The theme for Irish Refugee Week 2026 is ‘Courage’

Refugee Week Ireland celebrates these everyday acts of courage by individuals, families, and groups across Ireland. Through sharing music, food, conversation, and learning, among others, it recognises the courage it takes to seek protection and the courage it takes to be welcoming.

Simple acts of courage and continually showing up for one another. Inviting someone new to the men’s shed or GAA practice, offering directions, or a smile. These seemingly small acts of courage multiplied bring us closer and help us work together to build the Ireland all deserve.

Courage can bring people together, bridges divides and stands in solidarity. Let’s show our local pride to make Ireland a welcoming and safe place for everyone.

Refugee Week Waterford 2026 is a countywide programme celebrating culture, community, storytelling, and the many experiences that shape life in Waterford today.

Waterford Libraries working in partnership with Buíon Phort Láirge’s Community Connection Project and Refugee Resettlement Programme, have organised a programme of events and activities that bring together libraries, artists, families, schools, community groups and local residents through books, film, conversation, and shared experiences.

This year’s theme, “Courage in Our World, Our Culture & In Our Lives”, invites people across Waterford to reflect on identity, belonging, migration, resilience, language, traditions and community life through stories and creative expression.

Events and activities happening in Waterford Libraries for Refugee Week 2026 include:

• Thursday 11 June – Ardkeen Library @ 11.00 – Story Sack Workshop – 5 – 8-year-olds – Free but booking essential at Ardkeen Library.
• Thursday 11 – Tuesday 30 June – Lismore Library – Anti-Racism Month Schools Competition: Exhibition of winning poetry and artwork.
• Saturday 13 June – Central Library @ 11.00 – Story Time.
• Monday 15 June – Central Library @ 15.00 Launch of Women’s Visual Voices Exhibition. Refreshments. All welcome.
• Monday 15 June – Central Library @ 15.00 Refugee Week Ireland 2026 Launch, open mic & opening of ‘Daring to Fly’ collaborative artwork.
• Tuesday 16 June – Dunmore East Library @ 10.30 – Story Time.
• Wednesday 17 June – Lismore Library @ 11.00 – Story Time.
• Wednesday 17 June – Brown’s Road Library @ 14.30 – Story Time.
• Wednesday 17 June – Central Library @ 17.30 – Community Film Screening.
• Saturday 20 June – Ardkeen Library @ 10.30 – Story Time.
• Saturday 20 June – Central Library @ 11.00- Story Time.
• County wide book displays celebrating culture and diversity at Ardkeen, Dungarvan, Brown’s Road, Lismore, and Central Libraries.