History Of Tyrone Guthrie

The opening of the Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig, County Monaghan is today seen as a turning point in the cultural life of Ireland. At his death in 1971 Tyrone Guthrie, with the encouragement of his family, left the house in his will to the Irish State for use as a residential workplace for artists.

Guthrie’s dream was pursued by visionary and dedicated people through the two arts councils in Ireland at a time of deep political division. The old house was skilfully converted and Annaghmakerrig opened its doors to its first residents on 10 October 1981.

Over time, the Centre purchased the gardens, original parkland, lake and farmyard, together with its buildings and the leasehold of the woodlands.

The re-integrated Annaghmakerrig estate was officially handed over to the Irish State in 2007, its future was assured through the takeover of maintenance of both house and lands by the Office of Public Works.