*Pictured at the official opening of the Turret Lodge, Carmel Greene, Senior Executive Officer, Economic Development Directorate, Clare County Council; Leonard Cleary, Director of Service, Rural and Community Development, Clare County Council; Mayor of Clare, Cllr Mary Howard; Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County Council; and Lisa O’Sullivan, Kilrush and District Historical Society. Photograph: Eamon Ward

West Clare landmark, the Turret Lodge has been returned to the control of the Kilrush and District Historical Society following its €240,000 renovation.

Notable given its controlling access between Kilrush town and the Vandeleur Estate, the Turret Lodge acts as a surviving link with the past heritage of the West Clare capital. In 1897, Kilrush House which was the home of the Vandeleurs was burnt down, the surviving lodges, walled garden and stable block act as a reminder of the area’s history.

Built in 1845, originally spelt as the Terret Lodge, the structure will now be utilised as a small genealogy and exhibition space.

Funding under the Historic Towns Initiative was granted to renovate the Turret Lodge last year. The partnership between the Heritage Council and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht also received match funding from Clare County Council. The approval followed requests from the Kilrush and District Historical Society (KDHS).

Chairperson of the KDHS, Lisa O’Sullivan received the keys to the Turret on behalf of the society at an event to mark the works carried out.

Historical, social and tourism benefits will result for Kilrush as a result, officials within Clare County Council believe. The local authority has paid tribute to adjoining landowners, Coillte and Gearóid and Mary Williams for positively engaging with the project by facilitating the transfer of adjoining land.

“This project provides the local community with a truly unique space while also delivering on the conservation of an important building. The renovated Turret Lodge will increase the cultural, heritage and tourism offering of Kilrush Town,” Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling stated.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) maintained the refurbishment was “an exemplar of sustainable development” and noted that the concept originated from the community. Director of Economic Development with the Council, Liam Conneally flagged that the restoration aligned with objectives of the County’s Heritage Plan 2017-2023, “It has brought into active use a protected structure, resulting in a long-term heritage asset”.

Members of the KDHS have acknowledged Clare LEADER who initially provided funding to conduct a feasibility study and the input of Cllr Ian Lynch (IND). “When it is safe to do so, we will have an official launch event and the public will be given tours of the lodge. The window boards will remain up until the final cameras are installed,” a spokesperson for the society commented.

Related News

Lunch Time Lifestyle with the Clare Echo Contributers (13)
Time for planting, pruning, and preparing for a colourful summer
1000052628
24 years of unique fashion and personal service at Freya
clare v kildare 02-03-25 eamon tubridy cillian rouine brennan 1
Keane stressing importance of Cusack Park wins to Clare footballers
cusack park michael o'malley cillian rouine louise griffin tony kelly clare hehir kieran keating 1
Clare GAA not releasing details of Cusack Park naming rights deal with Zimmer Biomet

Advertisement

Latest News
éire óg v st breckans 06-08-22 35 maurice walsh
'We want to be peaking coming out of phase one' - Walsh & Clare U20s ready for championship opener
Donncha O'Dywer
'This is the last time some of us will play together so we hope it's a good one' - O'Dwyer
David Richardson 2 4
Engineering for the Future at Ei Electronics.
kildysart drama 4
Kildysart Drama gears up for 25th production
Lunch Time Lifestyle with the Clare Echo Contributers (13)
Time for planting, pruning, and preparing for a colourful summer
Premium
cusack park michael o'malley cillian rouine louise griffin tony kelly clare hehir kieran keating 1
Clare GAA not releasing details of Cusack Park naming rights deal with Zimmer Biomet
newmarket celtic 1
Newmarket signal intent as Avenue's losing streak continues
Lawrence Healy
Healy embracing the heat of management as Ennistymon bid for All-Ireland honours
clare v limerick u20 30-03-24 sean mcmahon 4
McMahon savouring chance to lead Clare into championship action
ennis 2040 signange 1 francis street 2
Reset of Ennis 2040 strategy 'a step in the right direction'

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.