THE DOCK houses two dynamic organisations that are focused on the development of contemporary material and arts cultures, from home and abroad. The building houses Irelands best small Arts Centre and is home to Leitrim Design House.
Built circa 1824 to house the Carrick-on-Shannon Courthouse, the building was one of a large number of County Court buildings constructed in Ireland in the early part of the nineteenth century. It was designed by William Farrell in the classical style that was popular at the time, as the centre for administration of justice and local government in the county. The Courthouse at Carrick-on-Shannon also housed the Grand Jury, which administered local government in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. From 1898 to 1994 it housed the chamber and offices of Leitrim County Council. The building continued to house the local authority and the courts during the twentieth century. However, like many similar buildings little maintenance works were carried out and over time the fabric of the building deteriorated seriously leading to local debate in the 1980’s and early 1990’s about the future of the building. The courts service in particular was very dissatisfied with the poor facilities and decaying condition of the building fabric. Demolition of the building was even raised as a possible option. Thankfully that option was not taken!
LEITRIM DESIGN HOUSE showcases the best of local and contemporary Irish craft. It nurtures a wide variety of creative talent and fosters the development, promotion and sustainability of craft businesses. THE DOCK presents a year round artistic programme spanning visual art, theatre, music, dance, comedy and performance art and that is augmented by an arts education and outreach programme providing people of all ages and backgrounds with the opportunities to engage with the arts and develop their own creativity.
The courts service and the local authority vacated the building in 1994 and it remained vacant until refurbished as “The Dock” Arts Centre which opened to the public on the 20th August, 2005.
County Leitrim has a deep and rich heritage in the areas of arts, craft and culture. Artists, craftspeople and visitors have been drawn to the county because of it’s natural beauty, its mixed land and riverscape, its heritage, and its warm people, all of which offer powerful resources to creative people. This summer we are opening on Sundays to welcome visitors and to give you a taste of our creative spirit. Please join us for some relaxing music and creative fun. Our cafe will be open so you can enjoy a tea or coffee, browse the galleries, and pore over the Sunday newspapers. The Dock and Leitrim Design House, St Georges Terrace, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. Sunday Opening hours: 12.30pm to 4.30pm
www.thedock.ie Box Office: 071 965 0828
Comhairle Chontae Liatroma Leitrim County Council
www.leitrimdesignhouse.ie 071 965 0550
FREE music & crafts for all the family Sundays from July 3rd to August 14th www.thedock.ie
MUSIC AND CRAFTS AT THE DOCK & LEITRIM DESIGN HOUSE Craftsmanship and the arts are one of the great trademarks of Irish heritage, and this summer Leitrim Design House’s “Meet the Maker” events aim to celebrate this rich creative tradition and place it on a national footing. Meet soap makers, basket weavers, milliners, traditional craft & ropemakers. Discover the inspiration behind their work. See the skills involved and hear their stories!
SUNDAY 10TH JULY
12.30-1.30pm Music Session Mac Tíre
SUNDAY 3RD JULY
Mac Tíre is a fusion of poetry and string ensemble giving voice to the ancient spirit of Ireland. Stephen Murphy-poet, Finn O'Connor-guitar, Devon MacGillivray-violin, Udo Grunewald-double bass.
12.30-1.30pm Music Session
2.30-4pm
Learn Steps with Tunes from the dancers from Irish Dancing School Sean Nós ar an tSionann.
Join rope maker Steffi Otto, who works in a the traditional way, in this an interactive demonstration for all the family!
Meet the Maker Steffi Otto
2.30-4pm
Meet the Maker Lukasz Jurgowiak
Lukasz uses willow growing wild along the hedgerows. He is a follower of the rich tradition of basket-weaving in the Irish countryside. A keen horticulturist and lover of nature, he also works with native wood. www.ofwoodandwillow.com
12.30-1.30pm Music Session Teresa Galvin Trio Singer-guitarist Teresa Galvin brings an entertaining and refreshing repertoire, consisting of her own original music interspersed with choice covers spanning many decades and genres; from blues, folk, pop and more. Her warm, intimate vocals are perfectly complemented by percussion and double bass accompaniment from Stephanie Pawula and Fionnuala Kennedy.
Meet the Maker Lucinda Lee
Leitrim maker – Lucinda Lee from Made in Lucy’s kitchen will demonstrate a tempting product from her delicious skincare range! www.madeinlucyskitchen.com
SUNDAY 24TH JULY
SUNDAY 7TH AUGUST
12.30-1.30pm Music Session Ceolteoirí Lough Allen Padraig Sweeney’s School of Traditional Irish Music promotes the talent of young Irish musicians. Join us for live performances.
Meet the Maker Fibre Artist Frances Crowe
TH
2.30-4pm
2.30-4pm
Enjoy the colourful craft of millinery with designer Wendy Louise. www.wendylouisedesigns.ie
2.30-4pm
SUNDAY 17 JULY
Meet the Maker Millinery with Wendy Louise
Fibre Artist Frances Crowe will be sharing her extensive skills in weaving. www.francescrowe.com
SUNDAY 31ST JULY
12.30-1.30pm Music Session Ceolteoirí Lough Allen
Padraig Sweeney’s School of Traditional Irish Music promotes the talent of young Irish musicians. Join us for live performances.
12.30-1.30pm Music Session Ceolteoirí Lough Allen
Padraig Sweeney’s School of Traditional Irish Music promotes the talent of young Irish musicians. Join us for live performances.
SUNDAY 14TH AUGUST 12.30-1.30pm Music Session Ian Bordley Song-writer and musician Ian Bordley plays songs from his recently released album ‘winter’.
2.30-4pm
Wild Worlds Children’s Literature Festival
A festival of readings, workshops and fun activities for children and their families to celebrate and enjoy literature, to meet authors, and to encourage an interest in creative writing. The festival is perfectly timed to make the most of the summer before the new school year starts.