First look at Longford landmark recreated in LEGO by Ireland’s only professional brick artist

A striking LEGO sculpture of St Mel’s Cathedral, created by internationally-known LEGO brick artist and the only professional LEGO brick artist in Ireland, Jessica Farrell, will be unveiled in Longford Library on Saturday, June 6 at 10.30am as part of this year’s Cruinniú na nÓg celebrations in Longford.

Today Longford County Council gave a sneak preview of the creation ahead of the unveiling. Look at that detail in the roof!

Longford is expected to be a hive of activity and creativity on Saturday, June 6 for Cruinniú na nÓg, Ireland’s national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18.

A fun-packed programme of activities taking place across the county with the main flagship event taking place in Longford Library.

In addition to viewing the detailed LEGO sculpture of St Mel’s Cathedral, children aged 8+ can also take part in a drop-in LEGO workshop, where Jessica and Faolán will guide participants in building their own mini cathedral.

All participants will be entered into a draw for LEGO-themed prizes, which will be awarded on the day.

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For younger children, a LEGO Brick Pit will run for under-eights from 10.30-1pm, offering hands-on creative play activities.

Alongside the workshops, Longford Library will host a month-long competition titled, ‘Guess how many bricks were used to create the sculpture’, with a LEGO-themed prize for the closest estimate.

Across the county, a wide range of free creative activities will take place in library branches throughout the day.

These include eco wind chime making in Lanesborough, science-inspired art workshops in Edgeworthstown, LEGO block printing workshops in Drumlish, children’s poetry and book events in Ballymahon, and LEGO creativity sessions in Granard.

Young people aged 12–18 can also take part in street art workshops, youth theatre performances at Backstage Theatre, and a series of Cruinniú Lates events. These include DJ workshops, music sessions and visual art workshops in venues across Longford Town.

All events are free of charge, with some workshops requiring advance booking.

Full details are available via Longford Libraries and Backstage Theatre booking platforms.

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Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Garry Murtagh said Cruinniú na nÓg gives children and young people creative confidence, and described the LEGO sculpture of St Mel’s Cathedral as “a fitting centrepiece” for the event.

He said, “Cruinniú na nÓg is about giving children and young people the space to be creative, curious and confident. The LEGO sculpture of St Mel’s Cathedral is a wonderful centrepiece for this year’s programme and reflects the pride we have in our local heritage and our young people.”

Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon concurred, adding, “This programme shows the strength of partnership across libraries, arts organisations and community venues. Cruinniú na nÓg ensures that creativity is open to every child, free of charge, in towns and villages across Longford.”

Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme’s Creative Youth Plan and is delivered locally through Longford County Council.

Funded by the local democracy reporting scheme