A Signage and Way-finding Plan for Roscrea
27th March 2017
Prepared for
Table of Contents
1 A quick summary ...... 2
2 Why this strategy now? ...... 3 2.1 How we made the strategy ...... 3 2.2 Relevant Tourism and Planning strategies ...... 4 3 Who has been involved? ...... 7 3.1 Contributors ...... 7 3.2 Who is the signage for? ...... 8 4 What’s on offer to the visitor now ...... 9
5 Getting here ...... 12 5.1 Getting to Roscrea by road ...... 12 5.2 The M7 motorway ...... 13 5.3 The N62 National Road ...... 14 5.4 Getting to Roscrea by train ...... 15 5.5 Getting to Roscrea by bus ...... 15 5.6 Arrival ...... 16 6 We’re here - now where are we, what’s to see? ...... 18 6.1 Arrival and destination ...... 18 6.2 Walking Roscrea ...... 18 7 Making it happen ...... 19 7.1 What will the signs look like? ...... 19 7.2 Sign content ...... 20 7.3 Where will the signs go? ...... 22
Sheet 1 – Getting to Roscrea from the N62 and M7 Sheet 2 – Arriving at Roscrea and finding a place to stop Sheet 3 – Organising Roscrea’s stories into Ireland’s Ancient East Themes Sheet 4 – Route Analysis; Decision points and key destinations Sheet 5 – Design Inspiration Sheet 6 – Sign family Sheet 7 – Proposed sign positioning Sheet 8 – Pedestrian mapping for signs Sheet 9 – Graphic palette
Appendix A Workshop Outcomes report
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1 A quick summary
This Signage and Way-finding strategy for Roscrea is supported by statutory planning policy and county tourism strategy. It was commissioned by Tipperary County Council, the Roscrea Enhancement Committee and developed in close consultation with a range of organisations and interested individuals in the town. A public workshop was held to capture a range of inputs and the proposals were displayed in the town and online for wider feedback.
A careful analysis has been carried out of visitor expectations, thematic approaches to story-telling in light of the Ireland’s Ancient East initiative, the nature of visitor journeys to the town and the range of destinations and services within Roscrea. Based on this wide-ranging analysis, 10 key locations within the town have been identified as being most suitable for pedestrian way-finding structures, subject to ongoing archaeological appraisal. The aim of these new signs is to encourage visitors to explore the various heritage features in the town, and to spend more time enjoying the streets, shops, restaurants, pubs and cafés. The signs will contain information on walking distances, interpretive images and text, and clear mapping to create for visitors a mental map of the place and to illustrate how compact central Roscrea is on foot. The current high quality audio guides and printed brochures, developed locally and available to visitors remain in place to provide deeper insights for visitors as they explore and enjoy Roscrea.
Four types of structure are proposed – map monolith, marker, wall-mounted sign and fingerpost sign. These structures have been designed to provide both orientation and interpretation to visitors. Two design and colour scheme options have been developed - using the 9th century Roscrea brooch or St. Cronan’s high cross as a recurring thematic motif.
Following consultation with TII/NRA, recommendations are also included in this document for improvements to the tourist motorway signage from the M7 and at Exit 22, along the approach road from Exit 22 and along the N62 approaching the town from Birr. This includes a rationalisation of the different types of signs that have emerged over time, and creation of a high-quality arrival experience by using standard Traffic Sign Manual tourist and arrival signs accompanied by environmental improvements.
This written report is accompanied by a series of sheets (1-9) which contain mapping and graphics at a larger scale than shown in this report.
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2 Why this strategy now?
In 2012, North Tipperary County Council, in conjunction with The Heritage Council, local interest groups and numerous stakeholders came together to commission an Enhancement Plan for Roscrea Town Centre. Section 7 of the Roscrea Enhancement Plan - Initiatives and Projects - identified the development of a Signage Strategy as a priority project. Roscrea Castle had almost 30,000 visitors in 20141, but the town is not fully capitalising on its breadth of heritage. The Ireland’s Ancient East initiative gives a new momentum to towns such as Roscrea to provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the layers of history made real by exploring streets, spaces and buildings. Higher dwell time and visitor spend can be gained by engaging visitors with Roscrea’s stories and enabling pleasant walks between various features of interest.
