THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Bring kids to Luan Gallery for a free, guided exhibition tour and a hands-on graphite and charcoal workshop with artist Lelia Henry. Spaces are limited, booking is essential—this quick cultural morning pairs gallery-looking with practical mark-making.
Bring kids to Luan Gallery for a free, guided exhibition tour and a hands-on graphite and charcoal workshop with artist Lelia Henry. Spaces are limited, booking is essential—this quick cultural morning pairs gallery-looking with practical mark-making.
Book with Athlone Castle Visitor Centre
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Athlone Castle Visitor Centre · Athlone, County Westmeath
Athlone’s Luan Gallery offers an accessible, free drawing workshop for children aged 8–12 that pairs a short exhibition tour with hands-on practice. On the morning of Cruinniú na nÓg, young participants meet at Luan Gallery to explore Divergent lines, a contemporary show that emphasizes contrast and gesture, before moving to Abbey Road Artist Studios for a 90-minute session with exhibiting artist Lelia Henry. The program uses graphite and charcoal as teaching tools to introduce tone, line weight, and quick observational sketching. The experience is practical and playful: a guided walk through the gallery helps kids identify composition choices and mark-making strategies in real artworks, then transition to studio exercises that break drawing into clear steps—gesture sketches, value studies, and finished charcoal studies. All materials are provided, and the group is intentionally small (maximum 12), which makes the workshop interactive and suited to different confidence levels. Staff request check-in at 10:50 from Luan Gallery reception; the itinerary moves from an 11:00 exhibition tour to an 11:45 workshop start, finishing around 1:30 at Abbey Road Artist Studios. Beyond the classroom, the location feels of-the-place: Luan Gallery sits within easy walking distance of the River Shannon and Athlone Castle, so families can extend the morning with a riverside stroll or a visit to the castle grounds after the session. Practical notes matter: the event is wheelchair and stroller accessible, booking is essential because spaces are free but limited, and the workshop is supported by Creative Ireland and Westmeath County Council. What makes this offering a standout locally is the combination of contemporary exhibition context and direct instruction from an exhibiting artist. Young people move from looking to making in a way that reinforces visual literacy—seeing how professional artists solve composition and tone problems and then trying those same approaches at studio tables. The medium focus—graphite and charcoal—teaches restraint and boldness simultaneously, making it an ideal introduction to drawing fundamentals. For parents, the workshop functions as both a creative introduction and a reliably managed activity: clear check-in times, an accessible meeting point, and a group size designed to ensure attention. Because it’s free and supported publicly, this workshop also offers a low-barrier cultural entry point for families visiting Athlone. Booking via the provided link is required; bring a change of clothes if you’re worried about charcoal, and plan to stay nearby to enjoy the Shannon and local attractions after the session. The session is aimed strictly at ages 8–12, caps at 12 participants to preserve attention, and notes that toilet and bathroom breaks are scheduled between tour and workshop—small comforts that make the morning manageable for families. It’s a concise cultural stop that leaves kids more confident with mark-making and curious about contemporary art.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Light — suitable for children ages 8–12; adults should be able to accompany and supervise small children
The workshop is suitable for children aged 8–12; organizers enforce the age range to keep activities age-appropriate.
This event is free to attend but booking is essential because places are limited.
Yes — all graphite, charcoal, paper, and basic tools are provided as part of the workshop.
Yes — Luan Gallery and the event are stroller- and wheelchair-accessible; contact organizers if you have specific accessibility needs.
Supervision policies vary; because this is a short event, parents are encouraged to stay nearby and check with staff about drop-off permissions.
Groups are capped at 12 participants to ensure focused instruction and interaction with the artist.
Cruinniú na nÓg is Ireland’s national day of free creative activities for young people, supported locally by Creative Ireland and Westmeath County Council.
Use provided bins for used paper and charcoal; the organizers prioritize recyclable materials and low-waste studio practices.
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre preserves and interprets the history of Athlone and the River Shannon from a fortified medieval site in Athlone, County Westmeath. The centre offers a combination of guided tours, interactive exhibitions, and immersive displays designed to engage families, history enthusiasts, and school groups. Visitors can explore the castle battlements, view the 360º cinematic experience, and learn about local battles, settlement, and social history through hands-on exhibits. Guided programming includes seasonal and themed experiences such as the Heritage Week 2025 Guided Tour Of Athlone Castle, which traces the site's development from its earliest days to the present, and special workshops tied to local galleries and community events. The centre supports creative community initiatives by promoting related workshops like the Up in Arms! pumpkin carving workshop and the Pride and Protest banner-making workshop held at Luan Gallery. Admission to Athlone Castle provides access to the exhibitions, interactive games, and panoramic views from the battlements. Practical visitor information including opening hours, ticketing details, accessibility notes, and guidance for groups is available from the centre to help plan visits and school trips throughout the year.
Book with Athlone Castle Visitor Centre