presentation convent in killarney

Section 1: Persecution, Rebellion, Emancipation – Ireland outside the Convent Walls

Section 2: sowing seeds.

• Section 3: Branching Out – Spread & Growth
• Section 4: Strong Roots
• Presentation Order – The Early Years
• Ireland between 1780s & 1820s
• Convents & the Outside World
• Presentation Sisters & the 1798 Rebellion
• Daniel O’Connell & the Presentation Sisters
• Making Foundations
• Funding Foundations
• Convent Buildings
• Convent Gardens
• South Presentation
• Killarney & Tralee
• George’s Hill
• North Presentation
• Kilkenny, Carlow, Portlaoise
• Terenure, Maynooth, Mullingar, Drogheda
• Dungarvan & Carrick-on-Suir
• Wexford & Enniscorthy

Branching Out: Presentation Convents 1775-1828

Presentation Sisters in their distinctive black habits used to be a familiar sight across the country, as were their homes.

The convents they lived in were ubiquitous, often dominating towns and villages. Many of these are of simple architectural style, but all are of significance for a variety of social and historical reasons. Their location in a village, town or city had a huge impact on the development of the surrounding area as schools, housing and service industries grew up around them. They were such a common feature of the landscape that they became almost invisible.

An episode of  Radharc   broadcast on RTÉ in 1971 began: ‘In Ireland we tend to take nuns for granted. They’ve always been here and they always will be here’. This statement is no longer true. In 1966 there were 13,409 nuns in the Republic of Ireland, in 2000 there were 9,031 while the figures for 2021 record 4,494 religious sisters.

‘Branching Out: Presentation Convents 1775-1828’ examines the early Presentation Convents in Ireland. Some of these convents remain open, but many have closed and the buildings demolished or repurposed. It is important that we record the history of the buildings and landscapes, the material culture and the lives of the women who lived in the convents before it is too late. The exhibition offers a flavour of the early years of the Presentation Order. As you make your way through this website you will find documents, photographs, films, artefacts and oral histories which will introduce you to the early years of the Presentation Order in Ireland.

Click on images to see them in greater detail and learn more about them.

In this exhibition the terms ‘Nuns’, ‘Sister’ and ‘Women Religious’ are used interchangeably, as are the terms ‘Order’ and ‘Congregation’. To become a nun took several years. Women who wanted to join the Presentation Sisters first became a postulant and then a novice before taking their final vows and becoming a professed sister. All convents kept annals, which documented key events every year, such as new novices entering the convent, their ‘reception’ into the convent community following their novitiate, and their final profession as a religious sister.

Presentation Convents 1775-1828

Section 3: Branching Out - Spread & Growth

Presentation Convent

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Presentation Convent (Killarney, Ireland): Address, Phone Number - Tripadvisor

Presentation Convent

"19th-Century School Of Historic Importance"

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Presentation Convent

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Presentation Convent (Killarney, Ireland): Address, Phone Number - Tripadvisor

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Description

We are a Catholic girls' Secondary School located in Killarney, Co. Kerry, serving the catchment area of Killarney and its hinterland. The school is situated adjacent to the Presentation Convent (founded in 1793) and St. Mary's Cathedral. Close by is Killarney National Park.

The school has a long history of cultural, academic, sporting, musical, artistic and pastoral excellence. The school, founded by the Presentation Sisters, is managed by a Board of Management, consisting of Trustee, Staff and Parent nominees. It has an open enrolement; admission is non-selective with a mixed ability intake and a wide range of academic and practical subjects. The school offers all programs at Senior Cycle, Transition Year, Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Vocational and Leaving Certificate Applied.

Presentation Convent

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Presentation Convent - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

There has been a call for the Presentation Convent property in Killarney, currently on the market with an estimated price tag of €1.5 million, to be purchased by the Department of Education for use by secondary schools in the area.

The landmark building, adjacent to St Mary’s Cathedral and at the rear of St Brigid’s Secondary School, has been vacant since the last of the Presentation sisters vacated the premises in November 2021.

Sole selling agent, Michael Coghlan of Sherry Fitzgerald Coghlan, described it as “a once in a generation opportunity” to purchase one of Killarney’s finest residential buildings which is on a prime town centre site of 1.422 acres.

Cllr John O’Donoghue has now proposed that Killarney Municipal District Council should ask the Minister for Education, Kerry TD Norma Foley, to purchase the building.

