New performance space and auditorium at Cnoc na Gaoithe officially opens

The regeneration project restored a derelict site and building in the centre of Tulla and developed the facility that will further enhance and support the town’s rich music and cultural heritage.

The project received €900,000 in funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).

The Centre is situated in the heartland of East Clare, on top of the famous Hill of Tulla, an area renowned for traditional Irish music, song, and dance. The name ‘Cnoc na Gaoithe’ translates in English as the Windswept Hill, made famous by the late Kerry man Bryan MacMahon in his song ‘Lament for Tommy Daly’ in praise of the great Tulla and Clare goalkeeper, Dr Tommy Daly. The Sisters of Mercy donated the Tulla Convent and Primary School buildings to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in October 2011. These buildings were developed into the Cultural Centre, known as Cnoc na Gaoithe.

The latest project has seen the construction of a state-of-the-art multifunctional performance space and auditorium in the former school building. This is used by the community as a:

• Performance venue for concerts, dramatic productions, musicals and other events with seating for 150 patrons
• Dance hall for céilís, dance functions and other entertainment purposes for the community
• Venue to teach set dancing, Irish dancing and other types of dance to locals and visiting groups
• Sports venue for indoor sports, such as football, soft ball and badminton
• Venue for keep fit activities.

 

Externally, the overall proposal allowed for the restoration of an old orchard garden on site, together with other landscaping, parking facilities and new entrances. Dilapidated out-buildings and other redundant matter on site were also removed. In all, the works significantly enhance the public realm of the site which sits in a central part of the town.

Welcoming Minister Humphreys to Tulla, Cllr Tony O’Brien, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said: “As Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council and a Member of the Killaloe Municipal District, I am delighted to showcase this wonderful project at Cnoc na Gaoithe Tulla Comhaltas Cultural Centre. This current project is funded through the Department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund together with match funding from Tomar Trust, which supported the construction of a state-of-the-art multifunctional auditorium in the former school building. This is a fantastic performance venue for concerts, dramatic productions, musicals and more, with seating for 150 patrons.”

Chairperson of the Cnoc na Gaoithe Development Committee Breda McNamara says the facility allows them to meet the demands of the local community: “We are so delighted and grateful to the Department of Rural and Community Development for their support. The grant of €900,000, along with match funding from Tomar Trust, completed the restoration of all buildings and grounds of the former Convent of Mercy. We could not have achieved this without the ongoing support of the Minister who has followed our progress every step of the way. Huge thanks to Clare County Council, Rural and Community Department, Rural Development Directorate staff who partnered with us on this application, we could not have achieved this outcome without your support. Míle buíochas.”

 

Caption:

Caption:

Pictured at the official opening of the new multifunctional performance space and auditorium at Cnoc na Gaoithe, the Tulla Comhaltas Cultural Centre, on 24th September, 2022, were (l-r): Siobhán O’Reilly, Administrative Officer, Clare County Council; Breda McNamara, Chairperson, Cnoc na Gaoithe Development Committee; Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys TD; Cllr Tony O’Brien, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council; Bernadette Haugh, A/Senior Executive Officer, Clare County Council; and Frank Whelan, Regional Officer, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

Page last reviewed: 06/10/22

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