Community to assume responsibility for heritage centre

TO mark Heritage Week, a local community in Co Limerick will from now on take responsibility for managing one of the country’s most important archaeological locations.

Lough Gur, which has attracted thousands of visitors over the past 30 years, now boasts a redeveloped visitor centre and has been operated by Shannon Heritage, a subsidiary of Shannon Development.

Arts and Heritage Minister, Jimmy Deenihan said: “Lough Gur is one of the most important heritage locations in Ireland in terms of its abundance and concentration of history, archaeology, folklore and wildlife. It attracts visitors from all walks of life to sample diverse offerings.”

To mark Heritage Week, the centre will be open to the public next Sunday, free of charge.

New facilities at the centre have been completed under the management of Lough Gur Development Association, in association with Shannon Development, Limerick County Council, Shannon Heritage, Ballyhoura Development, Ballyhoura Rural Support Scheme and the local community.

The centre was originally built in 1980 and tells the story of Lough Gur from the coming of Neolithic Man some 5,500 years ago. The chain of habitation is outlined through an audio-visual presentation, display panels and archaeological artefacts from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages and onwards.

*Lough Gur Heritage Centre is open Tuesday to Friday from 12 noon to 5pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 7pm.