Sliabh Luachra, spanning the Cork Kerry & Limerick border, has always been central to Irish cultural history. It was here that the Fianna legends were located; some of the earliest Christian settlements in the country lie within the region; and the works of its poets, such as Aoghan O' Raithaile and Eoghan Rua O' Suilleabhain, define Bardic tradition in Gaelic cultural heritage.

Sliabh Luachra has always been famous for its music and the region acts as both as a reservoir and a primary source for authentic musical tradition.

A monument erected in Scartaglin commemorates the great fiddle player Padraig O Keeffe who came from the area. Some other famous musicians from the locality include, Den Tarrant, Denis Murphy, Julia Clifford, Tom Billy Murphy and Gerry McCarthy. During the traditional music and dance revival of the ‘sixties and seventies,’ Sliabh Luachra’s cultural ethos became (and remains) the dominant one, both at home and world-wide.

The village of Scartaglin has for centuries been central to this tradition, and its annual Fleadh Cheoil, now running for over thirty years, has become a Mecca for traditional music lovers nationally and internationally, who seek the authentic, un-commercialised musical heritage of mountain, valley and glen.

Potential now exists to develop Sliabh Luachra as a destination of cultural significance and a glimpse of the cultural and physical origins of some of the most important Sliabh Luachra musicians signifies this potential clearly. The significance of Sliabh Luachra as a cultural destination is unquestionable. Some of the musicians of Sliabh Luachra have influenced and continue to shape the musical development of the Irish people and others throughout the world. Our research indicates a willingness by the different rural development agencies responsible for parts of Sliabh Luachra, to come together for this purpose.

Building on the concept of the "Musical Landscape" it will be possible to enhance the potential for the development of both Scartaglin and Sliabh Luachra. While using Scartaglin as a base, visitors will be encouraged to travel through the entire region which will prolong their stay and improve the economic benefit to the region, derived from their stay. A walking or cycling route could be designed with accompanying brochures to enhance the concept of the Musical Landscape. This could visit sites such as Padraig O Keeffe’s house and school and link it with other developments planned for the area based on music (Rockchapel, Gneguilla). Integrated entertainment schedules could be organised, maximising the musical talent of the area and providing more realistic rewards for the musicians of the area.

Sliabh Luachra is well known within County Kerry but not well known by tourists or those from outside its cachement. Because of its musical associations and the annual hosting of Fleadh Ceoil, Scartaglin has established itself as a cultural centre of some importance in Ireland. An opportunity now exists to develop and market Scartaglin as the home of real Irish music, a genuine ‘grass roots’ un commercialised ‘national treasure’.

Research also clearly indicates that the proposed development should serve as a catalyst or focal point for the co-ordination of cultural activities / events in Sliabh Luachra as a whole, rather than simple marketing of a centre as a cultural destination.

In order to cater for the target markets and the target market segments outlined, and to achieve commercial viability, Tourism development International have recommended the establishment of a multi-dimentional cultural project. This project will encompass facilities which will cater for day to day visitors, students, academics and the local community. Evening entertainment should be developed on a phased basis.

The proposed cultural heritage centre for the village will give a structured and coherent expression to this authentic, traditional ethos by providing a resource centre for various activities and a focus point for the Sliabh Luachra region, of which Scartaglin is a natural cultural capital.

Scartaglin is a small intimate village situated a few hundred metres off the main Mallow/Castleisland road. The original village grew naturally around a central triangular field and most of its houses, both private and business, are of an average two-storey type dating from the turn of the century. It is a village of character and much care and attention has been given to the proposed cultural centre building, to ensure that it will integrate into the village, to the extent that it will look like a natural, organic part of the village as a whole.

Because of Scartaglin’s layout, with its abundance of open communal space; it is ideal for festivals. A large crowd can be absorbed on a big occasion, without loosing the village atmosphere. The cultural centre will be located on the same site as that occupied by a rather basic, outdated, village hall. There is an abundance of parking space around the building, and because it is located at the entrance to the village, some seventy five metres from the nearest residential property, there is little possibility of crowds at a concert causing annoyance or inconvenience to the local populace.

As with architecture, much care and consideration has been given to the proposed activities for the cultural centre. A careful balance will be struck between economic viability and over commercialisation. The primary intent has been to provide a heritage resource centre with archival, training and teaching facilities, of such quality that its reputation and authenticity will be its own best advertisement. Scartaglin has links with Siamsa Tire in teaching music, dance and drama to students from the Sliabh Luachra area.

Islandcomputers@tinet.ie