The main subject of the project, 'The 14th Century Cistercian Abbey’ with its Medieval Wall Paintings is of immense importance to the Island, and indeed the country, as its significance in historical value is huge. Yet this asset to the community stands there completely unutilised, with no plan for the future other than the conservation work, which has been carried out recently. The students under the guidance of the Centre for Island Studies did a lot of research over the period of the Campus and in their final presentation to the public, displayed the Abbey in a whole different light and focussed the publics attention to it. The final recommendations of the Project were enlightening, refreshing and imaginative and if implemented would see the Abbey as a huge attraction and focus for any visitor to the Island. Certainly, now its huge potential is recognised by both the Islanders and the Authorities and maybe now its potential will be realised. It was interesting when talking with the students, to find that most of their recommendations and displays were actually sourced in the community itself and that there were varying views on what should happen to the Abbey.

The programme and project has been of immense benefit to the Island and I hope to the students as well. Apart from the project work itself, it was very good for a small community like ‘Clare Island’ to have so many young people about, with such a geographical and cultural spread. The ease at which they mingled with the Island Community during their research and stay was very refreshing.

Such projects are very worthwhile and necessary and should be continued. The work done is of huge importance to the local community, so the community gains and the experience for the students, I hope was one that they will remember fondly.