THE Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience has won an award in the Adaptation and Re-Use category at the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Architecture Awards 2026.
Developed by Clare County Council, the attraction celebrates its one year anniversary this month and provides an engaging insight into the history of Inis Cealtra (Holy Island).
Designed by Dublin firm McCullough Mulvin Architects, the award acknowledges the high-quality of restoration work and repurposing of the historic building into a flagship visitor attraction for the Lough Derg region. The RIAI defines the Adaptation and Re-Use category as applying to works “that are adapted for new uses while retaining their historic fabric and features. This approach enhances both the space and experience of a structure while also reducing the carbon footprint associated with its construction”
The centre is housed in the Old Rectory in Mountshannon, a period residence dating back to 1905. The historic building has been carefully restored, repurposed, and extended to serve as a visitor and interpretive hub for Inis Cealtra, one of Ireland’s most significant ecclesiastical heritage sites.
From its opening on June 25th to its closing on October 26th, there were a total of 5,784 visitors to the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience which had free admission for the 2025 season. In a post on their official website, Clare County Council stated that the award “supports the continued promotion of County Clare as a destination of cultural and architectural significance”.
Acting Senior Executive Officer Tourism, Festivals & Events, Theresa Hughes Lennon commented on the award, saying “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award for the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience at the Rectory in Mountshannon. We would sincerely like to thank everyone who contributed to the project and in particular McCullough Mulvin Architects for the care and consideration into preserving this historic iconic building, and the local community for their input and support”, she added.
The Visitor Centre was officially opened by Mountshannon native, Timmy Dooley TD (FF) who said at the time “the visitor centre will develop Mountshannon as a tourism destination, it will drive visitors to East Clare and celebrate the history of Lough Derg and Inis Cealtra. I believe East Clare deserves a signature project”, he added.
The Visitor Centre was part of a €5.3m refurbishment project funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, with matched funding from Clare County Council, followed by extensive consultation with elected members of the Killaloe municipal district, various state agencies and the local community in East Clare.
