A visit to Moate’s beloved heritage park, as told through a conversation with volunteer Olive Quinn and Irish Tourist Radio
There is a special kind of magic in places built by the community, for the community. Tucked away in the heart of Moate, County Westmeath, Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park is far more than a visitor attraction; it’s a living reminder of how community spirit, Irish tradition, and rural resilience can preserve history for future generations.
During a recent Irish Tourist Radio interview, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Olive Quinn, a dedicated volunteer, to hear the remarkable story of how a 27-acre ‘cow park’ transformed into one of Ireland’s most cherished heritage centres.
From a Cow Park to a Cultural Hub
The history of this land is as rich as the soil itself. Long before it became a heritage and cultural centre, Dún na Sí was once a ‘cow park’ land set aside by a wealthy landlord so the poor people of Moate could graze their donkeys and cows. In an era when even one animal could sustain a household, this shared land offered dignity as much as practical help.
That spirit of community support still echoes through Dún na Sí today.
The Birth of the Irish Music Centre
By 1965, the local branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann was looking for a home. Community groups approached the local council for land to establish an Irish music centre a place where traditional music, dance, and heritage skills could be passed on to younger generations.
Today, children still flock there for set dancing, sean-nós dancing, music classes, and cultural events, keeping Irish traditions alive in a hands-on, joyful way. As Olive noted, even her own grandchildren now attend classes there proof that Dún na Sí remains woven into family life across generations.
Preserving the ‘Old Ways’
Dún na Sí is more than just a park, it’s a living classroom. The centre once ran schemes to teach young people traditional trades like thatching and stone building, ensuring those skills weren’t lost to time.
One of the park’s standout highlights is its Rural Museum, considered one of Ireland’s most important collections of farming heritage. Many exhibits were collected by the late Jimmy Birmingham, who, while working for the ESB, would spot old horse-drawn plows in farmers’ fields and ask to preserve them. Passionate locals recognized that old farming tools and machinery were disappearing from the landscape, and rather than let Ireland’s agricultural story vanish, they collected these pieces of everyday history. Today, the museum tells the comprehensive story of Irish agriculture before the era of the tractor.
A Community Victory
Like many heritage sites, Dún na Sí has faced uncertainty. In 2008, rumors swirled that the land would be turned into a housing development. However, local passion won out. Led by figures like Frank Kelly, the community raised nearly €500,000 matched by government funding to develop the beautiful amenity park visitors enjoy today.
Their determination ensured that Dún na Sí remained not just open land, but a place where history, music, and memory could continue to thrive.
Visiting Dún na Sí Today
For visitors exploring Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Dún na Sí offers a wealth of experiences:
- Heritage Park and Museum exhibits
- Traditional Irish music and dance classes
- Family-friendly cultural events
- Local crafts and seasonal festivals
- Easy access to Moate’s cafés, pubs, and restaurants
Where to Eat & Drink in Moate
Olive has some fantastic local recommendations for visitors looking to make a full day of it:
- The Bastion Kitchen — Located right at the Dún na Sí centre
- Savoury Fare — Situated in the Tuar Ard Arts Centre
- The Grand Hotel — A classic Moate staple
- The Chipped Bean & The Pantry — Perfect for a lighter bite or coffee
- For a Pint: The Gap House, P. Egan’s (look for the two bikes outside!), Bo Allen’s, or the newly reopened Auld Shebeen
Pro Tip: Start your day with lunch at Tyrrellspass Castle, the perfect fuel for exploring the heritage of Westmeath!
Why Dún na Sí Matters
In Ireland, some of the most powerful travel experiences aren’t found in castles or headline attractions, they’re found in places like Dún na Sí, where ordinary land tells extraordinary stories. From grazing cows to preserving céilí culture, Dún na Sí is a testament to what happens when a community chooses to protect its past while inspiring its future.
For Irish Tourist Radio listeners planning to explore beyond Ireland’s major tourist routes, Moate’s Dún na Sí may just be one of the Midlands’ most meaningful stops.
Listen to the full interview below
