Turoe Stone conservation gives Galway artefact a new lease of life

The Turoe Stone is due to return home to Bullaun this summer after a near two-year absence when it underwent expert conservation work to save its intricate carving detail for posterity.

Preliminary designs for its new “bespoke shelter” earmarked for the Turoe Pet Farm are currently being prepared by architects within the Office of Public Works (OPW) and are expected to be revealed within the month.

The creation of an environmentally protective shelter will ensure that the La Tène Bronze Age Celtic national monument is not further damaged by the elements when it is returned to the site at Bullaun, outside Loughrea.

A spokeswoman for the OPW said the work by an expert stone conservator hired by the OPW’s National Monuments Service has now been successfully completed.

“It is in storage, under protective covers, in the OPW National Monuments Depot in Athenry pending its return to the site,” she stated.

“Preliminary issues related to siting of the shelter such as orientation, power connection have already been addressed and work is underway on the design of the structure by the OPW’s architects in Galway.”

While unable to give a timeframe for when the shelter would be built, the spokeswoman insisted there had been no undue delay in returning the stone to its home of at least 100 years.

“The remaining project elements relating to the provision of a suitable bespoke shelter onsite are progressing. Funding had been secured for the new shelter which would be sufficient to meet any costs involved.”

The Turoe Stone was removed in 2013 by the OPW after fears over its condition due to weather and environmental erosion.

See full coverage in this week’s Connacht Tribune.