Outdoor Cinema at Con Smith Park, Cavan Town

Teach Oscail Family Resource Centre marks its 25th anniversary in the most community-spirited way possible: a free afternoon in the park with films, circus skills, and no tickets required. On Friday 22 August 2026, Con Smith Park in Cavan town becomes an open-air venue for the whole family - and with Shrek and Sonic the Hedgehog on the bill, there is very little chance of a restless child. It suits all ages, costs nothing, and the park setting on Cathedral Road means there is room to spread out and enjoy the day.

What to expect

The programme runs from 3pm and is built around two circus skills workshops - one at 3pm and another at 5:30pm - before the films start. So even before a frame of animation appears, the afternoon already has something going on. The circus workshops give children (and adventurous adults) a chance to try juggling, balancing or whatever tricks the instructors bring with them.

Shrek and Sonic the Hedgehog are the confirmed screenings. Both are crowd-pleasers that work equally well for younger children and parents who have sat through both films more times than they can count. The event is free and open to the general public - no registration, no tickets.

Bring a blanket or low chair. Con Smith Park is a grassy open space, so comfort is in your own hands. August evenings in Cavan can turn cool once the sun drops, so a layer is worth packing. The event is weather-dependent, as outdoor screenings in Ireland always are - check the Teach Oscail social pages or thisiscavan.ie close to the date if the forecast looks uncertain.

Getting there

Con Smith Park sits on Cathedral Road in Cavan town, roughly a 10-minute walk from the town centre. Cavan is served by Bus Eireann routes from Dublin, Monaghan, Donegal and surrounding towns, with the main bus stops a short walk from the park. If you are driving, Cavan town has several public car parks within easy reach of Cathedral Road. The park itself is open ground, so accessibility on flat terrain is generally straightforward.

While you’re in Cavan

Cavan town is compact and easy to explore on foot. The Cavan County Museum is a short drive away in Ballyjamesduff if you want to extend the trip, and the town centre has plenty of cafes and restaurants for a meal before the evening screenings. There is more to see in Cavan and across Co. Cavan.

Good to know

• Date: Friday 22 August 2026, from 3pm
• Price: Free - no tickets required
• Circus skills workshops at 3pm and 5:30pm
• Films: Shrek and Sonic the Hedgehog
• Venue: Con Smith Park, Cathedral Road, Cavan, Co. Cavan
• Organised by Teach Oscail Family Resource Centre (25th anniversary event)
• Check thisiscavan.ie or teachoscailfrc.ie for updates
• Outdoor event - weather dependent; bring a blanket or chair