A new roof is to be constructed on the historic 13th century Franciscan Friary in Ennis as part of a €100,000 conservation project currently being carried out there. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is overseeing the project, which includes repair and protection of existing stonework and wall paintings, new interpretation panels and the installation of a new lightweight roof.
A spokesperson for the OPW said the work is expected to be completed later this year.
The project is been undertaken for the protection of the features in the Friary.
According to the OPW, “Following the preparation and presentation of a conservation plan for the national monument, and public consultation, the Office of Public Works undertook to prepare plans for the protection and presentation of the significant collection of medieval carved stone features within the remains of the friary and for the improvement of visitor access to the site.”
Last summer the site was closed to visitor access.
Among its most famous painting are those of Saint Francis that contains the stigmata as well as the McMahon tomb, which dates from 1470 and contains elaborate pictures of the Passion of Christ.
It was once a home for over 300 Franciscan Friars and 600 students when it was at the height of its power in 1590 AD.
It closed around 1700 AD.
SIC: CIN/IE