Glass bridge proposed for Bishop’s Island

AT last week’s meeting of the West Clare Area Taskforce, Kilkee architect Tom Byrne unveiled plans to build a 117m pedestrian glass suspension bridge from the mainland to Bishop’s Island in Kilkee’s West End.

The proposed drop would be 50m. The estimated cost of constructing the bridge with the ancillary facilities is approximately €1.75m. There is no suggestion in the proposal of any type of interpretative centre as Bishop’s Island is close to the town of Kilkee and its amenities.
The cliff-face adjoining the road is approximately 50 metres above sea level, while the island is 6m lower.
Mr Byrne has designed the bridge to include a gently sloping access to and from the island.
The proposal incorporates two main trusses, constructed from stainless steel, which would be supported by rock-anchors buried deep into the mainland and island. These trusses carry the weight of the bridge via a series of vertical stainless steel cables stretching between them across the chasm.
“The bridge floor itself would be constructed of clear, non-slip, reinforced glass planks affording spectacular views to the sea 50 metres below, panoramic views of the broad Atlantic Ocean beyond, the abundant wildlife and the rugged coast of the Loop Head peninsula. The bridge is designed to withstand the rigours of Europe’s western-most gales and storms,” Mr Byrne explained.
“The protected monastic ruins on the island can be examined much more closely than heretofore for the first time by the general visiting public under the strict control and auspices of the Office of Public Works. Ancillary works to the bridge itself would be a car park adjacent to welcoming and ticketing facilities on the opposite side of the road. Strict control systems would be in place to restrict any access to the bridge itself when unmonitored,” he added.
Mr Byrne is convinced that if the bridge is built, it would add significantly to the tourism sector in West Clare.
“There is nothing on the island of Ireland to compare to this project. The only other attraction of this nature is the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge on the Antrim coast in Northern Ireland. This bridge spans a 20m wide chasm with a 23m drop to the sea below. The Bishop’s Island cable suspension bridge would be a much more spectacular tourist attraction with a 117m wide chasm and 50m drop,” Mr Byrne explained, adding the proposed attraction could possibly attract more visitors than the Cliffs of Moher.
“The Loop Head peninsula won the prestigious EDEN award for aquatic tourism in 2010. This proposed stunning feature when sensitively and responsibly carried out with the blessing of the relevant authorities could be of huge benefit not alone to the peninsula or the Mid-West but to the entire country. Arguably, it could surpass tourism numbers for attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher with consequent huge benefits for this largely forgotten area of County Clare. Allied to this and the proposed opening up of the Loop Head Lighthouse as a major tourist destination, the sleeping giant that is this hidden treasure could be the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Ireland’s tourism,” Mr Byrne suggested.
Bishop’s Island has held a fascination for locals and visitors alike for centuries. It is shrouded in mystery due mainly to its inaccessibility and remoteness but also to the fact that its inhabitants were ascetic monks, who used its very remoteness for their chosen lifestyle. There is some conflict as to the date of construction of the ruined buildings on the island. It is argued in an article in Archaeology Ireland magazine of spring 2005 that they were constructed pre 12th century but most probably no earlier than the eighth century.
The two remaining ruins consist of a clochán or type of dwelling and the other is a church of dry-stone construction similar to the famous Gallerus Oratory in Kerry. One of the more unusual features of the church is that its east window has a smaller aperture internally rather than externally, making it unique in Irish pre-Romanesque architecture. The construction of the buildings on the island represented a minor development in ecclesiastical terms and would not have been seen to be at the forefront of architectural or liturgical innovation.