Grant enables final phase of €750,000 revamp of Carrick-on-Suir Heritage Centre to begin

Preparations are underway to start the final phase of the €750,000 transformation of Carrick-on-Suir Heritage Centre into a world class tourism showcase of the town’s history and culture with the goal of having it ready for next year’s tourism season.

Design work has begun on the fit out of the heritage centre with a state-of-the-art interpretation called Tides of Time that will tell the story of Carrick-on-Suir and its people.

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Tony Musiol, Chairman of Carrick-on-Suir Tourism & Economic Development Committee, which is spearheading the project, said it’s planned to have the Tides of Time interpretative experience completed by next May in time for the 2026 tourism season.

“This initiative will play a key role in Carrick’s tourism growth and in deepening local pride. It is an exciting step forward for the town’s regeneration,” he said.

According to the Explore Carrick-on-Suir tourism initiative, Tides of Time will blend storytelling, history, interactive technology and local narratives, while also incorporating sustainability and biodiversity features.

“Planned features include immersive audio-visual displays, oral history recordings, dynamic exhibition spaces, and a newly designed book and gift retail experience.

“The project also aims to create a flexible literary and community space to host cultural events, performances, and future artist-led programming, helping to ensure the Heritage Centre evolves as a living space, shaped by local voices.”

The €441,000 final phase of the upgrade of Carrick Heritage Centre is being made possible thanks to €352,647 funding COSTEDC secured in July from Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme which is co-funded by the EU and the Irish Government through the EU Just Transition fund.

This grant is funding 80% of the cost with the remaining 20% provided in matching funding by COSTEDC through public donations.

COSTEDC launched its fundraising campaign to help finance the upgrade of Carrick Heritage Centre in March, 2019.

The first phase of the project involving renovation of the historic building was granted aided by the Rural Regeneration Development Fund. The renovations got underway during the summer of 2019 and were completed in 2020.

Mr Musiol said COSTEDC was delighted to secure the EU Just Tranisition funding to complete the transformation of Carrick Heritage Centre, which is located in a former Protestant church located off Main Street.

“We are delighted with it because we have been planning towards this project for a long time,” he said.

He outlined their goal is to use and promote the revamped Heritage Centre along with Ormond Castle, the Suir Blueway and heritage attractions of the Lingaun Valley to increase the number of people visiting Carrick-on-Suir five fold.

He said Carrick-on-Suir Commercial & Tourism manager Sarah-Jane Cleary’s work promoting Carrick-on-Suir and its hinterland in counties Waterford and Kilkenny as well as Tipperary as a tourist destination is crucial to this.

“It’s one thing to get the capital expenditure which we are grateful for but we won’t generate tourism unless the attractions are promoted,” he explained.

“The work Sarah-Jane is doing with the Ormond Castle market during National Heritage Week and with the upcoming L-Etape Tour de France race in Carrick-on-Suir in September are all helping with that.”

Sarah-Jane Cleary said the Carrick Heritage Centre project represents a huge opportunity for Carrick-on-Suir.

“We want to create a Heritage Centre experience that is welcoming, dynamic, and community-driven, one that honours our town’s past while inspiring future connections.

“The EU Just Transition Fund and Fáilte Ireland’s support will allow us to build something truly special for both local people and visitors.”

Carrick Development Association Chairman Niall Walsh and member Patsy Fitzgerald expressed their delight at the news, having dedicated many years of voluntary effort through COSDA to support and grow Carrick Heritage Centre for the benefit of the local community.

Brian O’Flynn, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland said Carrick-on-Suir’s new Tides of Time interpretive project is a wonderful example of how regenerative tourism can celebrate local heritage while driving sustainable growth.

“Through the EU Just Transition Fund and Fáilte Ireland’s support, this initiative will help unlock the town’s potential as a vibrant gateway to Ireland’s Ancient East, enriching the visitor experience and strengthening community pride .

“I look forward to the completion of the project and seeing it deliver impactful and economic benefits to the local area.”

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