The Patrick Kavanagh Centre in Inniskeen will be the “jewel in the crown” of Monaghan tourism this summer.
The€1 million upgrade to the visitor attraction was unveiled this morning.
First opened in St Mary’s Church in the village in 1994, the centre has been responsible for telling the story of Patrick Kavanagh and celebrating his life and work.
Kavanagh is buried in the adjoining churchyard.
Darren McCreesh was recently appointed manager of the centre, and says the new digital and interactive exhibition reflects his poetry.
The relaunched centre will also add a "three dimensional" experience of the poet.
Digital story telling is being introduced to give an immersive experience into the life and works of Kavanagh.
Darren McCreesh added that it will help people learn and connect with the display.
#VisitMonaghan Fantastic visitor experience @kavanaghcentre @MonaghanTourism @artsinmonaghan @MonaghanCoCo https://t.co/Zw2Hcb6Qur
— Eamonn O'Sullivan (@EamonnOSulliva8) July 16, 2020
The local Development Group and County Council have led the refurbishment work which has been funded by Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Heritage.
It’s hoped that the investment will help draw people into Monaghan and encourage them discover other parts of the county, after experiencing the Kavanagh Centre.
Dympna Condra is the Tourism Officer with Monaghan County Council, and she described the refurbishments as being of an international standard.
The centre also has a performance space, which will be used in the future when restrictions change on indoor gatherings.
