Louder Voices Workshop with Luke Clerkin in collaboration with Rialto Youth Project & National Museum of Ireland Collins Barracks

Louder Voices - Mental Health & Songwriting Workshop invites young people into a unique creative journey that begins within the historic setting of the National Museum of Ireland Collins Barracks. Participants will first take part in a guided “music trail” through the museum, exploring the rich and often unexpected history of music in Ireland - from traditional instruments to the cultural role of song in storytelling, resistance and identity.

This immersive experience sets the stage for the workshop itself, where participants are encouraged to reflect on their own voices and experiences. Led by experienced facilitator Luke Clerkin, Louder Voices creates a safe and supportive space for young people to explore mental health, self-expression, and connection through songwriting. Through collaborative exercises and guided prompts, participants will develop lyrics, share stories, and begin crafting their own original songs.

At a time when young people are navigating increasing pressures and uncertainty, this workshop offers both a creative outlet and a sense of belonging. By linking personal storytelling with Ireland’s wider musical heritage, Louder Voices aligns with the Songlines of the City festival theme - tracing how songs carry emotion, memory, and identity across time and place, and how new voices can shape the cultural landscape of today.