The WW2 Hut

A lot of Ann’s experiences are hosted in a quirky 2nd World War Nissen hut which is available for hire.

‘The Hut’ was affectionately christened by locals is in the village of Meigh in the 1940’s. Meigh is situated at the foot of Slieve Gullion Mountain in the heart of the Ring of Gullion. ‘The Hut’ first began its life on Greencastle air force base in Kilkeel, Co Down, where it was used to house American officers during the Second World War.

St Moninna’s Football club, Killeavy bought and transported the hut in 1946 where it was initially used as a changing room. It then evolved into a community hub and for many years connected local people through activities such as Irish dancing, bingo and whist.

Ann worked on several peace building programmes with Rural Community Network and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland so it was very apt that she bought the hut after it lay idle for several years. A visit from John de Chastelain was a real affirmation of Ann’s work in transforming the hut into a creative healing space.

Ann has been delivering meditation classes, retreats and immersive experiences here as well as events including a Ceili and community fund raising projects. An art exhibition was hosted for European Heritage Open Days called ‘Peaceful Connections’. This was created by local artist Euphemia Murphy where she painted a collection of trees from Slieve Gullion forest, using ink, watercolour and acrylic. The hut has also been hired for environmental workshops, dance classes, family get togethers, and as a meeting space.