Happy days for Round Tower

THE latest addition to the Southside’s rich tourism and heritage opened its doors for the first time recently.

The much-anticipated Round Tower visitor centre in Clondalkin features an interpretative centre, exhibition space, café, gardens, terrace dining and craft shop.

Nestled in the heart of historic Clondalkin Village, within minutes of the Grand Canal Greenway, Corkagh Regional Park and the nearby Irish Cultural Centre, Áras Chrónáin, it is also home to the first Happy Pear Café and foodstore in Dublin.

The Interpretative Centre, in a fun and interactive way, tells the story of that most unique of Irish cultural features, the Round Tower

?? what were they for, how were they built and who built them.

“The Round Tower, Clondalkin has stood witness to over 1,000 years of social and cultural development of the village, from monastic to modern, and from Viking to Victorian,

? said Daniel McLoughlin, Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council.

“The restored Mill Cottages on the site of the 8th Century Round Tower are home to eight rooms in which these stories unfold through sight, sound and stunning visuals.

“The opening of this exciting facility comes after years of work between South Dublin County Council, the Office of Public Works and the local community and marks a significant investment by the local authority in the economic and tourism development of South County Dublin.

?

Suitable for all ages, the interactive multimedia exhibition tells the story of over 1,000 years of Clondalkin’s history and heritage.

The exhibition delves into Clondalkin’s medieval origins, from the foundation of St Crónán Mo-Chua’s monastery, to revealing intriguing clues to the town’s fascinating Viking past.

Discover what life was like in Clondalkin during the 1800s, when the visitor centre buildings were originally constructed.

The Round Tower, Clondalkin, Brú Chrónáin is being run by The Happy Pear and features one of their cafés and a food store.

The Happy Pear is also employing around 30 people from the local area.   

 

“We’re so honoured and privileged to be part of this really great centre in the heart of Clondalkin,

? Happy Pear co-founders and Directors, David and Stephen Flynn, said.

“The interpretive centre is amazing and truly celebrates Clondalkin’s rich heritage and the history of Ireland’s Round Towers.

“It’s such a fantastic spot with gorgeous, herbaceous gardens and the impressive Round Tower as a backdrop.

?

“Our new Happy Pear team is really looking forward to welcoming the local community, and serving great quality food in the months and years ahead.

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The Happy Pear café will open from 8am

?? 8pm (Mon

?? Sun) during the summer months, serving the highest quality and great tasting food made by The Happy Pear.