The temporary cafe service which has opened at Clonmacnoise Heritage site

Temporary cafe facilities open at Clonmacnoise heritage site

Geraldine Grennan

Published: Mon 14 Jul 2025, 11:00 AM

The Office of Public Works has formally announced the opening of a temporary café service at Clonmacnoise heritage site.

The new service will provide tea/ coffee and snacks to the public and includes picnic tables with parasols.

The announcement comes three months after the Offaly Independent reported that there was currently no cáfe or shop for visitors at the ancient monastic site, which is one of the top tourist attractions in the country.

Subsequent to our article being published, the OPW advertised a tendering process for a mobile café at the site, the closing date for which was originally April 30 but was then extended to Friday, May 16.

Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre is currently earmarked for a significant redevelopment project which is due to get underway later this year. The works, which are being funded through the EU Just Transition Fund, will include a dedicated education space, a changing places facility and new interpretive displays.

Minister of State with Responsibility for OPW Kevin Moran at the coffee dock at Clonmacnoise with local Cllrs Hughie Egan and Declan Harvey and Offaly Fianna Fail TD, Tony McCormack. Photo: Ray Ryan Photo by RAY RYAN

Speaking at the cafe opening, Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran said the provision of catering services at the site will enhance “the overall visitor experience” allowing people to savour the historic and picturesque landscape while enjoying a coffee and a snack.