Wallace calls for council to show ‘bravery’ on Mullingar Music Museum

The prospect of a music museum in Mullingar to record and market the incredible achievements of all who have contributed to the art form at a local, regional, national and global level may be inching its way to reality.

Cllr Emily Wallace has called on Westmeath County Council to take a bold step forward and lead the development of a dedicated Music Museum in Mullingar, saying the town’s “extraordinary musical heritage deserves a permanent home”.

A long-time campaigner of the idea, Cllr Wallace said Mullingar’s contribution to Irish music is unmatched for a town of its size and that the time has come a county-led project that celebrates the wider story.

“Mullingar has an unbelievable musical heritage - and we should be proud of it,” she said.

“When you look at the success of artists such as Joe Dolan, Niall Horan, The Blizzards and The Academic, alongside the fact that Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was established here, it’s clear that music is woven into the fabric of our town.”

“We have so many local people involved in music in different capacities, whether that’s management, production, sound engineering, promotion or countless other roles behind the scenes. For a town our size, we’re punching well above our weight.”

Cllr Wallace said existing landmarks such as the Niall Horan mural and Joe Dolan statue have made an important contribution, but they should form part of a broader vision for celebrating Mullingar’s musical legacy.

“They’re fantastic additions to the town and people rightly take great pride in them, but we need to look at the bigger picture,” she said.

“Any other town or county with the musical heritage that we have would already be establishing a museum to celebrate it. We need to be brave, take the next step and get on with it.”

Cllr Wallace said a Music Museum would not only preserve Mullingar’s rich heritage but would also inspire future generations of musicians and music industry professionals.

“Music is universal. People of all ages connect with it and enjoy it. By celebrating what we’ve already achieved, we’re showing young people what is possible and encouraging the next generation to follow in those footsteps.

“This has to be led by the Council and supported across the county. If we want it to succeed, it needs that ambition and leadership. The heritage is already there. Now we need to give it the recognition it deserves.”