Heritage and Culture
The dominant architectural style reflects the 17th and 18th centuries, with a number of fine Georgian buildings in the town centre. The town has a number of other fine architectural buildings: an arched sandstone facade now home to the AIB, stands at the far end of Market Street, juxtaposed to the Gothic architecture of the Church of Ireland place of worship. Within 90 metres stands the renovated St. Michaels Catholic Chapel, with its well kept grounds is an attractive place. The Cootehill Court House is another example of notable architecture, though the building is in need of refurbishment. It was designed and built in 1832 by William Dean Butler. There are also some interesting examples of Modern and Postmodern architecture, such as the Cootehill Post Office. The Market house, a building which helped define the town, was demolished in the 1960s. The former Railway Station buildings (Bradys Mart) and the site of the demolished Workhouses are important links to a forgotten past (see photo links below). The Fair Green, a town commons area was divided with a road and walled parking in the 1980s, was once used by Irish travellers, circuses and theater groups. Hiring fairs were conducted in the town as part of larger fairs up until the 1950s.
Cootehill's proximity to the artists' retreat at Annaghmakerrig makes it a favourite haunt for writers, poets and playwrights, including Patrick McCabe and Seamus Heaney.
Cootehill has strong links with the arts with poets, writers and visual artists attracted to the area. Cootehill Library regularly hosts exhibitions of local artists' work, and in 2006 it showcased a selection of pieces from the Irish Museum of Modern Art, including work by internationally-renowned artists. The Cootehill Arts Festival is also a key event in the Irish arts calendar, and features plays, workshops, readings, fringe theater and experimental work, such as the Duchess of Malfi, performed in 2002.
Live music - irish traditional music, country music, rock music and classical music, - is an important part of the local culture - the Ulster Fleadh Cheoil has been hosted in Cootehill several times.
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