Happy days as new Round Tower opens

THE red tape was cut on the new €4 million Round Tower Visitor Centre in the heart of Clondalkin Village last week.

Brú Chrónáin was officially opened by the Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr Paul Gogarty, alongside Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald, local councillors and members of the community.

The new facility, which represents a significant investment by South Dublin County Council, comprises the conservation and refurbishment of five derelict 19th Century Mill Cottages and a modern extension to the rear.

The Round Tower Centre has been designed as 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 and its historic core.

The building also houses an interactive exhibition, café and retail area.

The project is one of the most significant new attractions to open in South County Dublin in recent years, and it is hoped that it will attract thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Daniel McLoughlin, Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council, described it as a “wonderful new cultural and heritage destination”.

“This will support the development and regeneration of Clondalkin, and make a huge contribution to the local economy,” he said.

“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 1,000 years of Clondalkin’s history and heritage.”

Mayor Paul Gogarty, who officially opened the centre, added: “South Dublin County Council is committed to providing high-quality facilities and this superb visitor centre is 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,” the mayor added.

“It clearly demonstrates what can be achieved when we come together to work collaboratively for the good of the community.”

The Round Tower will be operated by The Happy Pear. The café and food store is also employing around 30 people from the local area.