Kilcormac’s Fiesta Hall to reopen in 'very near future'
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Kilcormac's Fiesta Hall is set to open 'in the very near future', Roisin Lennon, CEO of Offaly Local Development Company (OLDC), told a recent meeting of Offaly County Council.
"This is where we will be housing a lot of our projects," Ms Lennon added.
Councillors praised the restoration of the iconic building, noting its location "right in the centre of Offaly" as a strong point.
"It's an iconic building, and we're glad to have it," said Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Cllr. John Leahy.
The project received a €500,000 grant under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS).
Built in 1961 by local butcher and builder Paddy McCormack, the Fiesta Hall has stood as a beacon of entertainment and community life for over 60 years. With its striking Art Deco façade and 550 square metres of event space, it has hosted everything from dances and theatre performances to town meetings and court sessions.
Purchased by OLDC in 2020 with support from The Julia V. M. Trench Will Trust, the hall has undergone a major refurbishment with funding from the Just Transition Fund, in response to the closure of the peat industry in the region.
The renovations have retained the spirit and character of the building while making it sustainable, energy-efficient, and ready for a new chapter of community use.
Fiesta Hall will host a dynamic programme of community activities focused on cultural heritage, climate resilience, and traditional skills. In addition, the building will serve as a home for OLDC, a venue for events, and an incubation space for green and circular economy start-ups.
Extensive refurbishment works brought the building up to modern environmental standards, including the removal of asbestos, external insulation, installation of solar panels, and an air-to-air heat pump system. At the same time, key heritage features including the distinctive façade, cinema seating, and original dance floor materials were carefully retained and restored.
The renewed Fiesta Hall will provide office space, training facilities, conference and exhibition areas, and incubation space for green and circular economy enterprises.