President to open new space at seamus ennis centre

The President, Michael D Higgins will officially open a new outdoor performance area, Gairdín an Phíobaire (The Pipers Garden), at the Seamus Ennis Arts Centre in Naul this weekend. The President's visit will take place on Saturday 11th July at 2pm.

The Séamus Ennis Centre is situated in the picturesque village of Naul in rural North Co Dublin. The organisation was established in 2001 to celebrate the life and music of the late piper and archivist Séamus Ennis and also promote and develop the arts at a local, regional and national level. Thanks to investment from Fingal County Council, the Centre has recently undergone a major redevelopment with the building of a new performance area and offices. The Piper's Garden was designed to offer new opportunities for musicians and artists to perform and showcase the artistic talent in the Fingal area and beyond.

The SEAC organise and host music performances, cultural events, exhibitions, sessions, workshops and comedy events. In the past year, the centre has staged over 112 concerts and cultural events with over 20,000 people from across Ireland and beyond visiting our centre. Artists Thomas Ryan RHA and James English RHA have exhibited in the gallery in the last year and musicians such as Eddi Reader, Lunas, Damian Dempsey, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Donal Lunny, Julie Fowlis and Mary Coughlan have all appeared on the Séamus Ennis stage over the past number of years.

Sean Paul O’Hare, director of The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre, said: “It is a huge honour and privilege for our board, staff, patrons and the people of Naul to welcome President, Michael D Higgins to open Gairdín an Phíobaire.

This space is a unique and creative place where musicians, visual artists, craft makers, storytellers and community organisations can enjoy performing or creating events that bring people together in a rural setting. We also hope this unique rural performance space will become an iconic venue attracting the very best of musical talent.”

The event will feature a speech from President Higgins and a performance from Liam Ó Maonlaí and his all-star band, Ré. Guests on the day will include local TDs and Councillors, MEPs, the Mayor of Fingal, Fingal county councillors and the representatives from the Art Council, SEAC Patrons and Friends. Later that evening Ré, will perform an outdoor show as part of the SEAC Summer Season, with special guest, Bernadette Morris.