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Arts
Culture and tradition are central to Kiltimagh - the famous blind poet, Anthony Raftery was born
in this area. Raftery is one of Ireland's great folk poets whose work
lingered orally until transcribed by Douglas Hyde, Ireland's
first president, at the turn of the century. The Town
Hall Theatre has undergone recent renovations to provide the charming
and cosy 200-seat theatre we have today. It
hosts many dramas and operas, enhancing Kiltimagh's
reputation as a cultural centre. With a first class sound
system it also acts as an ideal Conference Venue. Adjacent to
the Town Hall Theatre is a self-contained apartment where visiting national
and international artists of all disciplines may reside and work in
co-operation with the local arts office.
Heritage
Both the 8th century cell and 12th century parish church (originally
thatched), were restored some years ago, where possible, using the original
stone. A short distance from Kiltimagh is the privately owned Killedan House, where the poet Raftery
worked in his youth. The recently restored 19th century school now
displays the remaining artefacts from the old
national schools in the area. At one time, the blacksmith provided
one of the most important services to the town. The latest working
forge in Kiltimagh closed in 1989. In 1993 it was restored to its
present state as a museum displaying the tools and implements of the
blacksmith.
The line of beech trees at the top of a hill, dominate the skyline
and allow Lios Ard to
be seen from all access roads. Located on private property this is a
particularly good example of a fairy fort and its local name, Ard Rí (high King), indicates
that it may have housed nobility at one time. Also here is the oak
tree where Raftery was reputed to have been
offered the gift of poetry or music by the fairies - he opted for poetry.
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