He said it could be refurbished and made available to the secondary schools nearby to aid their plans for expansion.

New schools have already been sanctioned by the minister for St Brendan’s College and St Brigid’s Presentation.

Selling agent, Michael Coghlan confirmed that a number of hoteliers and developers are looking at the property which he described as the best site in Killarney.

  “It will require a big investment but it is a really unique opportunity and it has huge potential,” Mr Coghlan stated. The three-storey convent and chapel is a protected structure and it is currently laid out with living, dining, kitchen, ancillary accommodation and 26 bedrooms. Full planning permission has been granted for redevelopment as an assisted living property comprising seven one-bedroom apartments, six en-suite bedrooms and associated communal rooms. The auctioneer said the building offers an unique redevelopment opportunity of a historic property in the heart of Killarney for multiple possible uses including educational purposes, an exclusive apartment development, an assisted living development, a private residence, a boutique hotel or a private wedding venue with an historic chapel already available. The convent at Cathedral Place, built in 1875 and is a three-storey masonry building with an attached six-bay double height Gothic Revival style chapel to the north.

Internal features include impressive ceiling heights, original fireplaces, an original chapel with stained glass windows, an original marble altar, pitched pine pews, striking original fireplaces and an extensive original Italianite tiled floor on the main hallways and in the chapel. There is also a striking 1830’s bellows organ in the chapel which predates the actual building.

The Presentation Sisters gifted the vast majority of their land on New Street to the State and the Department of Education has plans to build a new secondary school on the site of the current Sat Brigid’s facility.

Proceeds from the sale of the convent will go towards retirement costs for the nuns who served the town so well for so long.

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Landmark town building for sale 

By Michelle Crean A landmark building in the centre of Killarney town has come on the market with an asking price of €1.5m.

Presentation Convent in Cathedral Place, which is a protected structure, is within walking distance of all town centre amenities and Killarney National Park.

The three storey convent and chapel, for sale by Sherry FitzGerald Coghlan, boasts a 1.422 acre site with an extensive building of 1,411 sq. m and includes a dining room, living room, kitchen, ancillary accommodation and 26 bedrooms.

Full planning permission has been granted for redevelopment as an assisted living property comprising of seven one bedroom apartments, six ensuite bedrooms and associated communal rooms.

The last two remaining Sisters departed the Presentation Convent in November last year.

For nearly 230 years, since the first Sisters arrived in 1793 to establish a convent and school, the Presentation Sisters have played an important role, educating, and supporting those in need in Killarney.

Originally the primary school was established on New Street in 1800. By 1826 it had 350 pupils.

The convent at Cathedral Place was built in 1875 and is a three storey masonry building with attached six bay double height Gothic Revival style chapel to the North. The building is a protected structure with many original features both internally and externally intact.

The property is in an area zoned 'M4 Built up Area' in the Killarney Town Development plan.

Planning permission was granted in July, 2019 for conservation of the convent building including alterations to internal layout to private assisted living bedrooms and self contained apartments with ancillary services including new internal lift and stair lift to upper floors.

The original chapel has stained glass feature windows, an original marble altar as well as original pitched pine stalls/pews, and John Gray 1830s bellows organ which predates the actual building.  

Calls for feasibility study to develop town park

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Anne hannan appointed president of local chapter of business networking group.

The Killarney Chapter of Business Networking International have announced the appointment of a new leadership team for 2024. The hugely successful Killarney Chapter welcomed Anne Hannan (Sort My Books) as […]

The Killarney Chapter of Business Networking International have announced the appointment of a new leadership team for 2024.

The hugely successful Killarney Chapter welcomed Anne Hannan (Sort My Books) as Chapter President, Sean Kavanagh (Sean Kavanagh & Co. Chartered Accountants) as Vice President and Mairead O’Sullivan (Killorglin Family Resource Centre) as Chapter Secretary.

The new team will steer the networking group in building new business relationships and boosting the local economy through effective networking among its members.

“As we bid farewell to the outstanding contributions of the outgoing leadership team of Tony Dunne, James Crothall and Ciarán O Ceilleachair, we express deep gratitude for their remarkable stewardship over the past year,” said Anne Hannan, following her appointment as Chapter President.

