Creative Ireland support for Dún Na Sí

Dún Na Sí Heritage and Amenity Park is planning to enhance its Scéal exhibition thanks to support from Creative Ireland.
The Scéal exhibition tells the story of traditional Irish music, song and dance through the ages.
The exhibition uses information boards and traditional music instruments which have been donated on loan to complete with its own Museum of Musical Instruments, 'Scéal' also highlights the significant contribution of musicians from the Midlands to the tradition down through the years.
Included in the museum are bagpipes from famous Walderstown musician Willie Reynolds, who was one of the founder members of Comhaltas Ceoiltoiri Eireann as well as accordions played by the late Frank Bracken, who had the vision for the Teach Ceoil located on site in Dún Na Sí.

 

The Teach Ceoil is the centre for activities including seisiúns, céilithe and classes in various forms of Irish culture, including traditional music, set dancing, sean-nós dancing, céilí dancing, singing and the Irish language.
At the museum, there are also accordions and medals from local man Willie Adamson and a banjo played by Billy Whelan, another well-known figure in the world of traditional Irish music.
Thanks to support from the Creative Ireland programme, Dún Na Sí now boasts a state-of-the-art audio visual system which plays traditional music and relevant broadcasts on a loop.
It's hoped in the coming days to add visual elements to the media output, including footage of previous Fleadh Cheoil
The Scéal exhibition is open every day from March to the end of October. Access to the heritage park area is available through reception at the restaurant in the amenity park.
Admission to the entire heritage park costs €8 for adults, €20 for families and €4 for children. Group rates and family season membership are also available.
Admission to the amenity park is free.
Dún na Sí is also the designated Genealogy Research Centre for Westmeath where a team under the supervision of geneaologist Bernie Norris assist visitors in tracing their ancestors.