25th November 2025
Over 200 Foróige Clubs and Projects across Ireland took part in Oíche na hÓige / Youth Night 2025
Oíche na hÓige / Youth Night 2025 brought communities across Ireland together on Friday 21st November as Foróige young people opened their Clubs and Projects to celebrate the impact of youth work nationwide. Oíche na hÓige is a brand new national celebration of youth work where groups welcome families, neighbours and supporters inside to see what youth work looks and feels like in their area. It is coordinated nationally by the Department of Education and Youth and supported by Education and Training Boards (ETBs)
More than 200 Foróige Clubs and Projects took part in the inaugural Oíche na hÓige, creating one of the largest youth-led events in Ireland. Young people planned and hosted their own celebrations, turning their spaces into vibrant hubs of activity. Visitors experienced everything from silent discos, baking showcases and Lego robotics to art sessions, gaming leagues, drumming circles, podcasting workshops, future-dream boards and cosy corners for chats and connection. Each event reflected the interests, culture and personality of the young people involved, showing the depth and diversity of youth work in every community.
Oíche na hÓige also welcomed national engagement. Minister Helen McEntee and Deputy Aisling Dempsey visited Youth Night events to spend time with young people, volunteers and staff. Karl Duff, Head of Youth Affairs and Jill Fannin, Principal Officer at the Department of Education and Youth, also joined events on the night. Their presence highlighted the significance of youth work and the pride young people take in their Clubs and Projects.
Youth work builds confidence, strengthens friendships and gives young people a sense of belonging. It supports creativity, encourages leadership and creates spaces where young people feel valued and understood. Oíche na hÓige offered families and communities the chance to witness this impact first-hand, step inside the places where youth work happens and celebrate the relationships that make it possible.
Oíche na hÓige 2025 showed what can be achieved when young people are given the space and support to lead. Congratulations to every Club and Project that took part, and especially to the young people who filled the night with creativity, energy and community spirit. This year’s celebration showcased the very best of youth work in Ireland and left a lasting sense of pride across the country.
