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Monday, December 24, 2007

Season's Greetings!

We have been working very hard this year to update the centre and get things running smoothly once again. Looking into 2008, we feel it will be a good year that will see much more change and growth in our facility, the village of Tulsk, and in the West and North West region as a whole.

Tulsk Writers group starts back Wednesday 9th January, and our next Craft & Holistic Fair is happening on Saturday the 12th January. The Writers Group is weekly (Wednesday mornings from 10 am to 12 noon) with occasional extra events, and the Fairs are monthly (second Saturday of every month). If you wish to be involved with either, please just give us a ring on 071 9639268, or an email: cruachanai (at) g mail (dot) com

Have an excellent Holiday, and we'll see you in 2008!

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Article published in Roscommon People, 07/12/2007

Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre, Tulsk, has seen changes this year. It has dramatically shifted from being primarily a tourist attraction, to being utilised as a true community centre; a focal point for events and services which are of genuine benefit to the people in the immediate area, and also the county as a whole.

The heritage centre is run under the auspices of Tulsk Action Group, a board of directors who volunteer their time to participate in the betterment of the area. Set up in 1992, the Tulsk Action Group has been tirelessly active in developing many projects from conception to completion. These include a 10 bed respite centre, and social housing initiatives, but the Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre is their flagship project. Funding has been gratefully received from Bord Fáilte and Ireland West Tourism, Roscommon County Council, Fás, the Arigna Leader, Clann Credo, the Heritage Council, and Pobal’s Community Service Project. With this backing Cruachan Aí was officially opened on 31st October 1999, and continues to upgrade regularly, directly employing 6 staff at present.

While remaining an important Roscommon tourist attraction by interpreting the Medieval and Celtic history of one of Europe’s oldest and largest unexplored Royal sites - the Rath Cruachan/Rathcroghan complex - the exhibition area is now seeing new life in it’s use as indoor space for a regular Holistic and Crafts Fair. On the second Saturday of every month, Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre invites us to participate in this remarkable event; a day which blends the best of Art and Crafts with a range of Holistic therapies to soothe the soul, and compliments the existing gift shop which is stocked with the same attention to quality. Previous stallholders have introduced us to personalised Bach Flower remedies, comforting Massage incorporating muscle relaxation with heady aromatherapy, Eastern Tantric philosophies, the gentle but effective art of Homeopathy, expertly hosted Group Meditation sessions with individual Readings to provide guidance to the troubled, and Reflexology to pamper tired toes - as well as unusual books, exquisite turned wooden pieces lovingly polished to enhance deep natural hues, and Bog Oak which has been carefully crafted to breathe fresh life and purpose into the ancient timbers of this land. The next Holistic & Craft Fair is to be held on Saturday 8th December, from 12 noon to 5pm, and new stallholders are always welcome. Door admission is free.

Another area in which we can see a huge turn around has been the café at Cruachan Aí. Since taking over the lease in September, chef Cathy O’Neill has committed to providing non-processed foods prepared totally on-site, and the “Illy” gourmet coffees are beyond compare! Fresh scones served with jam and cream, home made apple tart, and carrot cake options will prove a real test to any strong willed dieter, but the healthy options such as nourishing home-made soup with wheaten bread, rich beef stew, chicken curry, lasagne, shepherd’s pie, or the mouth watering honey chilli chicken combine to provide a range that will suit anyone’s taste. O’Neills Café is a welcoming and valuable addition to the entire area.

With regular weekly events such as the Writers Club on Wednesday from 10am - 12, Morning Meditation classes for stress management and relaxation, Massage Therapy days, and a full schedule of upcoming classes and workshops for both children and adults, why not send an email to cruachanai@gmail.com to be put on the mailing list so you will know what’s going on this week? Or, you can ring the Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre on 071 9651957. Better still, drop in for a coffee and a chat!

About Us

In the heartland of Connaught, a forgotten landscape is being brought to light in the Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre. Cruachan is one of the most important and best preserved Celtic Royal Sites in Europe, and the medieval village of Tulsk, Co. Roscommon is the setting for this award winning centre.

An amazing array of archaeological remains are located within a four mile radius of the centre, dating from pre-Stone Age to the historic period, and these are interpreted in our bright, modern exhibition rooms.

The legendary Cruachan was a Royal Palace, home of Medb (Meave) "she who intoxicates", Warrior Queen and Sovereign Earth Goddess. Fierce and proud, she was responsible for launching the famed Cattle raid of Cooley, as recounted in one of the greatest works of early Irish literature, the Táin Bó Cuailnge.

Cruachan was also the inauguration site and burial place of the Kings of Connacht, and location of one of the three famous feiseanna of Ireland.

~ Contact ~
http://www.cruachanai.com/
Tel: 00353 (0)71 9639268
Email: cruachanai@esatclear.ie

~ Heritage Centre Opening Hours ~
Mondays - Saturdays: 09.00 - 17.00
Sundays & Bank Holidays: Variable

OPEN ALL WINTER TOO!

Those of you who are interested in Ireland's rich and diverse Heritage, Celtic Culture, Medieval Discovery, the O'Connor Clan, Geneaology, County Roscommon and the Province of Connaught/Connacht, Ireland's (and possibly one of Europe's) longest and oldest complete epic tale - the Táin Bó Cuailgne or Cattle Raid of Cooley, and the greatest Celtic Warrior Queen/Goddess of Sovereignty that ever lived, Medb (Maeve or Maedbh).

.:. Café on Site .:.

O'Neills Café is set in a delightful, bright area of the centre serving a wide variety of teas and coffees. Open daily from 10am, serving delicious soups, rolls, sandwiches, salads and breakfasts as well as full meals. A selection of freshly baked scones, cakes and pastries are also available. The café provides a perfect place in which to relax and watch the wild ducks glide along the Ogulla River.

~ Café Opening Hours ~
Mondays – Fridays 10.00 – 16.00
Saturdays – 10.00 – 14.00
Sundays & Bank Holidays - Variable

~ Conference Facilities ~

Ideally located on the N5, Dublin to Westport, National Road. Conference facilities are available for small to medium sized groups. A fully serviced reception and our dedicated team of staff are available especially to provide you with all the assistance you need to achieve the very best for your business or private event. The conference room can be set to your specific requirements.

Cruachan Aí Conference room is also suitable for training courses and enjoys a quiet location. An alternative room is available for group work. Rates are per hour, half day or full day. Larger receptions and launches can be accommodated in our permanent exhibition galleries and auditorium overlooking the river and own private terrace.

Excellent in house catering is available through the restaurant, which can provide beverages, an assortment of light refreshments, buffets and meals to suit the occasion.