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Contract Signed For Offaly Visitor Centre

Friday, 3 April 2026 07:26

OPW Minister Kevin “Boxer” Moran is welcoming a contract for redeveloping Clonmacnoise's visitor centre,

OPW Minister and Longford-Westmeath TD Kevin “Boxer” Moran T.D is welcoming the signing of a contract with Kelbuild Ltd for the major redevelopment of the visitor centre at Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly.

The project has been awarded €7.8million in funding through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition fund.

This project is being delivered through a partnership between the Office of Public Works, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Fáilte Ireland.

The redevelopment is a flagship investment under the EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF), supporting sustainable regional development and tourism diversification in the Midlands. 

The redevelopment will include the construction of a new extension, refurbishment of the existing visitor centre, and the provision of a new interpretation and exhibition space incorporating immersive audio-visual experiences and digital interactivity. External works will include a new entrance courtyard, improved coach and car parking, and enhanced wayfinding and landscaping. 

Minister Moran says:

“I am delighted to be here today to witness this significant milestone in progressing works at one of Ireland’s most significant early Christian monastic sites. Supported through the EU Just Transition Fund, the project aims to protect the site’s archaeological heritage and support regional tourism and economic diversification. Upon completion of this project, the Visitor Centre at Clonmacnoise will increase visitor capacity and improve the overall visitor experience.”

Fellow Longford-Westmeath TD and Tourism Minister Peter Burke T.D. said: 

“The Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre is a significant project under Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme and it’s great to see this begin to take shape. This investment of €7.8 million further strengthens the sustainable tourism development across the Midlands and enhancing the region’s unique cultural and natural assets. 

The EU Just Transition Fund continues to play a vital role in supporting economic diversification, creating employment, and delivering long‑term benefits for communities and local businesses across Offaly and the wider region. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have as works progress and to further developments in the months ahead as we continue to deliver transformative projects for the Midlands.” 

The redevelopment of the Visitor Centre at Clonmacnoise will significantly enhance tourism in Offaly and across the wider Midlands by offering an even more compelling experience at this iconic heritage site. This investment will support local tourism businesses and deliver lasting benefits for the surrounding community. We look forward to continued collaboration with the OPW, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) as we work together to deliver this transformative project."

The Office of Public Works will manage and deliver the capital works programme, ensuring all works are carried out in best practice.

The monastic site at Clonmacnoise will remain open to the public during the construction phase. Temporary facilities, including public toilets and a Welcome Hub, are in place to ensure continuity of visitor services.

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