12/03/2025

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 The information below may be out of date.

Where to go for coffee in heritage surroundings? Wherelse!

South Dublin County Council is delighted to announce the reopening of Brú Chrónáin Round Tower Visitor Centre in Clondalkin, a cherished cultural and heritage destination, along with the launch of a brand-new on-site café operated by Wherelse, a well-known local coffee shop and event space from Palmerstown.

The Round Tower Visitor Centre, which celebrates the rich history of Clondalkin’s 1,000-year-old monastic Round Tower, will once again welcome visitors to explore its interactive exhibits and beautifully restored gardens. The addition of Wherelse café promises to enhance the visitor experience with an expanded heritage-focused food offering, themed events, and plans for a unique night-time fine dining experience.

Cllr. Alan Hayes, Deputy Mayor of South Dublin County Council, welcomed the reopening, stating “The Round Tower is one of Clondalkin’s most significant landmarks, and we are thrilled to see the Visitor Centre open its doors once again. We are particularly excited to begin a new era with Wherelse café, which will bring a fresh and dynamic energy to this historic site. We encourage both locals and tourists to visit, enjoy the exhibits, and experience the fantastic food offering in a truly unique setting.”

Kyle Quinn, General Manager of Wherelse café, shared his enthusiasm for the new venture: “We are incredibly proud to bring Wherelse to Brú Chrónáin Round Tower Visitor Centre. Our focus will be on celebrating local produce and heritage through our menu, offering traditional Irish flavours with a modern twist. We have exciting plans for heritage-themed dining experiences, community events, and, in the near future, an exclusive fine dining experience in the evenings. We look forward to welcoming visitors and making this a vibrant hub for food, history, and community.”

The Round Tower Visitor Centre and Wherelse café will be open from Saturday 15th March in time for St. Patrick’s weekend. Expanded operating hours, the opening of the restaurant, and upcoming events are to be announced in the coming weeks. Visitors can expect a warm welcome, great food, and a deeper connection to Clondalkin’s rich history.

For further information, please email communications@sdublincoco.ie

IMAGE 1:Deputy Mayor of South Dublin County Cllr Alan Hayes with Jason Frehill (SDCC Director of Economic Enterprise & Tourism Development), Tom Rooney (Head of Enterprise at South Dubin Local Enterprise Office), Laura Leonard (Economic Enterprise Tourism Development), Ralph McGarry (SDCC Tourism Section), Cllr Francis Timmons, Cllr Shirley O'Hara, Cllr Linda de Courcy, Eric Quinn and his Wherelse team and The Clann Chrónáin team at Brú Chrónáin at the Round Tower, Clondalkin.

IMAGE 2:Eric Quinn, Kyle Quinn and the Wherelse team at Brú Chrónáin at the Round Tower, Clondalkin.

IMAGE 3: Eric Quinn (Wherelse Café) and the Clann Chrónáin team at Brú Chrónáin at the Round Tower, Clondalkin

IMAGE 4: Deputy Mayor of South Dublin County Cllr Alan Hayes with Jason Frehill (SDCC Director of Economic Enterprise & Tourism Development), Tom Rooney (Head of Enterprise at South Dubin Local Enterprise Office), Laura Leonard (Economic Enterprise Tourism Development, Ralph McGarry (SDCC Tourism Section), Cllr Francis Timmons, Cllr Shirley O'Hara, Cllr Linda de Courcy, Bernardine Nic Giolla Phadraig and Eric Quinn (Wherelse Café) at Brú Chrónáin at the Round Tower, Clondalkin

IMAGE 5: Brú Chrónáin at the Round Tower, Clondalkin

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