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06 Sept 2025

LMETB Dundalk Adult Learning Service celebrates Intercultural Day

The centre turned into a celebration of culture, music, food and dance

LMETB Dundalk Adult Learning Service celebrates Intercultural Day

The music room was lively all morning

The atmosphere was incredible in LMETB Adult Learning Service Dundalk on 5th June as the centre in Chapel Street turned into a celebration of culture, music, food, dance, traditional costumes and a coming together of learners from Ireland and over 25 other countries around the world.

The programme of events included the following: Traditional Irish music and dance, a selection of interactive quizzes using our touchscreen and a games room with a range of card, board and traditional games like marbles drafts and a hurling demonstration. Learners also supplied games from their own countries such as Billes marbles from Togo and Algeria, Dama a game like chess played on the ground in Algeria and Basra a famous card game from Syria. Learners taught each other the rules. A new addition this year was our virtual reality workshop where our learners were transported to interesting places around the world with help of VR headsets.

The Irish workshop provided by Seán Ó Murchadha from Conradh na Gaeilge was hugely successful showing great interest in learning a few words of Irish. Learners got to practice a few basic Irish phrases which was great fun.

The music room was lively all morning: Deirdre Ni Bhuachalla gave a demonstration of the Harp, accompanied by her colleague from the Irish Traditional group in Dundalk Eamon Matthews on the mandolin. Learners were delighted to hear some traditional music and were enthralled with the beautiful sound of the instruments.

They then had a drumming workshop facilitated by Eamonn Cagney. Learners loved to learn a few beats. They saw clearly how music and dance unites people across cultures. Learners were also taught a few steps of Irish dancing by Deirdre; all learnt a few steps and there was great laughter and fun in the process.

The Adult Literacy Organiser, Kinga Byrne said, “We wanted to celebrate the diversity and inclusion that is reflected in the service and give our learners an opportunity to celebrate together before the end of our term on the 20thof June."

She went on to say how delighted she was with the way both staff and learners had embraced this celebration, the work on display around the building reflects the quality of the work that takes place in their classrooms.

The building was decorated in bunting from flags around the world. The learners had written pieces about their country culture and favourite things and these pieces of writing were read throughout the morning by all visitors.

Kinga went on to say how delighted she was that the event was now in its fourth year.

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"The Intercultural day is now an integral part of our calendar for the ALS and we look forward to 2026 being another successful celebration of how much we all learn from each other.

"The measure of the events success was that everyone stayed for the three hours, and all the workshops were packed to capacity. The variety of food on offer was amazing and learners brought their favourite dishes from around the world. The event clearly reflects the diversity and welcoming ethos in the ALS in Dundalk.

"A great day was had by all, and we look forward to this event again next year. The pictures of the event capture the fantastic atmosphere on the day."

If you are interested in Adult Learning classes in September please call into LMETB, Adult Learning Service, Chapel Street, Dundalk or contact us on 042 9353591. 

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