Historic Gaelic Kerry theatre saved by council buy-out amid hopes of cultural revival

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

Kerry County Council has bought a historic theatre in the county’s main Gaeltacht area in a bid to revive it as a “thriving centre of creativity and activity”.

Teach Siamsa na Carraige, in Baile na nGall on the Dingle Peninsula, was acquired by the council for €250,000.

One of the National Folk Theatre of Ireland’s two Tithe Siamsa in the county, the theatre was put on sale by Siamsa Tire in 2024.

Purpose-built in a vernacular thatch style, the building has functioned as a cornerstone of dance and song, and as a training feeder centre for local traditional talent.

Kerry TD Michael Cahill paid tribute to the government and to Kerry County Council for their work in acquiring the site, describing it as a “hugely positive step” for the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht and the wider cultural life of Kerry.

“Teach Siamsa na Carraige holds a very special place in the cultural memory of west Kerry. This funding ensures that a building which once played a vital role in nurturing Irish-language arts and traditional talent can once again become a vibrant focal point for the community,” he said.

“Kerry County Council deserve enormous credit for their proactive approach and for working closely with the local community to ensure this important site is protected and repurposed for future generations.”

Fr Pat Ahern established the Siamsa Tíre structure over 50 years ago, with theatre headquarters in Tralee and a Teach Siamsa in Finuge also.

The company was created to promote Irish culture to future generations and revive lost stories, poetry and songs.

However, recently the Siamsa Tíre has experienced cut backs with the selling of the Teach Siamsa na Carraige and the suspension of all non-profit making productions in 2023.

The re-acquisition of the Baile na nGall theatre was announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary, supported by €250,000 in funding under the 2025 Town and Village Renewal scheme.

Minister Norma Foley said she worked closely with Minister Calleary on securing the building and renewing it as a centre of Irish culture and language.

“This funding of €250,000 will transform Teach Siamsa na Carraige into a multi-purpose Arts Centre, providing a diverse programme of activities through the Irish language,” she said.

Acting CEO of the Board of Management at Siamsa Tire, Nicola Hopcroft, previously confirmed to The Kerryman that they were not looking to sell Teach Finuge.

“Our plans are to increase the activities in Teach Finuge, working closely with the North Kerry Community,” she said.