O’Brien’s Tower, the landmark building that stands on a headland at the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, will undergo restoration in the coming weeks.
Millions of people from around the globe have visited the tower since local landlord Cornelius O’Brien constructed it in 1835. The viewing platform is located near the highest point of the 214-metre high cliffs and provides views of Clare, the Kerry Mountains, Galway Bay and the Aran Islands.
Clare County Council, which owns the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, today (Tuesday, 29 January 2019) signed contracts with Mid West Lime Ltd. to carry out works including the removal and replacement of existing stair enclosure, staircases and windows and the application of a lime wet dash externally as well as the repair of the internal face of the stone fabric of the tower. The works will commence in February and are scheduled for completion in early May.
“The completion of these restoration works will ensure safe and secure access for the public to this strategic viewing location while at the same time preserving one of the most historic and well known buildings in Clare,” stated Councillor Michael Begley, Mayor of Clare.
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, commented, “I am delighted to be in a position to sign the contract for restoration works to commence immediately on O’Brien’s Tower. O’Brien’s Tower is a vital part of our local heritage and this restoration work will ensure the conservation of this protected structure which forms part of the draw for visitors from all over the world to the Cliffs of Moher.”
Commenting on the requirement to undertake restoration works on the tower, Donnacha Lynch, Acting Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, said, “The tower suffers from water ingress as a consequence of its very exposed location. Due to concern for the long term damage and also visitor safety, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is carrying out repairs and interventions. We are applying a lime render to the exterior in an effort to stop water penetrating through the wall. The tower was most likely rendered when it was built almost two centuries ago.”
Full drawings and a report are available to view at the Planning Office, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, and at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre.
The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is one of three “Signature Discovery Points” in County Clare along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way, the others being the Bridges of Ross and Loop Head Lighthouse. The Cliffs are also a key component of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.
For more visit www.cliffsofmoher.ie.