National
Heritage
Week 2017
19-27 Aug

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Journey

through time...

Visit an old farmhouse and discover how rural communities lived in times past

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Enjoy

a live music session...

The Dún na Sí branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann hosts regular sessions at the Teach Ceoil

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Learn

about life long ago...

At Dún na Sí experience what learning was like in a hedge school

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See the

disappearing lake...

The Turlough at Dún na Sí Amenity Park appears in the winter then disappears for the summer months.

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Where

legends come alive...

Meet the ancient Irish warrior Lugh who with his magic spear, stands guard over Dún na Sí

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Find

your ancestors...

Westmeath Genealogy can help you trace your family roots in the Midlands

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Visit

a blacksmith's forge...

Rediscover the crafts and trades from Ireland's past

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Discover

art in the park...

The Dún na Sí Amenity Parks unique blend of nature and art will surprise and delight the visitor

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Explore

the roots of Irish music...

Scéal An Tradisiúin' is a unique exhibition that tells the story of Traditional Irish Music, Song and Dance...

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Step inside

the Fisherman's cottage...

Learn about the life of fisherman and their families on Irelands midland lakes and rivers

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Find out

who saved traditional Irish music...

Visit the Scéal exhibition at Dún na Sí to learn the story of traditional Irish music song and dance

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Walk in

wild nature...

At Dún na Sí Amenity Park take time out and enjoy a stroll in untamed natural surroundings

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Art in the park

This is a new competition which is open to second level students. Its objective is to create sculptural pieces from a range of materials suitable for display in Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park.

Scéal Exhibition

Scéal An Tradisiúin’ is a unique exhibition that tells the story of Traditional Irish Music, Song and Dance, from the ancient instruments of the Celts right through to the phenomenon that is Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann today.

Westmeath Genealogy

Dún Na Sí is the designated genealogical centre for County Westmeath. We are affiliated to the Irish Family History Foundation and we carry out ancestral research helping you to trace your family roots in the midlands.

Comhaltas

The Moate Branch of Comhaltas was formed in 1967 by a small group of dedicated traditional Irish musicians and enthusiasts. In 1985 the Teach Cheoil in Dún Na Sí was officially opened.

There's more to explore at Dún na Sí...

Heritage Park
Farm House
Farm House

Farm House

Farming has been an important way of life in County Westmeath for many centuries. A typical farmer’s house in the 19th century was solidly built of local materials and had a long rectangular shape with an outside stairs and a byre at the end to house the animals. The shape of the house was dictated by a superstition that said, in order for a house to be ʻlucky’, it should only be one room wid
Heritage Park
Blacksmith's Forge
Blacksmith's Forge

Blacksmith's Forge

Up to the middle of the 20th century, communities in rural Ireland were largely self sufficient. Most foodstuffs, clothes, furniture and farming implements being locally produced. In this rural economy the blacksmith and his forge played a vital role. He not only shod horses, ponies and donkeys as a farrier, but he made and repaired cart axles, wheel rims, scythes, sickles and spades. The blacksm
Heritage Park
Fisherman's Cottage
Fisherman's Cottage

Fisherman's Cottage

Westmeath is known as the Lake County. With almost 22,000 acres covered by water, it is not surprising that fishing has always played an important part in the life of its people. Whether to supplement their diet or sell at the local market, generations of fishermen have worked the lakes and rivers of Westmeath over the centuries. The lakes of Westmeath include Lough Ree on the River Shannon, Loug
Heritage Park
Lugh's Spear
Lugh's Spear

Lugh's Spear

The highest point of the heritage park is dedicated to ‘Lugh’, an Irish God of the distant past, whose large sculpted head and spear we see emerging from the hill side. In Irish and Celtic folklore Lugh (or Lú) is known as a High King or hero.  As a young man Lugh went to Tara to join the court of King Nuada of the Tuatha Dé Danann but the doorkeeper would not let him pass unless he had a
Heritage Park
Hedge School
Hedge School

Hedge School

Under the Penal Laws of the 18th century, Catholic schools were forbidden. To ensure that their children would receive an education, the people of rural Ireland turned to wandering scholars who taught in what became known as Hedge Schools. Sometimes classes took place in the shelter of a ditch. More commonly however, a temporary structure would be created from wooden poles and bracken, with straw
Amenity Park
Sponsorship
Sponsorship

Sponsorship

Go Raibh Míle Maith Agaibh Go Léir Dún na Si Amenity and Heritage Park Association is indebted to Westmeath Community Development under the Rural Development (Leader) Programme 2007-2013 and to Westmeath County Council. Over €200,000 has been raised locally through Corporate Sponsorship, Raffle of a Heifer, Keep it Country Concert, Family Fun Days, Tree Adoption, Silence of the Lambs, Golf
Amenity Park
Adopt a Tree
Adopt a Tree

Adopt a Tree

A distinct characteristic of the Dún na Sí Amenity Park is its Native Irish tree population. Substantial planting of native softwood and hardwood trees was carried out during the development stages and these trees now lend the park a healthy vibrant atmosphere which will be enjoyed by all, for many generations to come. The cost of developing a park of such quality is substantial, and the total e
Amenity Park
Explore Science
Explore Science

Explore Science

Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park is a unique conservation, education and ecological site located in the Midlands adjacent to the Mullingar- Athlone Greenway. The Parkland consists of nature trails, native Irish Woodland areas, wildlife meadows, a bird-hide overlooking the Wetlands area and a Turlough or disappearing lake. In 2010 a feasibility study on the Park recognised the uniqueness of t
Amenity Park
CaToCa Tea Rooms
CaToCa Tea Rooms

CaToCa Tea Rooms

CaToCa Fine Food and Giftware pride ourselves on serving great quality teas and coffee along with our artisan and home-baked produce which is fresh, local, wild and, where possible, organic. The menu at our Tea Rooms offers customers a range of options including home-made quiches, wraps, panninis and luxury cakes. The menus include vegetarian, celiac and family friendly options, carefully prepare
Amenity Park
Art in the Park
Art in the Park

Art in the Park

Art in the Park is a competition which is open to second level students. Its objective is to create sculptural pieces from a range of materials suitable for outdoor display in Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage park, Moate, Co. Westmeath.  Five specially designed Art in the Park gardens will be home to the winning pieces. The pieces will then be returned and located either at the school or in the

Visit the Scéal Exhibition at the Teach Cheoil

Scéal An Tradisiúin’ is a unique exhibition that tells the story of Traditional Irish Music, Song and Dance, from the ancient instruments of the Celts right through to the phenomenon that is Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann today. 

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Supported by Westmeath Community Development under the Rural Development (LEADER) Programme 2007-13

Contact

Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park
Moate
Co. Westmeath
Ireland
Eircode: N37 P271

Phone:+353 (0)90 648 1183
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.