2.1 How we made the strategy
The project included the following steps:
• Meetings with the Project team and Enhancement committee over the course of the project • Walkabout with Enhancement committee, February 2016 • Review of previous way-finding and interpretive work; Council signage audit, Town Enhancement Plan, Roscrea Local Area Plan, heritage documents, existing audio and physical trails, on line resources • Strategic conversations; We spoke with Transport Infrastructure Ireland/NRA, Fáilte Ireland, The Office of Public Works, Sport Ireland, and other consultants working in Roscrea including Nic de Jong (public realm designers). Traffic management consultants, Roadplan, have been appointed to carry out a Traffic Management Strategy but the project timescales did not allow for detailed cross-referencing of emerging strategies at this point – this report sets out where final sign locations and content will need to align with the emerging Traffic Strategy . • Public Workshop at the Muintir na Tíre Hall - April 28th • Public Presentation of draft documents and discussion in Damer Hall - June 15th • Online display of draft proposals on Tipperary Co. Co. website July-August • Poster presentation of draft proposals in Roscrea Credit Union – July-August • Incorporation of feedback • Preparation of final documents
1 Strategic Tourism Marketing, Experience and Destination Development Plan 2016-2021
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2.2 Relevant Tourism and Planning strategies
2.2.1 Ireland’s Ancient East
Ireland’s Ancient East offers the visitor an opportunity to explore the layers of history easily accessed across the eastern half of Ireland. Itineraries are suggested, but the idea is that most visitors will self- navigate and focus on what appeals to them the most. Sense of place is communicated by way of stories that engage and resonate, rather than just by historical fact. These stories could be told in person, by way of interpretive boards, by way of journeys and vistas, or by encountering foods or businesses local to a particular place. A sense of travelling through lush, green landscapes is also an important part of the experience, and therefore it is important that approach roads to settlements are of a high quality with tree planting etc. and opportunities are taken to provide or improve green spaces within towns.
The key themes for the geography of Ireland’s Ancient East (which have been tested in key markets and form the basis for how the region will be marketed abroad by Tourism Ireland) include:
o Sacred Ireland o Castles and Conquests o Ancient Ireland o Big houses and hard times o High kings and heroes o Vikings o The sport of kings (horse-racing) o Maritime Gateway o Ireland’s mystical waterway (the Shannon)
An initial analysis has been carried out of the stories Roscrea can tell to bring some of these themes to life - this is set out at a larger scale on Sheet 3 to the rear of this report. The most resonant themes are Sacred Ireland and Castles and Conquests, although Roscrea also has great stories to tell about Vikings, and Big houses and Hard times.
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2.2.2 The Roscrea Town Enhancement Plan
North Tipperary County Council in conjunction with The Roscrea Enhancement Group and local interest groups are committed to ensuring that Roscrea fulfils its potential as a heritage town and operates as an economically viable centre of commercial and social activity. Collectively, these organisations determined the need for a Town Centre Enhancement Plan which demonstrates the effective presentation, management and sustainable development of Roscrea’s public realm.
The project was funded by the Heritage Council under grants for County Heritage Plan Projects 2012. Landscape Architects and Urban Designers, The Paul Hogarth Company, were appointed to assist in the preparation of the plan. This plan is a key action towards the fulfilment of objectives and policies set out in the Roscrea Local Area Plan (2012- 2018), in particular, Objectives TC1 (Town Centre Strategy - Partnership) and TC2 (Public Realm), as well as Policy TC2 (Public Realm Plan).
2.2.3 Tipperary Tourism Strategy 2016-2021
The Tipperary County Tourism Strategy recognises Roscrea as a “Priority Level 1 Gateway Town”2, i.e. a town that has a critical mass of accommodation and services to act as an overnight base for visitors from which to explore the surrounding areas.
The strategy suggests that Roscrea could form part of a “Hidden Ireland” experience as one of the county’s signature experiences – an experience of “authentic historic Ireland”, aimed at the overseas Culturally Curious market segment, as identified by Fáilte Ireland. As well as the heritage offer, the town is also described in the report as having a good authentic shopping offer, several options for food, but in need of a new way-finding and signage.
2.2.4 Roscrea Local Area Plan, 2012-2018
The Roscrea Local Area Plan sets out ideas and proposals to guide the physical land use development of the town. The vision statement acknowledges that Roscrea can benefit greatly from tourism and aims to position the town as a nationally important place of heritage value.
