Visitors flock to reopened friary

ENNIS friary has welcomed more than 1,200 visitors in the first seven days since the historic building was reopened.

According to Mary Kearns, supervisor at Ennis friary, “There has been over 1,200 visitors in the first week and we’ve welcomed more since. There has been a great interest since the friary was re-opened. It is free for the rest of the season, which is a great draw, we are seeing many people, who might have been reluctant to come in the past visit us through our new entrance. So far, things have been very positive and we’ve been receiving some great feedback.
“We are seeing a real mix of tourists from all over the world but also people who live on our own doorstep, people from the town who are coming in in huge volumes as they pass through the town.”
The friary is getting set to welcome a number of schools in the coming weeks, along with group visits for children organised by Ennis’ DeValera Library.
“We will be open until October so this is a great opportunity to see the friary,” said Mary.
Brian Hayes, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works, welcomed the reopening of Ennis friary. The minister stated, “The re-opening of the old Franciscan friary will be welcomed by residents and visitors to Ennis alike. I am very pleased that the painstaking conservation works are nearing completion and that the friary is once again open to the public. Indeed, to celebrate this occasion, entrance to the site will be free of charge for the remainder of the season. I would urge visitors to this region to ensure that they don’t miss the opportunity to engage with such an important part of our cultural heritage. The friary opened its door on Monday, June 18 as testament to its popularity and importance, had 1,220 visitors in its first seven days.”
Newly elected mayor of Ennis, Peter Considine, has encouraged anyone interested in discovering more about the origins and early days of Clare’s county capital to pay a visit to the friary during the summer months.
“Ennis Town Council looks forward to the friary continuing to play an important role in the local tourism sector, as well as further enhancing Ennis’ reputation as one of the country’s best-preserved medieval towns,” said the mayor.
Meanwhile, Clare TD and chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pat Breen, is urging Clare people to avail of the OPW Free Day initiative and visit one of Clare’s historic properties and national monuments this summer.
“The reopening of the friary is a big boost to tourism in the town of Ennis and I am aware that there is a lot of interest among tourists in visiting there. The school holidays are now beginning and the summer is an ideal opportunity for families to visit Ennis friary and other OPW sites right across this county. The free day initiative allows visitors to enjoy a visit to one of these sites for free on the first Wednesday of every month and I would encourage as many people as possible to avail of this opportunity. As well as Ennis friary, people can travel out to Scattery Island off the coast of Kilrush or take in a trip out to the nature reserve in Dromore Wood in Ruan.
“We are blessed in Clare with a number of magnificent historical and national monuments throughout county and the summer holiday period is an opportune time to take in a visit to any of these sites.”
The 13th century Franciscan friary had been closed to facilitate major renovation and conservation works by the OPW.
Ennis friary, founded by The O’Brien’s of Thomond, who once ruled much of north Munster, dates to the early 13th century and is home to a unique collection of stone panel carvings dating to the 15th century. Since care of the friary was vested in the OPW in the late 19th century, concern was expressed about the vulnerability of the stone carvings.
Following the preparation and presentation of a conservation plan and extensive public consultation in 2009, the OPW drew up plans for maintaining the historic site and improving visitor access.
The project proceeded with the analysis of the damaged and decayed carved stonework by a stone conservation specialist. The stonework was then removed to the National Monuments depot in Athenry for consolidation and repair. The site of the 18th century church, which was built within the walls of the medieval nave, has been chosen as the most appropriate location
for the protection and presentation of these medieval sculptures. Following essential conservation works, the design of the modern roof reflects the original profile of the church and its lightweight structure has a minimal impact on the original walls; the materials used externally match the fabric of the adjoining historic buildings.
The medieval carved objects are mounted on display plinths accompanied by information panels; parts of the McMahon or Royal Tomb form some of this display. Further medieval fragments will be incorporated in the display as they are conserved.
The Creagh Tomb is still undergoing conservation works and will be accessible to the public later in 2012. Visitors to Ennis friary can also see the sacristy, an impressive structure with a ribbed, barrel-vaulted ceiling.
Ennis friary is open daily from 10am to 6pm until October 31. The last admission is 45 minutes before closing.
Public car and coach parking facilities are provided close to the site. A visitor leaflet providing background to the friary has been translated from English into Irish, French, German, Italian and Spanish and is available on site.
For more, contact 065 6841020 or email ennisfriary@opw.ie.