Results of audit on Clare’s ecclesiastical buildings to be presented this evening

Ireland. (SANEPR.com) March 27, 2007 -- The results of a comprehensive audit of more than 80 Early Christian, Medieval and Celtic ecclesiastical buildings in County Clare will be presented at Clare Museum, Ennis this evening. The presentation will coincide with the official launch of ‘Rian na Manach - A Guided Tour of Ecclesiastical Treasures in Co. Clare’ by Dr. Peter Harbison, the noted Irish archaeologist and antiquarian. The publication provides background historical, architectural and archaeological information to 33 of the audited sites, as well as access and directional knowledge to the public.

The aim of the project, which was researched by Clodagh Lynch and Olive Carey of Clóbh Research in association with the Heritage Council and Clare County Council under the implementation of the Clare Heritage Plan 2003–07, is to increase awareness of Clare’s rich ecclesiastical heritage. Detailed site reports were undertaken on such ecclesiastical locations as Ennis Franciscan Friary, Inis Cealtra in Mountshannon, Kilfarboy Church near Miltown Malbay, St. Cronán's 10th Century Church at Tuamgraney, Kilchreest Church in Ballynacally, and North Clare’s Corcomroe Abbey.

According to Tomás Mac Conmara, Acting Heritage Officer with Clare County Council, “It was decided to carry out an audit of ecclesiastical buildings in the county to develop a sustainable heritage/tourism product and also to retain and add interest for visitors to Clare. The end product is Rian na Manach (Pathway of the Saints). This impressive publication will disseminate accessible knowledge to the local population as well as visitors to the county.”

Mr. Mac Conmara indicated that the featured sites and buildings reflected the many changes that have occurred in County Clare throughout our history.

He explained, “ Inis Cealtra or ‘Holy Island’ on Lough Derg was the scene of an attack by the Danes, led by Turgesius, in the ninth century while it was again pillaged by the Vikings a century later. Elsewhere, the old graveyard surrounding Kilchreest Church was originally a cholera pit where many famine victims were buried. The establishment of the 13th century Franciscan Friary, meanwhile, was the catalyst for the creation of a much larger settlement, now known as Ennis.”

Clodagh Lynch and Olive Carey of Clóbh Research undertook the detailed site reports, which commenced in February 2006. Commenting on the new publication, Ms. Carey said, “The guide will help inform people of the importance of these historic buildings and will hopefully inform the basis for their enhanced protection, which in turn will allow for increased appropriate accessibility in the future.”

“The book, which has been compiled based on the audit’s database of information, offers a valuable insight into an array of ecclesiastical treasures across the County. It reflects the rich ecclesiastical history that exists in the county and although it serves as a sustainable tourism/heritage guide for both tourists and locals, it importantly outlines the sensitivity of these buildings”, she concluded.

This evening’s presentation on and official launch of ‘Rian na Manach - A Guided Tour of Ecclesiastical Treasures in Co. Clare’ takes place at 7.30pm in Clare Museum, Ennis, County Clare. Dr. Peter Harbison who provides the introduction to the book, will perform the launch while Cllr. Flan Garvey, the Mayor of Clare will speak on behalf of Clare County Council. Clodagh Lynch and Olive Carey from Clóbh Research will also provide a brief illustrated talk on the project. The guide (RRP €5.00) is available at selected bookshops and heritage centres across County Clare.

-ENDS-


Note for Editors:
- Interviews and photograph opportunities can be arranged by contacting Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on (mobile) 00353-868534900 or (email) media@dunphypr.com. Tabhair faoi deara gur féidir agallaimh trí Ghaeilge a eagrú.
- High resolution pics available on request.
- Directions to Clare Museum, Arthur's Row, Ennis, Co. Clare: Coming from Limerick - follow the N18 into Ennis towards Galway, turning right at the traffic lights (just beyond St Flannan's College) onto Clon Road Mor. Proceed along Clon Road Mor, and after passing through a minor roundabout, take the first left. Passing through a second roundabout will take you into a public car park at the back of the museum, which will be the blue\grey building facing you. Coming from Galway - follow the N18 into Ennis towards Limerick, turning left at the traffic lights on the Clare Road (just before St Flannan's College) onto Clon Road Mor. Proceed along Clon Road Mor, and after passing through a minor roundabout, take the first left. Passing through a second roundabout will take you into a public car park at the back of the museum, which will be the blue\grey building facing you. Car Parking - Available in the Public Car Park located at the rear of the museum, adjacent to the Temple Gate Hotel.