Friary to reopen next month

ENNIS’ historic 13th century Franciscan Friary is set to reopen to the public in June and it is expected the attraction will be free to visit for the remainder of the tourist season.
The friary has been closed since 2010 to facilitate conservation works carried out by the Office of Public Works. However, at this week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, town manager Ger Dollard stated the friary is expected to reopen in mid-June. “It is my understanding that it will be free for the remainder of the summer in recognition that the works have gone on longer than expected.”
He was responding to a query from Councillor Mary Coote Ryan, who described as “a pity” that the tourist attraction has remained closed for so long.
Councillor Johnny Flynn stated that in recent weeks, it has appeared that more people have been seen working on the conservation project.
Councillor Peter Considine described the abbey as “a very important element to the tourist attractions of our town.” He added, “The OPW were very slow to do the work but everybody can agree that the quality is top class. I hoped it would be open for the summer, people passing are straining their heads to get through the bars.”
Mayor of Ennis Councillor Michael Guilfoyle described the impending opening as “welcome news.”
As part of the €100,000 conservation project, a new roof has been constructed for the friary. The project included the repair and protection of existing stonework, wall paintings and new interpretation panels. 
It was expected the work would be completed in 2010 and the site was closed to visitor access, remaining closed until the expected reopening in June.
At a previous meeting of local councillors senior executive engineer, Eamon O’Dea explained that the delay was due to a large number of burials, where floating foundations were to be placed.