| Sliabh Luachra - Bruach na Carraige
 
In the west of Duhallow is the region anciently known as Sliabh Luachra - which is known for its treasures of poetry, dance and music - particularly its music. With assistance from IRD Duhallow and of LEADER funding, the Bruach na Carraige centre in Rockchapel was established in 1998, which is a celebration of Irish music and culture as expressed in the authentic style of Sliabh Luachra traditions. The development of this unique Auditorium, Culture and Interpretative Centre is recognised at home and abroad as a centre of authentic pure traditional music, song, dance and general culture. This traditional style building is capable of holding 100 people for events such as concerts, lectures, classes and workshops. It also has an exhibition area which is used as an interpretative centre with a full archive and library.
For more information please visit: www.sliabhluachra.com
Glen Theatre, Banteer
 
Originally Banteer National School, the Glen Theatre is a community owned, community developed and community run theatre that provides a valuable outlet for the people of Banteer and the Duhallow area.
In the mid 90’s a locally formed Committee decided to purchase the old derelict, Banteer National School building, which was originally built in 1841. The building had ceased to be used as a school in 1975 and was in fact used as a cow shed by a local farmer until 1994 when the committee purchased the facility at a cost of £25,000. With assistance from IRD Duhallow and LEADER funding the local committee undertook the mammoth task of restoring the building. The renovation work was carried out in the style suitable to the old building, restoring the original work of the walls, repairing the roof using original old slates and using the original old floorboards to construct the stage.
The venue can house up to 130 people with seating for 110 people and is used extensively for live music events and other family entertainment shows as well as local community and voluntary groups such as Banteer Drama Group and has played host to many Irish Artists such as Don Baker, Philip Donnelly, Irish Weavers, Eleanor McEvoy, Mick Hanly etc. The venue has shown itself to be a major asset to the Banteer community and with all the major expenditure paid for, the project is highly sustainable as a community asset for use and enjoyment of all for the future years to come.
For more information please visit: www.glentheatre.ie
Laharn Heritage Centre/Crossroads Dancing
 
In the small rural village of Laharn, the Local Community Action Group with financial assistance from IRD Duhallow under the LEADER Programme, took on the task of converting the old national school into a cultural and heritage centre. The centre serves as a centre for both young and old to participate in the local cultural activities such as dance, storytelling, singing, drama and other similar activities. It also provides a venue for community meetings and training programmes.
Laharn Cross is also famous for it's open air crossroads dancing where traditional ceilí dances are performed to live music and are suitable for people of all ages. Dancing at the crossroads takes place each Sunday night at 8pm throughout the summer months. Laharn Cross has a proud tradition of cross roads dancing with evidence of this tradition taking place in this very location as far back as the early 1900's. At that time, local musicians would play for scores of people who either walked or cycled to gather at Laharn Cross and enjoy music and dancing and also as some has described it; a little bit of match making! The Crossroads Dancing will resume at Laharn Cross on 30th May 2010.
Find the Dancing at the Crossroads Brochure below:
Dancing at the crossroads brochure(front)
Dancing at the crossroads brochure(reverse)
Millstreet Community Museum
Millstreet Community Museum is a must see for visitors to the Duhallow area providing a history of the region. The museum carries an extensive range of slides, photographs, audio and video tapes of recent local events. The centre also incorporates a busy Tourist Information Centre, providing tourism brochures along with regular guided tours of the town and the surrounding area.
For more information call 029-70844
Freemount Heritage Centre
This is a culture centre found in Freemount village. The centre plays host to many community events including exhibitions, classes and meetings but it is probably most famous for hosting the Round the Fireside music session during July and August which is broadcast live on local radio 103FM County Sound.
Duhallow Pipe Bands
The Duhallow region is famous for its Pipe Bands. Millstreet, Cullen and Newmarket Pipe Bands are nationally and internationally renowned for their music and marches. In 2009 Millstreet Pipe Band marked its 50th year leading the Rose of Tralee.
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