Tender process for mobile café at Offaly monastic site has now ended

A PUBLIC tender for a mobile café at the Clonmacnoise monastic site has closed, last Friday, May 16, followed an extension of the original tender period that was due to end on 30 April.

of State at the Office of Public works (OPW) Kevin Boxer Moran has confirmed the news to Independent TD Carol Nolan.

Minister Moran informed Deputy Nolan that the mobile café would have to provide high-quality catering on site during the redevelopment process currently underway at the world-renowned site.

According to the Minister the extension of the public tender was to allow for greater market engagement and to secure the most suitable operator. He also stated in his engagement with Deputy Nolan that the successful tenderer will be expected to deliver a professional and welcoming service, complementing the heritage setting and enhancing the visitor experience during the works.

The Independent TD had raised the matter with the Minister following a substantial number of concerns that were raised with her by constituents, tour operators and visitors regarding the closure of the coffee shop that had previously operated at the site in November 2024.

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“I accept that work is being done to eventually provide interim café services, but I am somewhat concerned that no specific mention was made regarding the re-opening of the coffee shop that has operated at the site for many years, beyond the generic confirmation that the former Fáilte Ireland building, previously used for retail purposes, and which is currently in the process of being transferred to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, will be permanently adapted to support long-term visitor and community engagement” said Deputy Nolan.

“It would be inconceivable for the redevelopment to exclude a permanent café, and I do not want to assume at this point that it will not be re-opened, although that is the fear that has been expressed to me repeatedly. That is why I will be seeking definitive clarity on that matter from Minister Moran.”

“I am also informed that the former Fáilte Ireland building will include a dedicated education space, a Changing Places facility (a fully accessible restroom), and new interpretive displays to showcase the site’s significance and the broader redevelopment programme.”

“In the short term, Minister Moran informs me that deep cleaning, repainting, and the installation of interpretive materials will commence shortly to ensure the space is fit for public use, concluded Deputy Nolan.”

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