Clonmacnoise Visitor Experience During Redevelopment Phase

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced measures to improve the visitor experience at Clonmacnoise as a significant redevelopment project gets underway, supported by the EU Just Transition Fund. To ensure continuity of services and a welcoming environment during this transitional period, the OPW will provide a temporary café service on site, including picnic tables with parasols, offering shaded seating complemented by tasteful landscaping. These temporary features are designed to enhance visitor comfort while full construction works are ongoing.

The broader redevelopment, due to commence in late 2025, will transform the Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre into a modern, sustainable and fully accessible facility, significantly improving interpretation, energy efficiency, and overall visitor engagement. The OPW fully recognises the importance of providing appropriate retail and catering facilities at Clonmacnoise and remains firmly committed to ensuring a café service is available throughout the redevelopment phase. Arrangements are currently being actively pursued to deliver this offering on site.

In parallel, the former Fáilte Ireland building will serve as the temporary ticket desk during the works and play a key role in maintaining on-site services and community engagement. Short-term improvements such as deep cleaning, repainting, and installation of interpretive materials will soon begin to make the space accessible for public use.

Looking to the future, this building will be permanently adapted to include a dedicated education space, a Changing Places facility, and new interpretive displays, ensuring a strong legacy from the redevelopment programme.

For more information please contact the OPW Press Office at pressoffice@opw.ie

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