This is a 3-year project that will culminate in 2020 with a Voices and Uilleann Pipes Festival in Rossmore Park.   

Uilleann pipes have recently been inscribed on the UNESCO list of the intangible heritage of humanity.  An important group of local musicians focus on the uilleann pipes has contributed to this listing and to maintaining this tradition through the Armagh Pipers Club and Kennedy Pipe School.   

The Rossmores were uilleann pipers, and one of the tunes on the Dear Dark Sky CD is Lord Rossmore’s jig. Henry Robert Westenra (1792-1860), otherwise 3rd Baron Rossmore, was known as an excellent piper. The Rossmore family had an interest in the Irish pipes for at least two generations. The 2nd Baron, Warner William Westenra (1765-1842) was a noted performer as was his brother Lieutenant Colonel Henry Westenra (b. 1770). 

Additionally, Hayley Westenra, an internationally acclaimed classical soprano is a direct descendant of the Rossmore Westenras. She performs in the National Concert Hall, Dublin as part of her European tours.

Year 1 (2018): Conserve Lord Rossmore Uilleann Pipes which are held in the collection of the MCM; Choose an executive producer/curator/director for the festival.

Year 2 (2019): Develop quality festival programming; Develop small exhibition for Museum

Year 3 (2020): Hold festival at Rossmore

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.