History comes to life in Clondalkin

THE iconic Round Tower Visitor Centre in Clondalkin has been chosen by Fáilte Ireland for its ‘Dublin’s Surprising Stories Grants Scheme'.

The South Dublin County Council centre will now receive funding of €51,000 as part of the scheme.

The announcement was made at the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum by the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe last week.

The funding is part of Fáilte Ireland’s strategy to ensure continued growth and sustainability in the tourism industry and to support the development of world-class visitor attractions in the Dublin region.

The funding will be used by the council to develop stories about monastic life and the round towers of Ireland with the development of multi-lingual audio tours in English, Irish, German, Polish and Spanish.

Interpretation in the garden will be improved by introducing signage to inform visitors what plants and herbs were used within monastic life.

A heated outdoor area will also offer a multi-purpose space for both the local community and visitors alike.

South Dublin County Council’s proposal has been approved in principle subject to further documentation being submitted to Fáilte Ireland by May 8. 

Other successful applicants of the ‘Dublin’s Surprising Stories Grants Scheme’ include Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, the GAA Museum at Croke Park, EPIC – The Irish Emigration Museum and Newbridge House and Farm.

Minister Paschal Donohoe added:  “Today’s significant announcement of grant funding is a vote of confidence in Dublin’s booming tourism sector with an estimated 6.4 million overseas visitors visiting the capital last year.

“Tourism is a vital element of our national economy with visitors generating an estimated €2.2 billion in overseas revenue and supporting 68,000 jobs in Dublin alone.”

Daniel McLoughlin, Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council, said they were delighted to have received funding for the scheme.