New visitor centre option mooted for Clonmacnoise

A major study into the future of Clonmacnoise (right) is to look a number of future options, including the possible development of a new visitor facility in Shannonbridge, coupled with transport links to and from the world-renowned monastic site.

The study, which is being carried out under a partnership agreement with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Fáilte Ireland, will examine the facilities and visitor experience at Clonmacnoise, with a view to preparing a preliminary business case for the future development of the site.

Details of the study have been published recently, and the closing date for the receipt of tenders is Monday, July 18 next. The study will look at the “social, environmental and economic costs and benefits, and optimum option” for enhancing the facilities at Clonmacnoise, while also taking into consideration the requirement for “sustainable tourism.” It will also consider the “national and international significance and sensitivity” of the archaeological remains in Clonmacnoise.

As part of the study, three specific options are to be considered. Two of the three options include the development of additional facilities in nearby Shannonbridge, including the option of installing a reception/parking facility, coupled with a transport link to Clonmacnoise, or the option of building a brand new stand-alone visitor facility in the West Offaly village. The third option relates to the development of an enhanced visitor experience within the current site.

The maximum spend on the study is expected to be in the region of €850,000, but the contract documents state that this figure is “for indicative purposes only” as there is no guaranteed expenditure as part of the project.

Another aspect to be examined as part of the study is a review of current stakeholder activities and initiatives, including public and private sector and community-based elements. There will also be a focus on the reports of the Just Transition Commissioner.

A multidisciplinary team is to be appointed, led by an economist/economic consultant. This team will work closely with the OPW and other stakeholders on issues such as site protection; conservation and archaeological constraints; development objectives; the development concepts each option will entail; the potential investment costs and requirements and site carrying capacities.

The study into the future of Clonmacnoise will be a two-stage process, consisting of the development of options and an options appraisal. On completion of the process, the consultant will be required to “identify a preferred option” and to state the reasons for doing so.

The monastic site at Clonmacnoise is classified as a national monument and is regarded as one of the most important archaeological and historic sites in Ireland. The site, which is of both national and international significance, attracted some 140,000 ticketed visitors in 2019.