In the early 1960's the Reynolds Brothers (Jim and Albert) were fast becoming the kings of the ballroom circuit. They opened
their original Cloudland in Rooskey in September, 1957, followed by the Roseland in Moate in September, 1959
and then the Longford Arms Hotel. The Dreamland in Athy would be the fourth project for the company but only the third of their
"land" ballrooms. It opened its doors on Friday, July 14th, 1961 to the sounds of Victor Sylvester and his Orchestra. The ballroom
was large, boasting a "nearly 5,000 sq. ft." dance floor. For most of the next 20 years, the Dreamland was the place to be for dancing
featuring all the biggest bands. In early 1971, the Reynolds Brothers sold the ballroom to their major competitor, Associated Ballrooms led by
Con Hynes. The ballroom was renamed the Sunflower Ballroom and reopened on September 5th, 1971 by the Royal Showband.
However, at the end of the 1970's, the popularity of the ballroom scene was waning and the
ballroom stopped running major dances and the attendance dropped. They were soon hosting clothing sales and the odd teenage disco.
In early 1982, the ballroom finally went up for sale (see below). The local Lion's Club raised funds to purchase the aging ballroom and for the last
35 years it has been used as a community centre. It has been renamed ARCH (Athy Recreational Community Hall) and
continues to play a role in the local community.