that’s really what this festival is all about.”
Sean Walsh, at Esker Arts added “Hullabaloo! has become a much anticipated annual event and we are looking forward to expanding the offering for the Tullamore community and beyond.”

Offaly Libraries continue to play a key role in the programme, hosting an array of creative workshops and events across their Birr, Clara, Tullamore and Edenderry branches.

Highlights of Hullabaloo! 2025

This year’s family programme is packed with humour, wonder and imagination:

• FRANK ‘N’ STEIN’s TEDDY by Barking Dog Theatre (ages 0–6) — Join Sammy Ragdoll and her best friend Eddy the Teddy for a delightful adventure filled with laughter and two very silly birds!

• ESCAPE FROM THE BUBBLE TUB — A magical puppet and bubble show featuring bubble volcanos, tornadoes, jellyfish and even a bubble snowman!

• CARNACKI THE GHOST FINDER (ages 5–10) — A thrilling supernatural detective story, full of mystery and adventure.

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• TRADabaloo! — A celebration of traditional Irish music with Craobh Chuilinn Comhaltas (Rath), designed especially for young audiences.

• Family Film: “FLOW” — The Oscar-winning animated feature that has captivated audiences worldwide with its moving story and unforgettable characters.

With such a vibrant, family-friendly programme on offer, Hullabaloo! promises four unforgettable days of joy, creativity, and connection for young audiences across Offaly.

Tickets are available now at www.HullabalooFestival.ie.
Early booking is advised, as events are expected to sell out quickly!

Hullabaloo! is made possible through the support of Offaly County Council Arts Office, Birr and Tullamore Municipal Districts, Offaly Library Services, Birr and Tullamore Lions Clubs, Creative Place Edenderry, Offaly Local Development Company and generous private donors.

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