Sisters plan to develop first convent into 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.

The Presentation Congregation said it hopes the ambitious project at its historic South Presentation Centre in the city centre will preserve the heritage, ethos and philosophy of founder, the Venerable Nano Nagle.

Nano Nagle founded the order in Cork in 1775. For centuries, the 3.75-acre site in Cork, which features buildings dating back to 1771, a walled garden, a graveyard and the tomb of Nano Nagle, has attracted visitors from all over the world.