In order to preserve the character and identity of Roscrea, a number of Architectural Conservation Areas were designated in the town centre as part of the statutory planning document for the town. The most relevant to visitors are:
2 Table 4.2, page 37
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• Main Street ACA - this includes the length of Main Street, from the northern Y-junction of Grove Street and Green Street to junction with Castle Street, Limerick Street to the south. • Rosemary Street ACA - This ACA runs from the north end of Rosemary Street (where it joins Main Street) to Rosemary Square to the south.
It is the policy of the Council to protect the views and prospects of special amenity value or special interest, specifically those listed below. Protection of these views includes the ongoing enhancement of what’s in the view by way of appropriate planning, building/public realm improvements and interpretation. This will enable visitors to fully experience the appealing character of the heritage town.
• Views into and out of the Architectural Conservation Areas. • View from Main Street towards Round Tower • View from Castle Street towards St. Cronan’s Church • View from Main Street down Castle Street • View from The Mall towards Sacred Heart Convent • View from Carroll’s Row towards Franciscan Friary • View of Damer House from The Mall • View of Roscrea Castle from Rosemount • View of Damer House from Goal Road • View of Damer House from The Mall • View of Glebe House from The Mall • View of St. Cronan’s Church from Carroll’s Row • View of The Malting from Ballyhall • View of the Malting from The Mall • View looking up Abbey Street • View looking up Church Street towards St. Cronan’s Church
Appealing views between features of interest are important to provide assurance to visitors that their exploration of the town will be pleasurable. The quality of views can be reduced by the incremental increase over time of above ground services, traffic infrastructure and vehicles themselves. The sharp camber of Main and Castle St means that in many cases parked cars perpendicular to the footpath block potentially appealing views. These issues can be addressed by the emerging public realm and traffic management plans for the town.
Bearing all the above in mind – the key underpinnings of this strategy are:
• The right sign in the right place – understanding visitor flow; arrival, key orientation points, destinations, views and routes • Clarity of communication with visitors – understanding the type of visitor likely to arrive, what they are interested in, the kind of experience they are after • Signs that are uniquely Roscrea – reflecting the essence of the place through innovative design • Clear and organised story-telling – chiming with the broader Ireland’s Ancient East themes, particularly Sacred Ireland, but also Castles and Conquests, Big houses and hard times and Vikings • Recognising the importance of projects that improve walkability and enhancement of views in the town – ensuring that the journey is as pleasurable as the destination
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3 Who has been involved?
3.1 Contributors
A broad range of people have contributed to the development of this strategy – many thanks to all involved.
Name ORGANISATION Pamela Aitken Roscrea Heritage Society Seamus Browne Roscrea Chamber of Commerce James Byrne Gleann Glas Marion Carey Tipperary County Council Caroline Creamer Ard Ross Residents Ruairi Deane Fáilte Ireland Eileen Doherty Tidy Towns/Enhancement Committee Conor Fitzpatrick Transport Infrastructure Ireland Bri Greene Roscrea Heritage Society John Hanamy Age Friendly Roscrea/Roscrea Credit Union Mary Haugh Youthreach John Jones Tipperary County Council (Town Engineer) Anne Keevey Age Friendly Roscrea Mary Kelly Roscrea Heritage Society (Heritage Plan), Green Schools John Lupton Roscrea Enhancement Group Cormac MacDonnell Sport Ireland Michael Madden Roscrea Chamber of Commerce, Enhancement Group signage sub-committee Rita McLoughney Cathal McNicholas Climb Ireland, Enhancement Group Trail Development Committee Trisha Purcell North Tipperary Leader Partnership Brian Redmond Roscrea Heritage Society Jacinta Rigney OPW Roscrea Sandra Smith North Tipperary Leader Partnership Marie Warren Slí Dála B&B PJ Wright Tidy Towns
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3.2 Who is the signage for?
This strategy includes proposals for both road and pedestrian signs. The new road signage will provide visitors with certainty as they make their way along key roads to Roscrea. Recommendations in relation to sign de-cluttering and environmental improvements will provide a high-quality approach to the town, reassuring visitors that they are arriving at a town of heritage significance.
The new pedestrian signs within in Roscrea will assist visitors in finding their way around the town and deepen their experience of the visit. High quality graphics will provide a “mental map” of the town and will highlight key streets, spaces, and buildings as orientation markers.
The proposed pillar signs will not only direct visitors to the key heritage features of the town, but also communicate the stories that can be accessed and experienced along the way. There are also opportunities for thematic linkages with the Butler Trail and inclusion of Roscrea into an expansion of the trail.
