04/10/2017

Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.

New Round Tower Visitor Centre, Brú Chrónáin officially opened by the Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr. Paul Gogarty.

Cllr. Paul Gogarty, Mayor of South Dublin County officially opened the new €4 million visitor centre in the heart of Clondalkin Village in the presence of the Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald, local Councillors, Oireachtas Members and members of the local community on Tuesday 3rd October 2017.

This new facility involved a significant investment by South Dublin County Council and comprises of the conservation and refurbishment of five derelict 19th Century Mill Cottages and a modern extension to the rear. The Round Tower Centre is a vibrant hub for visitors to enjoy and explore, with beautiful gardens front and rear and a new civic plaza which re-engages the site with is historic core. The building houses an interactive exhibition, café and retail area. The project is one of the most significant new attractions to open in South Dublin County in recent years, potentially attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Daniel Mc Loughlin, Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council, described it as a “wonderful new cultural and heritage destination” which will support the development and regeneration of Clondalkin, and make a huge contribution to the local economy.

“We are delighted that, we’ve been able to fund this fantastic project, which engages both locals and visitors with the fascinating history of the Round Tower and an exhibition that tells the story of over one thousand years of Clondalkin’s history and heritage” he said.

Mayor Paul Gogarty who officially opened that centre added “South Dublin County Council is committed to providing high-quality facilities and this superb visitor centre was a model of true local democracy in action. The quality and co-operation between the Council and the community has been critical to the success of the project. The Visitor Centre was conceived by the Council in collaboration with the local community to celebrate the Round Tower and to respond to the origins of the site and its history. I would like to acknowledge the support of the Office of Public Works who worked very closely with the Council on the delivery of this wonderful project, it clearly demonstrates what can be achieved when we come together to work collaboratively for the good of the community “

The Round Tower, Clondalkin, Brú Chrónáin is being operated by The Happy Pear and features a unique Happy Pear café and food store. The Happy Pear is also employing around 30 people from the local area.   

The visitor centre is the latest addition to a range of modern community, heritage and recreational facilities that South Dublin County Council is currently developing to cater for the needs of our local communities.

The project is also a further step in implementing the South Dublin Tourism Strategy whose aim is to put South Dublin County to the forefront of the tourism market by enhancing the wonderful heritage assets and natural beauty of our County.

For further information, please email communications@sdublincoco.ie

Images

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  Niall de Burca with pupils from St. John's National School and Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain at The Round Tower Bru Chronain
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  Pupils of Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin at The Round Tower Brú Chrónáin
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  South Dublin County Council Chief Executive Daniel McLoughlin, Mayor Cllr Paul Gogarty, Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald TD open The Round Tower Brú Chrónáin