SHANNON Heritage has been appointed to operate and manage the €7 million GPO Witness History Interpretive Exhibition Centre.
It’s a major coup for Shannon Heritage, which is part of the newly established Shannon Group, also encompassing Shannon Airport and Shannon Commercial Properties. It already operates attractions in Clare like Craggaunowen and Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
The contract was awarded following a competitive tender process, while the visitor centre is now under construction at the GPO. It is expected to attract up to 300,000 people a year following its opening at Easter 1916.
Speaking about the contract award, Shannon Heritage CEO John Ruddle said, “Shannon Heritage is delighted to be involved with this nationally important project at the iconic GPO location. We have been managing visitor attractions for over 50 years and this new visitor attraction provides the company with a great opportunity to expand in the capital city and also play a vital role in the celebrations of the centenary of the Rising.”
Heather Humphreys, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht said, “This is another important milestone in the development of this major new visitor attraction at the GPO. It is one of seven major public projects being developed as part of Ireland 2016, the Government’s initiative to commemorate the 1916 Rising. GPO Witness History will leave us with a lasting legacy from Ireland 2016 and will be a fantastic addition to Dublin’s tourism offering. It is on track to be open at Easter 2016, as part of the wide range of events to commemorate the Rising.”
Highlighting the importance of the project, Neil Pakey, CEO of Shannon Group said, “An Post and Shannon Heritage are two solid Irish brands and this is an important opportunity to create synergies. The GPO is an iconic building and allows us a huge opportunity to welcome visitors from all over the world to this new experience. We will work hard with our new partners, An Post, to create one of the best visitor experiences in the country and look forward to the challenge of creating some real excitement at the very heart of Dublin.”
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.