Friary reopening to boost tourism

TOURISM in Ennis is set to receive a much-needed boost next month with the re-opening of the old Franciscan Friary located near the centre of the town.

By John Rainsford

Ennis Abbey, as it is also known, dates to the early 13th century and had been closed to visitors throughout 2010 as essential maintenance and repair work was undertaken.
Antiquarian experts including the late John Hunt have long stressed the importance of the medieval structure, which houses a unique collection of stone panel carvings dating to the 15th century. Thousands of tourists visit the historic building each year and its re-opening is welcome news for local tourism interests.
Neil Ryan, PRO for the Office of Public Works, the state body charged with maintaining national monuments, explained the background to the preservation project.
“Since care of the Friary was vested in the Board of Works in the late 19th century, concern has been expressed about the vulnerability of the collection. Indeed, numerous interventions have been undertaken since. These mainly involved reconstruction using a concrete repair method. This form of intervention was common practice internationally at the time.
“A preliminary conservation report in the 1980s confirmed that significant stone deterioration was taking place, due primarily to weathering but also from the negative impact of the early repairs and vandalism.
“Approval was sought and granted to proceed with proposals for the design of a scheme, which would protect and retain the collection at the site.”
Following the preparation and presentation of a conservation plan by Shaffrey Associates Architects and extensive public consultation in 2009, the OPW drew up plans for maintaining the historic site.
This involved the restoration of the medieval stone carvings inside, the erection of a display area, where the objects could be viewed safely and the overall improvement of visitor access.
A stone conservation specialist examined the damaged and decayed stonework, which was subsequently removed to a workshop for consolidation and repair. The entire collection will now be displayed in a museum-type setting in an area of the nave once home to an 18th Century Protestant Church.
“The design of the modern roof reflects the original profile of the church and the consultant engineer has confirmed that its lightweight structure will have a minimal impact on the original walls,” said Mr Ryan.
He continued, “The materials used externally, roof slates and repaired stonework, will match the fabric of the adjoining historic buildings. Original features and windows will not be restored.
“A wire mesh will, however, be installed to provide security for the display area and to deter birds and other wildlife. The design does not attempt to ‘restore’ the medieval elements of the Friary and is being undertaken in accordance with best modern conservation practice.”
The timber and stonework elements of the project were carried out by the OPW’s own expert design and craft team. Costs, in these straitened times have been maintained within the approved National Development Plan budget limits and were in line with existing severe resource restrictions.
Heritage intervention is considered on a case-by-case basis by the OPW with stone decay at monument sites being a worldwide phenomenon. Protection procedures can vary but all are subject to international conservation standards and guidelines. The cost to date for the Ennis Friary works has been put at €96,000.
“Air pollution and vandalism play a role in the weathering of stone carvings,” said Mr Ryan. “The stonework, including the carved stone panel figures, will now be displayed in a sheltered, secure and monitored environment. There was public consultation on the work to the Friary in advance of the project and the response was very positive.”
Despite the downturn in the numbers of people visiting the country recently, Mr Ryan remains upbeat. “The future of our heritage services is very positive. Indeed, there is now a greater awareness amongst the population at large of its importance. During the upturn in the economy, resources were given towards the preservation and protection of our heritage.
“Heritage is also the backbone of cultural tourism, which is now receiving added recognition when there is a downturn in the economy. We believe that there will be an increased focus on heritage in delivering sustainable tourism in future years,” he concluded.