Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich |
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Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich logo
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Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich
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| General information | |
| Type | Theatre, Concert hall, Art Gallery, Conference venue |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| Address | 216 Falls Road, Belfast The Gaeltacht Quarter Belfast, BT12 6AH |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Coordinates | 54°35′33″N 5°57′41″W / 54.592465°N 5.961260°W |
| Inaugurated | 17 February 1991 |
| Renovated | 2010–2011 |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 4 |
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich (also called An Chultúrlann) is a special place in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It's a cultural centre where people can learn about and enjoy the Irish language. You can find it on the Falls Road, Belfast, in an area known as The Gaeltacht Quarter.
This centre first opened its doors in 1991. It was updated and made even better in 2010-2011. The then Irish President, Mary McAleese, officially reopened it. Inside, you'll find an art gallery, a theatre, a restaurant, a bookshop, and spaces for meetings. Lots of people visit An Chultúrlann every year to experience Irish culture.
Contents
Discovering Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich
How the Centre Began
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich started in 1991. It was set up in a building that used to be the Broadway Presbyterian Church. The centre is named after two important people. One was Robert Shipboy MacAdam, a businessman from the 1800s who helped bring back the Irish language. The other was Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich, a Gaelic scholar from the 1900s.
Early Days and Growth
One of the people who helped start the centre was Gearóid Ó Cairealláin. He also created Raidió Fáilte, an Irish language radio station that broadcast from the building. Another group, Aisling Ghéar, a theatre company, also made their home there.
An Chultúrlann was also the first home for Coláiste Feirste. This was Northern Ireland's very first secondary school where all lessons were taught in Irish. It started with just nine students! Later, the school moved to a bigger building nearby.
Modern Updates and Reopening
In 2010, An Chultúrlann announced big plans to make the building even better. Many groups helped pay for these updates, including the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. The work finished in 2011.
Irish president Mary McAleese came back to reopen the centre on September 19, 2011. This celebrated 20 years since it first opened. The updates cost about £1.9 million. They added an exciting new exhibition area and an art gallery. This gallery is named after a local artist, Gerard Dillon. The Irish language bookshop, An Ceathrú Póilí, and the restaurant, Bia, were also made new.
What You Can Find Inside
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich is home to many different groups and spaces. They all help share Irish language and culture.
- Gerard Dillon Gallery – This is an art gallery where you can see amazing artworks.
- Siobhán McKenna Theatre – A place for plays, concerts, and other performances.
- An Ceathrú Póilí – An Irish language bookshop where you can find books and more.
- Na Ballaí Bána – Another gallery space for exhibitions.
- An Taiscumar – An interactive exhibition where you can learn in a fun way.
- Bia – The centre's restaurant, perfect for a meal or snack.
- Aisling Ghéar – A theatre company that creates exciting shows.
- Nós – An Irish language magazine.
- Tobar Productions – A company that makes TV shows.
Past Residents
Some groups started at An Chultúrlann before moving on or changing.
- Raidió Fáilte – The Irish language radio station.
- Coláiste Feirste – The first Irish language secondary school.
- Lá / Lá Nua – A former daily newspaper in Irish.
