Culture Night is to be extended to an all-island basis next year, the Dáil heard today.
The second year of the event, which took place on September 19th, saw galleries, museums and public buildings open their doors to up to 100,000 people across the country.
Dozens of venues in Dublin participated again but cities like Limerick, Galway, Cork and Waterford also took part for the first time.
Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen told the Dáil that plans were afoot to extend the 2009 Culture Night to other large towns in the Republic and to Northern Ireland.
Labour TD Mary Upton called for the event to be extended for more than one night.
Mr Cullen added: "The heartening thing is that the public has responded in such numbers to these type of events."
"The event is cost effective in terms of funding and has a momentum all of its own."
This year's events included painting classes at the National Gallery of Ireland, karaoke in Cork's Glucksman Gallery and giant board games and puppet shows at Limerick's City Library.
PA