This article is from page 19 of the 2012-08-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 19 JPG
ALMOST 7,000 visitors have passed through the doors of the recently renovated historic Ennis Friary since the building re-opened to the public in June.
The 13th century Franciscan Friary has been closed for three years to facilitate major renovation and conservation works.
The purpose of the estimated € 100,000 works project is to provide protection for the collection of carved features which survive at Ennis Friary.
A roof has been installed over the 18th century church in order to provide protection for the collection. The OPW also plans to improve visitor access at the site.
Authorities on medieval sculpture have highlighted the importance of the Friary’s unique collection, which contain a complete set of panels representing the 12 apostles and stages of the Passion of Christ.
Ennis Friary holds a rich collection of carved stone including the Creagh Tomb, Ecce Homo and Royal Tomb Canopy and also has remains of wall paintings.
A conservation plan prepared in 2001 identified the need to protect these and other elements of the Friary. Conservation works are still ongoing at the site.
According to figures from the Office of Public Works (OPW), 6,913 people visited the Friary between June 18 and July 29.
Ennis Friary is open daily from 10am to 6pm up to 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. Admission is free until the end of October.
Guided tours of Franciscan Friary in Ennis will take place on Sunday August 12 (2pm-5pm) and Sunday August 26 (2pm-5pm). Entrance to Ennis Friary is free all through Heritage Week and until the end of 2012. For further details of National Heritage Week Events in County Clare, please see www.heritageweek.ie.