“Their dedication has been pivotal in advancing our mission, and we are poised to continue their legacy of excellence. Since 2001, the Killarney BNI has been a cornerstone of support for our business community, fostering growth and collaboration. I’ve been in BNI for 24 years, and it has been instrumental in our business success and longevity. As we embark on our 25th year, I am profoundly honoured to assume the role of President, committed to furthering our Chapter’s prosperity and service to our community.”

This Kerry BNI Chapter supports local jobs and consists of local businesses and trades, with the group generating more than €21,000,000 worth of business since the Chapter was started back in 1999.

The BNI Killarney Chapter welcomes any localbusiness people who would like to come along to a future meeting to promote their business. To find out more about BNI and how you can grow your business through the power of referrals please contact Anne on 087 668 3756, email [email protected] or visit www.bnikillarney.ie.

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Second road traffic accident in Killarney on Wednesday morning

A second road traffic accident in the Killarney area has resulted is another call out for local emergency services this morning.

The Killarney Advertiser is getting reports of an incident on the Tralee Road near the Madam’s Hill junction.

“Tralee road, just after Aghadoe turn off, at the picnic area is an accident. Fire trucks, Gardai  and so on,  all there. Expect small delays,” an eyewitness told the Killarney Advertiser.

Earlier today the road at White Bridge Manor in Killarney was closed for a number of hours following a serious crash there

Traffic was disrupted in the area but the roads near Woodlawn and Mill Road are now re-opened.

One  man was taken to Cork University Hospital with serious injuries following a single-car incident. There has been no update on his condition since. 

Three fire engines, an ambulance and several Garda cars attended the scene. 

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Presentation Convent, Cathedral Place, Killarney, Co. Kerry

Sale Agreed

Description

Sherry FitzGerald Coghlan are delighted to offer the Presentation Convent for sale, which represents a once in a generation opportunity to purchase one of Killarney's finest residential buildings on a site of 1.422 acres/0.576 hectare. • Unrivalled location in the heart of Killarney, just off Cathedral Place within walking distance of all town centre amenities and Killarney National Park. • Beautiful three storey convent and chapel which is a protected structure currently laid out with living, dining, kitchen, ancillary accommodation and 26 bedrooms. • Exceptional private site of 1.422 acres in Killarney town. • Extensive building of 1,411 sq. m./15,188 sq. ft. gross 1,173 sq. m./12,626 sq. ft. net • Full planning permission granted for redevelopment as an assisted living property comprising 7 one bedroom apartments, 6 en suite bedrooms and associated communal rooms (Planning ref. 19443) • The property has a westerly aspect with views from most rooms towards St. Mary's Cathedral and the National Park. The building offers a unique redevelopment opportunity of a historic property in the heart of Killarney for multiple uses including:- • Educational uses • Private residence • Exclusive apartment development • Assisted living development • Boutique hotel/Private wedding venue with existing chapel • Surplus land of 0.2 acre approximately on the north side of the site may allow for a sympathetic residential development on the site. LOCATION The Presentation Convent is in an unrivalled location set back from Cathedral Place and accessed over a private roadway overlooking the church car park looking west towards St. Mary's Cathedral. The property has the benefit of a 1.422 acre private site only minutes walk from all town services/shopping and restaurants and also adjacent to Killarney National Park entrance to Knockreer estate at Kings Bridge. The convent is a quiet oasis in the centre of Killarney with beautiful views towards the Park and St. Mary's Cathedral. BUILDING HISTORY It is 230 years since the Presentation Sisters established in Killarney in 1793 originally on New Street with a primary school established in 1800. The school had 350 pupils enrolled by 1826. The convent at Cathedral Place was built in 1875 and is a three storey masonry building with attached six bay double height Gothic Revival style chapel to the North. The building is a protected structure with many original features both internally and externally intact. PLANNING The property is in an area zoned “M4 Built up Area” in the Killarney Town Development plan. The property is designated a Protected Structure. Planning permission was granted on 25th July, 2019 (ref 19443) for conservation of the convent building a protected structure (ref RPSP13) including alterations to internal layout to private assisted living bedrooms and self contained apartments with ancillary services including new internal lift and stair lift to upper floors. Planning accommodation includes one bedroom apartment at ground level with shared livingroom, dining room, kitchen, courtyard and chapel. First floor includes 6 en suite bedrooms, prayer room and one bedroom en suite apartment. Second floor includes 5 one bedroom en suite apartments and laundry. SERVICES Mains water, electricity and sewage. Oil fired radiator central heating. TITLE Unencumbered freehold site of 0.576 hectares/1.422 acres. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES The building comprises an L plan nine bay three storey masonry built convent, constructed in 1875. The building features a pointed arch door opening to centre having limestone ashlar tripartite doorcase approached by flight of steps. The building has a two bay single storey recessed end bay to the right. Two bay three storey side elevations to North and South. Bellcote over rear elevation to the East. Attached six bay double height Gothic Revival style chapel with five bay single storey lean-to South side and two bay single storey entrance transepts to North and South elevations. Pitched and hipped Blue Bangor slate roof with clay ridge tiles, iron crucifix finials, Ashlar chimney stacks to end walls with three intermediate chimney stacks historically removed. Profile cast iron gutters, gutter iron hoppers and downpipes. Masonry walls are coursed rubble with limestone Ashlar plinth course, quoins and moulded limestone and moulded limestone eaves course on brackets. Rough cast rendered walls to rear (East elevation). Limestone surrounds and sills with rubble relieving arches to timber two over two pane sliding sash windows. Corbelled heads to ground floor windows with matching profile to upper sliding sash windows. Pointed arch limestone door case with leaded glass panels to side lights. INTERNAL FEATURES Impressive ceiling heights main residence 4.3m/14.1 ft. Chapel 8.4m/27.5 ft. Original fireplaces Extensive original Italianite tiled floor to main hallways/chapel. Original chapel with stained glass feature windows to the East of the building. Original marble altar, original pitched pine stalls/pews John Gray 1830's bellows organ to chapel which predates the actual building.

