A large majority would welcome the opening of the Abbey to visitors. In fact many islanders have encountered visitors who had come solely to see the the Abbey and were very disappointed to find it was not opened. Many expressed that these visits should be regulated. Suggestions made included guided tours by perhaps an islander. This would create a job or jobs on the island.

The proposal of information panels, information booklets and internal protection of the wall paintings was also welcomed by nearly all of the islanders. With regard to payment most were in agreement that a fee should be charged.

When questioned about the wall paintings the majority  of the islanders were unsure of their significance and importance. Undoubtedly the islanders are proud of the Abbey. However, without adequate information most are unable to appreciate its true importance as a unique part of Europe’s heritage.

The suggestion of the Abbey as a venue for mass and other spiritual events was warmly received. However it was expressed that the present state of the Abbey i.e. ample scaffolding and buckets being stored in the nave is in some way disrespectful to this holy place.

The patchwork door leading into the chancel was also criticised by many who feel a finished door would have been appropriate. There are also graves at present locked in the chancel belonging to families living on the island today.

Most island inhabitants were opposed to the lime on the Abbey. It was expressed that the lime took from the aesthetic value of the Abbey. However it is also important to note that most opposed to the lime finish were not aware that the use of the lime is both historically and technically correct.

The report also looked again at the possibility of opening the castle to visitors. The majority of islanders were in favour of this. The feeling was to keep everything as natural as possible. Most felt if a visitor comes to Clare Island that there should be some cultural comfort facilities available to them.

Many islanders suggested a heritage centre and teashop. One proposal was to use the castle as an information centre. This could house information on both the castle and the Abbey.

Many of the islanders are unhappy about the present state of the castle. At present it contains none of the rich heritage of the O’Malley clan, in fact it is the site of an array of litter and empty cans.

The Napoleon signal tower to the west of the island was also highlighted by many islanders as a possible focus of development. Many feel the restoration of this historical tower would enrich Clare Island’s heritage.

In relation to the present tourism levels and future developments the islanders were definite in many respects on how they would like tourism to proceed. People living here are anxious not to make the mistakes of other islands. The example of the Aran Islands was a reoccurring theme. Many people were glad to see the success of the recent Single’s weekend but feel Clare Island has more to offer.

CONCLUSION

It is clear that the islanders have many different ideas regarding the development of the Abbey. It is however apparent that the general consensus is to do something constructive with the Abbey and work from its present state. It is also obvious that the vast majority would also welcome the restoration and use of the castle.

Throughout this survey it has been noticed that a lack of information and communication between decision makers and islanders can lead to misunderstandings. There appears to be no channel in existence through which islanders can successfully voice their opinions. The result is a feeling of frustration that islanders cannot make any significant impact on development decisions.

To conclude: the development of the Abbey and related tourism growth must be in conjunction with the wishes of the islanders who have made the island their home.

 

The survey team: Ursula Fischl (Cultural Sciences, Germany), Marie Rémy (Political and Social Sciences, France), Kathleen Gallagher (Administrator of Clare Island), Sarah Courtney (Heritage Studies, Ireland)

 

Donal O'Shea (Development Officer of Clare Island) Padraic O'Malley, Chairman of the Cliara Co-op

RECOMMENDATIONS The following varied recommendations have been sourced from the islanders, the development officer, the tourism committee and the survey team from the European Heritage Campus.   » The Abbey should be open to the public. There should be guided tours. » The nave should be roofed. The most popular choice was slate. » Information should be provided on the abbey in the form of booklets and information panels » There are some concerns in relation to the choughs who seasonally make a home in the nave of the Abbey. It is recommended that this should be addressed when and if roofing of the nave takes place. » A specialist on medieval carpentry should be consulted in order to have the most suitable door for the Abbey  » In order to develop the Abbey, a decent pathway through the graveyard would need to be developed. » The Abbey could be used as a venue for mass. » The spiritual aspect of the Abbey should not be overlooked.   The following are also related recommendations made » Existing resources should be developed for example: an environment park which could incorporate the animals and the skills of the people on the island. » Cottage industries could be encouraged by means of initial grants for example: weaving/ harvesting of seaweed/ pottery/ candle making/ herbs/ jam and honey. » All of the above could be successfully sold at the growing community market and perhaps markets and craft shops on the mainland.  » A restaurant to cater for visitors and islanders. » The sustainable development of water based activities » To develop educational tourism (school groups from the mainland) to the island, using the castle and/or abbey as their base. » A regulation should be put in place with regard to the building of holiday homes.