Rooftop Museum

The Sound of the Showbands

Welcome to a journey through the captivating era of Showbands at the Strule Arts Centre Rooftop Museum! Immerse yourself in the vibrant history of music and entertainment as we bring you an exclusive audio-visual exhibition like no other.

Step into the world of the Showbands as legendary musicians take center stage to share their personal stories, memories, and anecdotes. Through immersive audio recordings and interviews, let these iconic figures transport you back in time, offering firsthand accounts of their Showband experiences. Discover the trials and triumphs that shaped an era and learn how music brought communities together like never before.

Our exhibition proudly showcases a treasure trove of authentic memorabilia from the golden age of Showbands. From vintage records to original concert posters and fan memorabilia, these artefacts paint a vivid picture of the glitz and glamour that defined the Showband scene.

The Sound of the Showbands exhibition at Strule Arts Centre Rooftop Museum is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Showbands and we thank every person who has contributed!

Educational Resources

Discover Omagh’s rich musical heritage with our free educational resources!

Discovering Jimmy Kennedy

Jimmy Kennedy, one of Omagh’s most celebrated musical talents, wrote some of the world’s most recognisable songs, including The Teddy Bears’ Picnic and The Hokey Cokey. Thanks to the dedication of J.J. Tohill, who spent years collecting an extensive archive of Kennedy’s work, we now have a remarkable collection of materials celebrating his legacy. In 2024, J.J. generously donated this collection to Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, ensuring Kennedy’s music continues to inspire future generations.

To celebrate this musical legacy, we’ve developed an exciting new education programme filled with fun activities, stories, and insights into Jimmy Kennedy’s life and work. Perfect for young learners and music enthusiasts alike!

Spotlight on the Showbands
Learn about the showband era and why it was so special to Omagh. This programme includes fun activity pages and heritage insights for young learners.

Download now and start exploring!

File	Type	Size	Date
Discovering Jimmy Kennedy The Songwriter Who Made Music Come Alive!	pdf	3 MB	04 Apr 2025
Spotlight on the Showbands Education Programme	pdf	24 MB	04 Apr 2025

Further Information

The Rooftop Museum opening times are 9.30am until 5.00pm, Monday to Saturday. Admission is currently free. Schools and other groups may book to visit and workshops and activities can be provided. If you are interested in donating any items or artefacts email artsandheritage@fermanaghomagh.com

You can now enjoy an increasing selection of Fermanagh and Omagh museum and heritage collections online. Browse heritage relating to the Fermanagh and Omagh area by themes and collections. Use the search facility to find specific objects, artists, or places.

Your Visit

Omagh Heritage Music Trail

The Omagh Heritage Music Trail is a self-guided walking trail of the sites of significance from the Showband era.

Booking Tickets

Information and pricing for when booking tickets for shows and events at Strule Arts Theatre in Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Access and Parking

Information for general parking and disabled access to the Strule Arts Centre.

Family Visits

Useful information to help you and your family make the most from a day out in Strule, or in the greater Omagh area.

Festivals

LAUNCH - Bluegrass Festival 2024

Getting Here

Visiting Strule Arts Centre? Read more about our location and directions through Omagh.

Food and Drink

The Strule Cafe serves food all day long, while the Strule Bar is the perfect choice for a pre-theatre drink.