The brief for the project was prepared by Neil Hill BA (Hons) Dip. Arch. for the Mountshannon Community Council. The brief enshrined three guiding principles: 

In order to preserve the open nature of the site, the design has the minimum of structures and buildings. Commencing at a formal entrance in the North East corner of the site a principle route was drawn across the site, giving a direct view of Iniscealtra. As a pedestrian reaches the entrance, the view opens suddenly onto the lake. The path strikes diagonally through the site and, to provide incident along the path, a courtyard was formed. To avoid interfering with the view, this courtyard is sunken into the site. This provides a simple amphitheatre for outdoor theatrical or musical productions.  

To the left there is an entrance to the maze. The concept of the maze was that, as in a pilgrimage, the destination was known, but the route was often in doubt or that various routes were available to achieve the same end. The maze itself is formed by clay banks, semi-sunken into the ground to reduce its impact on the views across the site. The true maze operates all on one level, but in order to add to the interest and indeed to allow for escape from the maze for those who cannot find their way, stairs are provided giving access to upper levels of the maze.  These areas, whilst not forming a true maze (as one can see out to orient oneself), still act as a path through the ‘pilgrimage’ and provide further alternatives for exploration.  Within the maze are encountered seven event/display spaces. These are based on the seven distinct time zones defined in Dr. Grogan’s report. The true spirit of Dr. Grogan’s concept, involving trees, water and replica artefacts, is captured within each of the seven spaces. The Centre of the maze also contains a space, which is not actively part of Dr. Grogan’s sequence, but is seen as a culmination of the pilgrimage, a resting place or contemplative space, the principle of pilgrimage and spirituality being, after all, an internal, personal experience rather than one which is imposed. 

At the South end of the site there is a steep bank falling down to the Shannon Road. The path down winds across the face of the bank to keep it at a reasonable gradient. The bank provides an opportunity for a shelter which in no way impinges on the topography of the site while providing cover from the worst of the elements for people wishing to sit and observe the lake, Iniscealtra and the harbour.  The amount of open space within the site, even after the imposition of the elements listed above, provides for the inclusion of more prosaic elements such as picnic tables, litter bins, decorative flower beds, etc. The very strong and definite nature of the elements incorporated in the design are not diluted nor do they detract from the addition of these other disparate elements. 

In conclusion, the open nature of the site has been preserved by keeping the development below or to one side of the principle views across the site. The view of Iniscealtra has been enhanced by providing the focus of the gate at the entrance to the site. An all weather shelter has also been provided to the South end of the site with views across the harbour to Iniscealtra. The theme of pilgrimage is served by the maze and the spirituality reinforced by the events as proposed by Dr. Eoin Grogan. 

Community Council Effort Rewarded