Monaghan County Council, through Monaghan County Museum and the Peace Campus, has announced a special programme of Project Children Legacy Events taking place from 10th –13th October 2026, celebrating the enduring legacy of Project Children and the lasting friendships, connections and opportunities it created for thousands of young people.
Building on last year’s 50th anniversary commemorations and the ongoing cultural partnership between Monaghan County Council and Project Children, the autumn programme will bring together former participants, families, local communities and the wider public for a series of free events reflecting on the programme’s remarkable impact. Unique highlights of the upcoming programme include:
A Place for Everyone: Community Day | Saturday, 10th October 11am – 4pm
The programme opens with A Place for Everyone: Community Day at the Peace Campus, a free family-friendly event celebrating creativity, culture, belonging and community. Visitors can enjoy hands-on art workshops, sensory experiences, Minecraft activities, live music, museum tours and a variety of interactive experiences throughout the building. Activities include the Rossmore in Minecraft Exploration Lab, clay tile workshops exploring the theme of home, lace-inspired collage workshops, a sensory movement space, community art projects and pop-up museum tours led by gallery guides. Representatives from An Garda Siochana and Monaghan Fire Service will also be in attendance throughout the day. As part of the celebrations, Foroige will mark World Mental Health Day through its “Wear Green to Be Seen” campaign, encouraging visitors to wear green and take part in a positive conversation about mental health, wellbeing and community support.
Documentary Screening | Sunday, 11th October from 6pm
Join us in Iontas, Castleblayney for a special screening of How to Defuse a Bomb, a powerful documentary exploring peace-building, reconciliation and the human stories behind conflict resolution. Presented in association with Blayney Blades, the screening offers an opportunity to reflect on themes of conflict, community and understanding, followed by discussion and community engagement.
The Unfinished Broadside | Monday, 12th October 7.30pm
Monaghan County Museum, in partnership with Bready Ulster Scots, will present The Unfinished Broadside at the Peace Campus. The free performance combines drama, music, song and dance to tell the story of John Dunlap, the Irish-born printer who played a role in producing the Declaration of Independence. The production explores the connections between Ireland, Scotland and America through an engaging mix of history, storytelling and performance. This event has been grant aided by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport through the Commemorations Unit marking America’s 250th anniversary.
NYPD Gaelic Football Club Exhibition Match | Tuesday, 13th October from 12noon
Also not to be missed is a unique NYPD Gaelic Football Club Exhibition Match at St. Tiernach’s Park, Clones. The afternoon begins with a Cross-Community Children’s Blitz at 12 noon, bringing young people together through sport, friendship and fun in the spirit of Project Children, before the NYPD Gaelic Football Club takes on An Garda Síochána’s Louth-Cavan-Monaghan Divisional GAA Team in a special exhibition match at 1pm. Taking place ahead of the launch of Project Children: The Legacy later that evening, the event celebrates the enduring friendships and transatlantic connections fostered through Project Children over the past five decades. This complimentary event is open to everyone and promises a memorable afternoon of community spirit, sporting entertainment and celebration.
Project Children: The Legacy Book Launch | Tuesday, 13th October from 4.30pm
The programme concludes with the launch of Project Children: The Legacy, a new book by author Jane Buckley. Based on four years of interviews with former participants, parents, host families, coordinators and volunteers, the 600-page publication captures the experiences and memories of those whose lives were touched by Project Children. Featuring more than 150 photographs, the book provides a lasting record of one of the most significant peace-building and humanitarian initiatives to emerge from the Troubles.
From 4.30pm, visitors are welcome to Monaghan Library at The Peace Campus, where they can purchase the book, meet Jane Buckley and have copies signed. The official launch and celebratory programme begins at 7.00pm, bringing together Project Children participants, supporters and special guests for an evening of reflection, storytelling and entertainment, celebrating the enduring legacy of the programme.
In addition to these headline events, the programme includes special documentary screenings and guided tours of the Project Children Stories exhibition at Monaghan County Museum, offering further opportunities for visitors to explore the personal stories, memories and legacy of Project Children.
Looking ahead to the autumn series of events, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr Aidan Campbell commented: “Building on the success of last year’s 50th anniversary commemorations and the ongoing partnership between Project Children and Monaghan County Council, I am delighted to see this exciting series of October events about to get underway. From community celebrations and cultural events to sport, storytelling and shared experiences, the programme offers something for everyone. I encourage people from across Monaghan and beyond to join us this October as we celebrate the enduring legacy of Project Children and the friendships it continues to inspire.”
Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, added: “Monaghan County Council is proud to continue its partnership with Project Children through this programme of legacy events. Through exhibitions, performances, documentary screenings, community activities, the annual football game in Clones and the launch of a significant new publication, we are creating opportunities for people to engage with an important chapter in our shared history. These events recognise not only the impact Project Children had on individuals and families, but also its contribution to building understanding, friendship and lasting relationships across communities and generations.”
We invite everyone to join us for this special programme of events celebrating the enduring legacy of Project Children. All events are free to attend, and we look forward to welcoming you to share in these stories of friendship, understanding and peace.
Some events require pre-registration. Further information and the full programme are available at: https://monaghan.ie/museum/project-children/