A new exhibition entitled 'The Great Book of Gaelic', celebrating contemporary celtic culture was launched at a special opening event in Enniskillen Castle Museum on Saturday.

The exhibition brings together the work of more than 200 poets, visual artists and calligraphers from Ireland and Scotland to explore the history of Gaelic culture and the close relationship between the two countries.

The exhibition was opened by writer and historian Séamas Mac Annaidh and the event included a presentation given by prehistoric music Ireland celebrating the rare early medieval instrument, the Lough Erne Horn.

The exhibition is part of the Museum's 'Summer of Cultures' programme.

The 100 Gaelic poems in the book have been nominated by leading poets and writers such as Seamus Heaney.

Every century

The selection features work from almost every century from the sixth to the 21st and includes the earliest Gaelic poetry in existence. Comedy, tragedy, love, death, the spiritual and the bawdy are all here.

Speaking about the exhibition, Sarah McHugh, Manager of Museum Services said:

"As well as being a stunning visual feast, this exhibition is part of an ambitious project to celebrate connections between different cultures. The fascinating background information available with the exhibition including translations, computer interactives and recordings mean that it is a huge learning resource to be enjoyed by everyone."

Fermanagh is represented through a sixteenth century poem about the Maguires, as well as by the 17th century poet, Cathal Bui Mac Giolla Ghunna, renowned in folk tradition for his colourful life.

Around half of the works in 'The Great Book of Gaelic' are on show at the Museum.

"Ireland and Scotland share a mythology, a rich music tradition, three languages and some significant history. The Gaelic language remains the most profound of many links between both countries. The Leabhar Mòr renews and celebrates that ancient connection through a stunning range of 21st century artworks," explained Malcolm Maclean, Director of Proiseact nan Ealan and joint-editor of 'The Great Book of Gaelic'.

The project was originated by Scotland's Gaelic arts agency, Proiseact nan Ealan, and sponsored by Iomairt Cholm Cille, which aims to renew the links between Gaelic Scotland and Ireland. When the exhibition has concluded it's extensive tour, the artworks will be bound together into one volume as a permanent exhibit.

Other events taking place during the Summer of Cultures Programme at the Museum include:

a Medieval Family Fun Day on Bank Holiday Monday, 27 August from 2–5pm; a Watercolour Masterclass by Eileen Ferguson on Saturday, 1st September, from 10am– 4pm

Watercolour Masterclass by Eileen Ferguson; Making History by Brian Friel on Tuesday, 11th September at 8pm.