One of Clare's oldest landmark to reopen this summer

STEP into history as one of Ireland’s oldest Franciscan friary will reopen its site to the public this summer.

Locals and visitors alike are invited to “Step into Our Story” as a number of national landmarks across Clare and the Mid-West that the OPW holds in trust for the nation will reopen for the season.

The medieval Franciscan friary and last school of Catholic theology to survive the Reformation, the Ennis Friary, will be among the landmark that will reopen this summer.

OPW Head Guide at Ennis Friary, Carmel Shaw, commented:  “We are delighted to have the OPW heritage site at Ennis Friary open early this season, giving our national and international visitors, our local community and our school groups more opportunities to visit one of Ireland’s oldest Franciscan friaries and burial place of the ancient kings of Clare.”

Welcoming the reopening of the OPW Heritage sites for the summer season, Minister for the OPW, Patrick O’Donovan TD, stated: “The heritage landmarks re-opening, as well as those open all year, significantly contribute to the local sense of place, the local economy and are great places for all the family to enjoy.”

 Visitors will be able to enjoy more than 6,000 years of history at one of the many ancient and enchanting sites across Ireland. And, on the first Wednesday of every month, visitors and families can enjoy free admission to Ennis Friary.