Contracts signed on €10m Clonmacnoise investment

A signing of contracts to mark a €10m investment in the redevelopment and modernisation of the visitor centre at Clonmacnoise took place at the monastic site this afternoon (Wednesday).

Local OPW Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran and Michael Kelly, Managing Director of Kelbuild (who were awarded the contract for the redevelopment works) signed the documentation on the grounds of the historic tourism attraction.

Redevelopment works at the monastic site are due to commence in two weeks and it is estimated that the modernised visitor centre will open to the public in Spring 2027.

The Office of Public Works (OPW), supported through the EU Just Transition Fund, commissioned the redevelopment of the visitor centre, including the expansion and refurbishment of the existing facility, as well as an update of site interpretation in the form of a series of exhibition spaces, audio visual experiences and internal and external signage.

The project is designed to improve visitor facilities at the monastic site, including alterations to the existing buildings and the construction of a new extension.

Speaking at the contract signing, the OPW Minister said it was his Department's goal to deliver an enhanced tourism product in Clonmacnoise.

"We have announced a €10m investment for Clonmacnoise here today, one which will significantly grow the monastic site as a tourism offering in County Offaly and the wider Midlands region," Minister Moran said.

Minister Moran also paid tribute to the collaborative process which allows such capital projects come to fruition.

"Collaboration is the most important aspect of capital projects to ensure that the Government delivers particularly here in Clonmacnoise," the Minister added.

As part of his remit, Minister Moran said he wanted to see tourism "bring driven in the Midlands".

"We need to drive tourism locally. Enhancing what is on offer here in Clonmacnoise can only benefit the entire region," the OPW Minister said.

However, to ensure visitors get the full tourism experience, Minister Moran said it was necessary to develop the road infrastructure on approach to Clonmacnoise.

"Accessibility to the site here is key and the road network leading to the site needs to be better, particularly if you are driving a bus full of tourists. It is all about creating a great first impression," Minister Moran said.

When redevelopment works are completed next year, visitors to the Clonmacnoise monastic site will have the choice between a self-guided experience or a fully guided tour. Both options will take in the exhibition spaces within the visitor centre as well as the historic site itself.

Guided tours will be operated by one of the site many experience tour guides. A central theatre space will run an audio visual show on a looped system and the space will be able to seat around 50 visitors per viewing. This will enable a transition between the reception, shop and introductory interpretation space, the outdoor site access and High Cross rooms.