The new signage and content will chime with the themes of Ireland’s Ancient East, focusing primarily on the theme of Sacred Ireland and Castles and Conquests, given the town’s layers of ecclesiastical heritage and the key attraction of Roscrea Castle. This new way of communicating what is great about Roscrea will enable visitors to experience up close the layers of history of the town, open up the key streets and encourage longer dwell time and more visitor spend.
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4 What’s on offer to the visitor now
4.1.1 Trails
Several trails are currently available to the visitor to the town;
• Audio Trails (narrated by George Cunningham, created by Aileen O’Meara): Monaincha Trail and Roscrea Heritage Trail – these are promoted by way of leaflets, as a QR code on signage at the castle and can also be accessed at www.heritagetrails.ie • Roscrea Heritage Walk (a leaflet and lectern style boards at key heritage locations throughout the town) • Poetry Trail at the Library Field • A looped walk is planned to link the centre of Roscrea to the important monastic site of Monaincha • Slí na Sláinte walk (note this is not currently on the Irishtrails.ie website)
A lot of great work has gone into these initiatives, which are full of local knowledge and expertise, particularly the two Audio Guides and the printed brochure,” Roscrea Walking Tour companion”, to accompany the Heritage Walk. As part of this signage strategy, these existing resources will be retained, enhanced where necessary and promoted as insightful and detailed resources for the visitor. It would be worth considering organising free town wi-fi to make the audio guides freely accessible.
The physical signage for the Roscrea Heritage walk will be removed and replaced with a new approach to interpretation and mapping as set in Section 7 of this report.
4.1.2 Pedestrian signs and maps
A detailed pedestrian signage audit was carried out as part of the signage strategy development - the key conclusions of the audit are:
• There is no cohesive pedestrian wayfinding scheme currently in the town • While maps are presented to the visitor to navigate the features of the Heritage Walk, these have no information on distances and are all north facing which can be confusing to the visitor. • Two maps at the castle entrance - a key location for visitors - relate to the broader road network around Roscrea rather than the town itself. • A standalone town map at the top of the Mall (Roscrea Tourism Ltd.) shows the location of heritage features, B&Bs, hotels, schools, emergency services, restaurants and activities, however, its location in a corner would be easily missed.
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• There are no “you are here” markings to orientate visitors • There is no orientation mapping at the train station • A high-quality metal interpretive sign at St. Cronan’s High Cross is easily missed due to its location on a narrow footpath on a blind bend on a busy road, and its location is a little too high. • Heads up mapping needs to be introduced to help orientate users and help build a mental map of the town • There is a potential to highlight journey times, as the town destinations are all walkable distances – this would increase visitor movement around the town • The physical condition of pedestrian routes (width, clutter, levels, crossing points) needs improving
4.1.3 Road signage
A road signage audit was carried out focusing on the key visitor approach routes and consultation took place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland/NRA.
The total number of “white on brown” tourism signs agreed at the motorway planning stage has not yet been implemented. The motorway signage currently in place can be improved – in some, Roscrea is further down the list of destinations than it should be, in others, the symbols need to be changed to reflect the key destination of Roscrea Castle. For visitors, specific signed attractions, such as a castle, are more enticing than more generalised “heritage town” signs.
Generally, along the immediate approaches to the town, less signs and a higher quality environment would provide visitors with an assurance that they are approaching a town of heritage significance. Sign text size and use of imagery needs to take account of readability when travelling at speed. A good rule of
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thumb is to think of the road sign’s job as being to orientate the visitor to the town, and then to confirm that they have arrived in Roscrea. The most effective way to do this is by using standard Traffic Signs Manual sign designs and one or two internationally recognised standard symbols. Beyond this, information about the place and its attractions is most effectively conveyed by other means – a visually appealing approach environment, websites, brochures, events, interpretive boards within the town (and indeed in other nearby towns pointing visitors to Roscrea), information provided in businesses, cafés etc.
There is an opportunity to take advantage of Roscrea being the closest heritage town to the busy Barack Obama plaza. The town does not have a presence in the visitor information presented there at the moment, despite its proximity.
