A stunning exhibition of contemporary works of art opened at Enniskillen Castle Museums on Saturday. .

'The Great Book of Gaelic' exhibition celebrates the close relationship between Scottish and Irish Celtic culture through poems, calligraphy and art.

Speaking at the launch of the exhibition, Councillor Alex Baird, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council said:

The vision of the exhibition was to create a 21st century 'Book of Kells', exploring the history of Gaelic culture and the close links between Scotland and Ireland. Contemporary artists and calligraphers have created works of art inspired by Scottish and Irish Gaelic poems, songs and stories, from the earliest written sources to the present day.

The exhibition was officially opened by the author and local historian, Seamas Mac Annaidh. In his opening speech, Seamas highlighted the work of the Fermanagh poets included in 'The Great Book' - from the medieval scribes of the Maguire chieftains to the famous character of folklore, Cathal Bui Mac Giolla Ghunna. Known for his rakish, gambling and drinking ways, Cathal Bui's poem 'The Yellow Bittern' - about a bird dying of thirst on the ice - has inspired one of the watercolours in the exhibition.

'The Great Book of Gaelic' was originated by Scotland's Gaelic Arts Agency and

sponsored by The Columba Initiative.

Visitors to 'The Great Book of Gaelic' opening were also treated to a musical demonstration by Simon O'Dwyer of the Prehistoric Group Ireland. Simon played battle cries and healing songs on reproductions of early musical instruments. He focussed on the rare early medieval Lough Erne Horn, discovered 4 miles south of Enniskillen. The Horn is illustrated in the 8th century Vespasian Psalter. Controversially, Simon believes that the Psalter could have been produced in a monastery in Fermanagh and that it shows one of the earliest images of Irish musicians.

'The Great Book of Gaelic' exhibition is part of the Museum's Summer of Cultures programme. The programme also includes:

The Free Family Fun Day on Bank Holiday Monday 27 August 2007, 2pm – 5pm

A Watercolour Masterclass with 'The Great Book of Gaelic' artist, Eileen Ferguson on Saturday, 1 September 2007, 10am – 4pm

A performance at the Castle of Brian Friel's play, 'Making History' on Tuesday 11 September 2007, at 8pm.

The events have been made possible with support from the Community Relations Unit (OFMDFM); Creative Youth Partnerships and Colmcille.