CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL is in the advanced stages of negotiations to buy Holy Island on Lough Derg.
The council says that, “Holy Island is one of the most important historical sites in Ireland, it’s known throughout East Clare as the ‘Jewel of the Lough’.”
The island is 50 acres with over 4 acres owned by the Office of Public Works. The remainder is privately owned by a farmer and has been passed down through his family for generations.
It has been used for farming purposes and also has a functioning graveyard.
Buildings on the island include a 24-metre high round tower, an oratory and a number of churches.
TheJournal.ie was told that the price of the island is ‘confidential at the moment”.
Gerard Dollard, Director of Services of Clare County Council said that the acquisition of the island has been under consideration for a number of years and that an opportunity recently arose to bring the site into public ownership.
We are fully aware of the significance of this location and would be anxious to see it forming part of the local tourism product and available to the wider public.
The ruins and buildings still standing on Holy Island date back as far as the 7th century when the monastic site was established by St. Caimin.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor John Crowe, said he is “confident the acquisition of this important site can be completed.
“It would be tremendous to secure public ownership of Holy Island this year, considering it is the millennial anniversary of the death of Brian Ború.”
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