Live Performances Return to Macroom with the Official Opening of The Briery Gap Theatre and Library
The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll together with Minister of State, Colm Burke TD and Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell have cut the ribbon for the official opening of The Briery Gap Theatre and Library (Saturday the 21st of September 2024).
The site, which is positioned in the heart of the town, was home to the Palace Cinema for more than 30 years, until it was purchased by Cork County Council in 1987 and underwent a major refurbishment before re-opening as a library, theatre and cinema in 2000. However, the building was closed following a fire in May 2016.
The €9 million project, which was funded by Cork County Council together with grants from the Department of Community and Rural Development and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, was completed by Cumnor Construction in May of this year.
The building’s façade is modern in its design and construction, incorporating natural buff clay bricks, high quality stone and bronze aluminium windows. It consists of a library at ground floor level, a 215-seater auditorium, bar and upgraded backstage support facilities. A state-of-the-art audio-visual system as well as energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems form part of the contemporary theatre and library complex.
The new library is a bright, vibrant and accessible space with comfortable seating and ample study space as well as a large collection of books, audiobooks and DVDs. The library features a woodland themed children’s area with a treehouse reading nook and an expanded shared events space upstairs to host library groups and activities.
Mayor
Mayor Carroll said, “The Briery Gap Theatre and Library have long played an important role for the people of Macroom and its hinterland; providing cultural, educational, and social space for the community. Today, we see that legacy continue, but in an enhanced way – through this beautiful, modern, and welcoming space that is ideally positioned in the centre of Macroom and which is accessible to all.”
Minister of State, Colm Burke TD said, “I am delighted to be attending the official opening of The Briery Gap Theatre and Library in Macroom. The building and development of this important cultural facility is a welcome boost for Macroom and the wider area, which will no doubt be enjoyed local residents, whilst at the same time also attracting tourists. I would like to acknowledge and thank my colleague Minister Heather Humphreys and her Department in providing €2 million in funding for the project.”
Moira Murrell
Chief Executive
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell added, “Macroom has seen huge transformation over the past couple of years with the new N22 Macroom to Baile Bhuirne bypass, more than €8 million euro in Rural Regeneration and Development Funding awarded to support the town’s redevelopment and plans for enhanced active travel measures underway. The new library and theatre forms part of a broader strategy to ensure the town remains a vibrant and sustainable hub of culture, business, and community life. This project is also central to Macroom’s status as a Gaeltacht Service Town. The library and theatre can and will play a pivotal role in supporting the promotion of the Irish language and culture, creating spaces where our heritage is celebrated, and our language thrives.”
Over the coming months, The Briery Gap Theatre will present a range of exciting performances, gigs and films including a Monday night cinema programme. The theatre programme will offer local drama and professional productions starting with ‘The Dead Letter Office’ by Mary Lou McCarthy on the 18th of October while Cork musician John Spillane is one of the highlights of the season. More information is available on www.brierygap.ie
Macroom Library plays host to a variety of events, groups, class visits from local schools and activities that create a sense of shared experience and belonging locally. The Macroom Purlies, an animated group of knitting enthusiasts meet weekly while Ciorcal Cainte and Irish Conversations are two Irish language Comhrá groups who meet to practice their cúpla focail in a comfortable space. Other regular events include a monthly music morning with the Gramophone Circle, adult book club, creative writing group, Chess Group, and many more.