Accommodation

EXISTING ACCOMMODATION - Ground Floor - Parlour - 6.7 x 6.1 Fireplace Living Room/Community Room - 9.3 x 6.5 Small Parlour/meeting room - 6.6 x 3 Dining room - 9 x 6.55 Kitchen - 5.25 x 7.1 Utility Room - 2.6 x 2.7 Cold room - 2.8 x 2.6 Sun room - 6.3 x 2.7 Store room - 6.5 x 5.6 Wash Room/Utility Room - 6 x 2.7 Scullery - 6.2 x 3 Chapel - 20.5 x 5.9 Double Height ceiling 8.4 m/27.5 ft Side Altar - 5 x 3 Sacristy - 3.3 x 4.5 Toilet - Wash hand basin, wc Side aisle to chapel - 1.35 x 16 FIRST FLOOR MEZZANINE - Store room - Prayer room - Bedroom One - Bathroom - FIRST FLOOR ((Main) - Nine Bedrooms - Bathroom - Isolation Room - Prayer room - (Access to chapel organ) Office - SECOND FLOOR MEZZANINE - Bathroom - Library - Store Room - SECOND FLOOR (Main) - 16 Bedrooms - OUTBUILDINGS - Store - Boiler House - NETT INTERNAL AREA OF BUILDINGS - Ground floor (including chapel) - 475 sq. m./5,112.9 sq. ft. First Floor (Mezzanine) - 74 sq. m./796.5 sq. ft. First Floor - 275 sq. m./2,960 sq. ft. Second Floor Mezzanine - 74 sq. m./796.5 sq. ft. Second Floor - 275 sq. m./2,960 sq. ft. TOTAL - 1,173 sq. m./12,626 sq. ft. GROSS BUILDING AREAS - 1,411 sq. m./15,188 sq. ft. SITE AREA - 0.576 hectare/1.422 acres

• Unique period residential property is the heart of Killarney
• Unrivalled location
• Private site of 1.422 acres
• Fully planning permission for redevelopment as assisted living property
• Walking distance of Killarney National Park and all town centre amenities.

BER Details

Michael Coghlan

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Date created: Oct 7, 2022

• Chapel of the Presentation Convent, Co. Waterford
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Trinity Without (Waterford)

This chapel was designed by architect Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812-52). The Buildings of Ireland  survey states that:

'The Presentation Convent in Waterford may rank as one of Pugin's lesser known Irish works but it is an important one nonetheless .   It bears close comparison to his Convent of Mercy (1841-50) in Handsworth, Birmingham, which predates it by only a few years, and to his ideal monastery plans as exemplified by the later Presentation Monastery (1846-62) in Killarney, County Kerry.'

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