About Lough Gur
The past & the present: Lough Gur Development is a non profit community organisation that was founded in 1969 and officially inaugurated in 1993 to promote, preserve and protect the history, archaeology, folklore and environment of the surrounding area.
The company structure includes a voluntary Chairperson and board members. They are supported by a manager and a team of staff. The group operate Lough Gur Heritage Centre, Honey Fitz Theatre, festivals & events.
Local volunteers help throughout the year at various events and offer their time to assist in the Heritage Centre. Lough Gur Development accepts applications from people who are interested in joining the group and will provide full training.
Where we are: Lough Gur is located in the South East of Ireland within the Ballyhoura region. Visitors enjoy the rural unspoilt beauty that is easily accessible 21km’s from Limerick City. The area of Lough Gur is part of the Wild Atlantic Gateway Region, Munster Vales and is also an accredited Discover Primary Science and Maths Centre through Science Foundation Ireland.
The facts: Lough Gur Visitor Centre was initially managed by Shannon Heritage for 30 years on a season basis until Lough Gur Development took over the lease of Lough Gur Heritage Centre from Shannon Heritage in 2011. Limerick Council lease the Heritage Centre building to Lough Gur Development and are also the owners with responsibility for the surrounding grounds. The Visitor Centre now opens 7 days per week and 363 days per year. The OPW is the government body that care for the archaeological sites in the vicinity. Lough Gur Development hold a licence granted by the Dioceses to run events and activities in the Honey Fitz Theatre that is located 2km’s from the lakefront.
Objectives
The objective of Lough Gur Development Society Ltd is to promote, preserve and protect the rich culture and heritage of Lough Gur for local and international visitors in association with organisations with direct responsibility for the area. Including Limerick City & County Council, Office of Public Works and the Department of Culture and Heritage.
The society is committed to adhering to the rules set out which clearly define the role and purpose of Lough Gur Development Co-operative Society Ltd.
A copy of rules and purposes of Lough Gur Co-Op society are available on request from Lough Gur Development by calling 061 385186.
People Involved
Board Members
- Chairperson – Aine Barry
- Treasurer – Eamonn Boland
- Secretary – Mairead Ryan
- Fintan Breen
- John Carew
- Barry Lunn
Finance/Social Enterprise Sub-Committee
- Aine Barry
- Eamonn Boland
- Fintan Breen
- Pat Dooley
- Mike Murnane
- Sinead Leo
Community Sub-Committee
- John Carew
- Siobhan Kirby
- George Finch
- Mary O’Grady
- Maire Coleman
- Fiona Lynch
- Trevor Daly
Patrons
- Rose Cleary – Archaeologist
- George Clancy – International Referee
- Jon Kenny – Actor
- Nóirín Ní Riain – Acclaimed Singer
Staff
- Manager – Kate Harrold (kate@loughgur.com)
- Operations Supervisor – Brian Collopy (brian@loughgur.com)
- Accounts – Bridget Flavin
- Administrators & Tour Guides –
Eileen Ryan
Cathal O’ Neill
Philip O’ Connell
Zoe Hourigan - Maintenance – Pat Bourke
Connect with us @visitloughgur
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