The Honan Chapel in University College Cork officially re-opens to the public, following a €1.2 million refurbishment programme funded by private donors.
The Collegiate Chapel of St Finbarr at University College Cork was built in 1916 and is considered one of the country's finest examples of the Celtic Revival and the Irish Arts and Crafts movement.
When designed, its benefactor Isabella Honan made clear that every aspect of the Hiberno-Romanesque church and its artefacts should be made, where possible, by the country's best crafts people using local materials to the highest standard.
The Honan Trust said the project has now seen every aspect of the Honan Chapel "lovingly restored for future generations".
All 11 of the chapel's renowned Harry Clarke stain glass windows have undergone restoration and storm proofing.
The Irish Times reported in June 1916 that "... the windows, in the opinion of some of the most competent critics, rival in beauty some of most remarkable products of Continental art".
The chapel's extraordinary mosaic floor with its intricate River of Life panorama - designed and installed by UK-based artist Ludwig Oppenheimer - has also been repaired and re-sealed.
Internally the small chapel has been repainted and the pews restored, while outside the limestone building has been entirely repaired, repointed and sealed, along with the restoration of original items, including the decorative metal gate to its main entrance.
Its official re-opening will be celebrated at a special mass at 5.30pm.
Inside the Honan Chapel @UCC re-opening today to the public following a 1.2 million euro restoration programme #SimplyStunning https://t.co/kUgYGqfoOA pic.twitter.com/7arcDNFxEH
— JennïeØSullivân (@OSullivanJennie) March 21, 2022
