The courthouse in Tinahely was built in 1843, but by the 1950s it was used as much for community activities such as dances and movies as for court sessions. By the 1980s it had fallen into complete disrepair and disuse, and had become, moreover, a serious eyesore in the village. A  local committee was formed to take on the task of restoring the building. With grant aid from FAS, and local fundraising for the cost of materials, the courthouse was restored and opened as a centre for arts, culture and heritage in January, 1996