Once upon a time, in a land not far away but rather underneath our feet and all around us, there lived two beings who dreamed of creating a space for others to Explore, Be inspired, and Create and so they did.

The place they chose was patiently waiting for their arrival, having been neglected and forgotten for some time. It brought many happy memories to all who walked through its door over more than 100 years and was waking again from its slumber to give the next generation its knowledge and ancient heritage.

Many had dreamed a dream and created its reality there, and some had tried and were prevented by some dark force that lurked beyond the hills.

It was their time now, and they invited people to join them in their play. Musicians, Artists, Actors, Writers, Poets, Storytellers, young and old found a space to be creative and learn about their sense of place within the space.

The young who came grew and spread their wings. The older ones rejuvenated their imagination and created more. Those who needed a place “To Be” and find themselves took comfort in the gentle woods and garden, creating for themselves and no one else, reading from the walls their ancestors deeds

Awards were given, publications created and collaborated on, art exhibitions, creative events and dramatic endeavours too, and all pleased the beings greatly, but the smiles and laughter and watching adults remember how to play pleased them even more.

The space in this time opened its doors to 100,000 souls or more with even the appointed leader of the land gracing its rooms with his presence and noting that “Some of the young apprentices here today may well be the master craftspeople and artists of tomorrow” and so they are.

The dark force still lurks beyond the wall, but as long as there is laughter, joy, learning, and a  love of place and heritage, there it will remain.

https://president.ie/en/media-library/speeches/president-speaks-at-the-ardagh-heritage-and-creativity-centre-14th-march-20