4.1.4 Cycle signage
There is no dedicated cycle signage at present. Current street designs are not particularly welcoming to visitors on bikes. However, proposals for a greenway linking the town to Birr could very quickly increase the demand for cycle friendly streets and orientation. The Dept. of Transport Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets sets out the appropriate ways to ensure that street design facilitates cyclists of all ages. Sustrans also has a large amount of guidance on encouraging cycling, including cost effective approaches to making the built environment more conducive to cycling. It is likely that specific cycle signage will only be required in the event of formal cycle routes being developed.
4.1.5 Non-signage way-finding – other relevant projects in the town
Plans are afoot in Roscrea for an Ambassador Program, which would aid visitors as they navigate the town. This is a very appealing and friendly way for visitors to meet local people, get immediate relevant directions if needed and access the stories of the place first hand.
The Roscrea Age Friendly Town initiative is progressing ideas for making the town more pedestrian friendly. Walkability studies have been carried out and the group is working with the County Council to improve footpaths and crossings in the town. While beneficial to older people, such improvements are also beneficial to visitors, as they can access the heritage in the town more easily and pleasurably.
Several Council led projects are contributing to the enhancement of the town for visitors and better intuitive wayfinding – these include public realm improvements (Nicolas de Jong consultants) and a Traffic management strategy (Roadplan consultants).
The Tidy Towns group and Enhancement Group are progressing a range of projects which improve the built environment of the town and therefore make walking and exploring more appealing for the visitor.
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5 Getting here
5.1 Getting to Roscrea by road
See Sheet 1 – Getting to Roscrea for mapping of the proposals to help visitors find their way to the town. The overall approach assumes that a sign’s role is to direct people to a place and tell them when they’ve arrived – the character of the place does the rest. The strategy suggests the designating of the public car park beside Tesco as a “Visitor Car Park” or “Castle Car Park” to provide visitors with a specific signed arrival point. In terms of the approach roads to the town:
• A quality sense of arrival should be provided by landscape and urban design rather than signs • Where signage is needed – use a clear standardised approach as set out in the Traffic Signs Manual. Visitors recognise and keep an eye out for standard brown on white “tourism signs” and standard white on green “arrival signs.”
See Sheet 1 for a larger version of this map
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5.2 The M7 motorway
The An Bord Pleanála report at the time of grant of permission for the M7 stated that two information signs similar to those at Cashel on the M8 were to be incorporated into the scheme to highlight the amenities of Roscrea as a heritage town. It is worth noting that on the M8, the first brown (tourist) sign
directs visitors to the Rock of Cashel, and a second directs visitors to the town. Specific signed attractions tend to resonate more with visitors than general town signs.
THE APPROACH FROM DUBLIN TO EXIT 22
At the moment, Roscrea has one tourist “town bypass” sign on the Dublin approach to Exit 22 on the M7.
This strategy proposes that a second “heritage attraction” sign is erected on the Dublin approach to Exit 22 on the M7. This would sign “Roscrea Castle” and include a standard Traffic Signs Manual castle symbol. The exact location is to be agreed with TII/NRA.
THE APPROACH FROM LIMERICK TO EXIT 22
The approach from Limerick includes a large sign for Birr, Slieve Bloom and Roscrea. Roscrea should be the top cited destination as it is first of these three to be encountered. The Heritage Town symbol is not well understood, and it is more effective to sign a specific attraction rather than a heritage town.
This strategy proposes that this sign is replaced by a new sign with “Roscrea Castle” as the first signed location (with a standard castle symbol) followed by “Birr Castle” and then the “Slieve Bloom Mountains”.
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The white on brown signs for “Roscrea Castle” and black on white signs for “town centre” will continue along all the junctions from Exit 22 until Rosemary Square. The Slieve Bloom Mountains will also need to be signed to the destination from their first sign off the motorway. The first roundabout currently doesn’t have a town centre sign, and the existing one is located too low on the pole. See Section 5.6 for road signage proposals within the town.
No other signs are necessary along the road linking Exit 22 with Roscrea, bar a Traffic Signs Manual standard green “arrival sign” which assures the visitor they are in the right place.
If the Butler Trail is extended to include Roscrea, the town could consider the merits of including a Butler Trail banner welcome sign. These have recently been erected on approaches to Cahir, Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir.
There are number of other welcome signs along the road linking the M7 to Roscrea, but collectively these contribute to visual clutter and are not effective at the road speeds along this route. A better approach to creating a welcoming sense of arrival to visitors and communicating the sense of Roscrea as a special place would be provided by environmental improvements such as tree planting and public realm threshold projects as set out in the Roscrea Town Enhancement Plan.
