~ Draíocht ~

A magical fortnight of activities for children and young people aged 3-18 years. The festival began its first few years in March of the year, but now takes place in October, around Halloween. With dramas, arts and crafts, puppet shows, multi-media workshops, sports events and competitions plus much more!

Draíocht’s programme of activities expands each year increasing the number of children who participate and enjoy Draíocht Children’s Arts Festival events; we encourage children and young people from across the city and beyond to join in our activities. Along with the fun and the frolics comes success, self-esteem and personal achievement, Draíocht Children’s Arts Festival really is a magical time!

The Draíocht Children’s Arts Festival Programme of events is available from this page now and further information is available from our events calendar.

Draíocht 2009 Draíocht 2008 Draíocht 2006 Draíocht 2005


Click on a programme to download!

Highlights 2006-2009

Draíocht 2009

An Audience with Liz Weir, Meet the Birds (School of Falconry), Mask Making, Pumpkin Carving, Halloween Lantern Procession & Fire Show, Monster Moviehouse, Goodwin Bumblestorm, Dancing Demons & Singing Witches, Tee Pee of Horror, Spooky Story Time, Halloween Acoustic, World of Owls, Annual An Draíocht Awards

Draíocht 2008

Auntie Ruth’s Haunted Hotel, Radio Halloween Stories, ‘Tullymore Rocks’, Sesame Tree Puppet Performance and Workshop, Celtic Village (reenactment, games, lantern procession, Colin Enchanted Evening, Celtic Tribe of the West Challenge, An Audience With the Rapparees, Micshiveous Mask Making

Draíocht 2007

Ultimate Hallowe’en Horror at Conway Mill, Monster’s Ball, Lightening Lanterns, Scary Socks Workshop, Spooky Cinema (The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, Ghost Busters), Reclaiming the Parks, Parade

Draíocht 2006

West Belfast Youth Talks Back, Radio Dramas, Moulded (play), Trampoline, Spring into Storytime, Celtic Wall Hanging, Photography Workshop & Treasure Hunt, Snake Puppets, Musical Magic with the Ulster Orchestra