Press release
Minister Patrick O’ Donovan welcomes the completion of works at Roscrea Castle and Damer House, County Tipperary
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Published on
Last updated on
Patrick O’ Donovan, TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works today, 3 April, welcomed the completion of works at Roscrea Castle and Damer House after a 3 year program of repair and upgrades at a cost of just under €900k.
Damer House, an early C18th pre-Palladian house, is at the heart of the visitor experience with visitor reception facilities and fine historic rooms, beautifully presented with art, furniture and artefacts. Guided tours are provided by the expert OPW visitor staff on site. In April 2023, the Office of Public Works completed a three-year programme of repair to Damer House. This included the repair of all the window boxes and sashes to the North & east façade as well as a programme of works to the stone jambs, cills, keystones and lintels of the north and east façade to repair the eroded sandstone surrounds that was facilitating large amount of water ingress into the fabric of the house.
In addition, comprehensive Mechanical and Electrical upgrade and ancillary works were undertaken on the Roscrea Castle complex in 2022 and completed in February 2023. The works included the upgrading of all electrical ducting, cabling, lighting, emergency lighting, and sockets throughout the Gate Tower, supervisors guides offices, operational staff depot quarters and the courtyards. The addition of new lighting features and new heating measures have greatly improved comfort levels for both staff and visitors. New distribution boards were installed as well as the introduction of a new CCTV security system.
The Minister said today
“I am delighted to be here today to official open this wonderful collection of Heritage properties in the heart of Roscrea for the 2024 season. The annual opening of these Heritage sites are an essential part to the tourism industry across rural Ireland but also contribute to the environmental and economic benefits of the local community.”
The Minister continued:
“I would like to highlight the wonderful work carried out by my OPW colleagues who over the last three years have worked on a programme of repairs and upgrades, which will preserve and safeguard these buildings into the future.”
The Roscrea Castle complex reopened to the public on 22 June 2023 with guided tours of the castle, Damer House, the grounds, garden and the Blackmills – a restored mill within a short distance from the complex.
For further information, please contact roscreaheritage@opw.ie or pressoffice@opw.ie .
Photography will be available after the event from John Kelly Photography at johndkellyphoto@gmail.com
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Location : Castle Street, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, E53 F652
Opening times : Further Information and opening times are available on Heritage Ireland