The €10.5m regeneration of a historic convent and school as a heritage centre has been described as a living showcase of one of Ireland’s greatest social justice pioneers.

A historic city convent which has undergone a €10m conservation and regeneration project is set to open as an iconic heritage and visitor centre.

An Irish religious order will unveil a €10m plan today to preserve its first convent — founded in Cork in the 18th century — and develop it as a heritage and visitor centre.