Wicklow Gaol marquee plan faces archaeological and conservation checks

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Wicklow County Council is examining a proposal to put a large, temporary marquee in the courtyard of Wicklow Historic Gaol, with the application now circulating among national heritage bodies due to the site’s protected status.

The plan, submitted by Coredale Limited, seeks permission for a timber frame marquee to host weddings, corporate events, education programmes and private hire, ahead of a planned reopening of the attraction, which has been largely closed to the public since September.

The applicant says the structure would sit on a raised floor laid over a damp proof membrane, with no bolts, anchors or excavations touching the gaol’s historic surfaces.

In its supporting documents, the company stresses that the marquee is “fully reversible” and can be removed within five working days, leaving the courtyard unchanged.

They argue that the courtyard has long been used for gatherings and that the marquee would sit below the surrounding parapet line, keeping it visually secondary to the main buildings.

As the gaol is a protected structure, the council has formally referred the application to Irish Rail, NPWS, Fáilte Ireland, An Taisce, the Arts Council and the Heritage Council.

The Department of Housing’s referral form notes potential archaeological impacts within the Wicklow town area of archaeological potential and confirms the gaol’s protected status under the record of protected structures.

It also flags the possible presence of protected species on the site, prompting a nature conservation referral.

The method statement submitted with the application outlines a step-by-step process for erecting and dismantling the marquee without touching historic fabric.

Temporary electrical supply would come from the existing Gaol installation, and the expected capacity, around 200 standing or 150 seated, will be finalised through a fire safety certificate.

The applicant says the marquee is intended to support the council’s aim of making the gaol a year‑round visitor attraction for both local residents and tourists.

In its acknowledgement letter, the council reminds the applicant that the site notice must stay in place for five weeks and warns that the application could be declared invalid if statutory rules are not met.

It also notes that council staff and other agencies may carry out site inspections and that access and safety must be ensured.

Referral bodies have until August 20 to make submissions. Any observations received will be considered before the council issues its decision by September 10.