This year, The Courthouse Gallery & Studios is offering two free film-based workshop series as part of Cruinniú na nÓg 2026.

Both projects are designed for young people who want to try something creative, collaborative and hands-on. Whether that means learning how to make a film with a camera crew or creating an animation frame by frame, these workshops are a chance to explore ideas, develop new skills and work together in a supportive setting.

Because these are progressive workshop series, participants should be available to attend all three sessions. Places are limited and booking is through an expression of interest form.

CHG&S Young Filmmakers Festival

Ages 16–18

Workshops: Wednesday 3rd, Thursday 4th, Friday 5th 10:30 am to 4:30 pm ( hour lunch break)

Screening: Saturday 6th June , from 4:00pm 

Join filmmaker Alfie Hollingsworth for a hands-on 3-part workshop series where young people will explore camera skills, sound, directing and visual storytelling.

Across the three sessions, participants will work together to develop and create a short film of their own, learning through real filmmaking processes in a fun, collaborative and beginner-friendly environment. No previous experience is needed, just curiosity, ideas and a willingness to get involved.

The project will culminate in a special public screening at The Courthouse Gallery & Studios on Cruinniú na nÓg day, where the finished film will be shown in a cinema-style setting.

Frame by Frame: Stop Motion Animation for Children

Ages 9–12

Workshops: Tuesday 2nd, Wednesday 3rd, Thursday 4th, 3:30 am to 5:30 pm 

Screening: Saturday 6th June , from 4:00pm 

Join Ana Colomer and Éanna Byrt for a playful 3-part stop-motion animation workshop series where children will create their own short animated films. 

Across the sessions, participants will explore storytelling, characters, movement and making, using a range of materials and animation styles. This could include Lego, paper cut-outs, drawn elements, found objects, or a mix of approaches depending on the group’s ideas and interests.

The workshops are designed to be supportive, imaginative and fun, with plenty of room for experimentation and collaboration.

Free to take part

All activities are free, but places are limited and booking is essential.

Booking information

Both workshop series are free to take part in, but places are limited.

To help make the process fair and manageable, we are first collecting expressions of interest. Places will then be offered in order, with priority given to children and young people who are available to attend the full 3-part series.

Submitting the form does not guarantee a place, but it does place your child on the list to be considered when places are being allocated.

Important note about attendance

Because these workshops are free and places are limited, we ask families to register thoughtfully. Every year, some places are booked but not used, which means another child can miss the chance to take part.

Please only register your interest if your child is likely to be available for all three sessions.

If a place is offered and you can no longer take it up, please let us know as soon as possible so that it can be offered to another child. Where demand is high, families with a strong attendance record may be prioritised for future free workshops and events.

Expression of Interest Form

If your child would like to take part, please complete the form below.

You will be asked to select the workshop series you are interested in and confirm that your child is likely to be available for all three sessions.

Sign Up Below

Click below to register for your choice of workshop