5.3 The N62 National Road
This busy road brings potential visitors from the Birr direction and is therefore an important approach road. Several signs are encountered on the approach to the town:
The cumulative effect of this signage is cluttered, and it is recommended that any non-essential signs are removed to improve the visual quality of the arrival to the town. All that is necessary here to assure visitors they have arrived is the existing standard white on green arrival sign.
The current white on brown tourist sign is too large for this location, easily missed due to the other signs around it, and the number of symbols is too many to be effectively read at driving speed. Removing this sign would improve the visual character of the approach road. It could be replaced with a white on brown sign for Roscrea Castle. Removing the Visit Roscrea, Tidy Towns and Lions International signs would also improve the character of this approach.
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5.4 Getting to Roscrea by train
The train station is full of character and a lovely way to arrive at Roscrea. However, there is no orientating information at the station, and on leaving the station, the footpath is not continuous and there are no pedestrian signs to direct the visitor to the town centre. This strategy proposes a wall mounted map at the station and a pillar sign at the station exit – see Sheet 7. It would be important to prioritise improving footpath continuity from the train station to the town as part of the town’s emerging public realm and traffic management strategies.
5.5 Getting to Roscrea by bus
Many bus and coach users will disembark at Castle St. just outside the Castle entrance. This is a great place to start the Roscrea experience, however, as numbers increase, space might become tight. It is recommended that the public car park beside Tesco is designated as a “visitor car park”, and that this will become the main arrival point for coaches. It is likely that the Bus Eireann stop will remain on Castle St, and the proposed public realm improvements for the street can incorporate a better arrival and waiting context. A new Ireland’s Ancient East information sign has been erected here – telling visitors about the town’s Heritage Trail and stating that further information is available locally. Other attractions with a 1 hour drive of Roscrea are described.
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5.6 Arrival
An analysis of visitor decision making was carried out to identify vehicle town entry points, and key vehicle and pedestrian decision points – a larger version of this map is shown on Sheet 4.
Sheet 2 maps the proposals for new sign locations within the town. Note that the current Traffic Management Plan will determine the ultimate location and orientation of signs, in line with new traffic flows.
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The overall approach proposed is to direct visitors to a “Visitor Car Park” at the existing public car park beside Tesco, using standard blue P for parking symbols. This will allow visitors to quickly find parking, and encourage them to explore several sites within the town. This could also be called the “Castle Car Park”, as there is no dedicated car park for the town’s key attraction.
The Roscrea Local Area Plan has identified several pedestrian linkage projects which will connect the proposed visitor car park to the key heritage features in the town. Making these as appealing as possible will provide a good first impression of Roscrea for visitors.
Excerpt from Roscrea Local Area plan
P
Signage for drivers will be required at several junctions as indicated on Sheet 2. It will important to co-ordinate the detail of new signs with the emerging traffic management strategy.
The biggest improvement to the arrival experience for visitors will take place when the plans as set out in the Enhancement Plan for town centre thresholds are realised. The planned improvements at these locations include upgrades of existing surface materials, and the incorporation of shared surface solutions where appropriate.
It would be preferable for the surface improvements to take place in advance of the new signs being erected as the current extensive carriageway surfaces at some thresholds – particularly at Rosemary Square - make it difficult for the arriving driver to orientate themselves. The link between Rosemary Square, the Mall and Carroll’s Row is also particularly difficult for the pedestrian to navigate, creating an unwelcoming first impression of the town from the M7 approach.
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6 We’re here - now where are we, what’s to see?
6.1 Arrival and destination
An analysis was carried out of the relationship between transport arrival points and the key destinations and spaces around the town. A larger version of the graphic below is included on Sheet 4 to the rear of this report. It was important to identify the key spaces; Market Square, Rosemary Square, the Glebe park etc. as these can be good orienting features for visitors. As well as the key heritage features, we have included Main Street, Castle Street and Rosemary St as destinations in their own right, bearing in mind the appealing vernacular architecture and the concentration of shops, restaurants, pubs and cafés along these routes.
6.2 Walking Roscrea
It is an objective of the Council, subject to resources, to up-grade and extend the public footpath network and provide traffic calming measures as may be appropriate.3
The Town Enhancement Plan has set out excellent proposals for the key public areas in the town. Initial projects are underway and these will transform the comfort of walking around the town for both visitors and residents. These improvements will not only to aid intuitive way-finding but also provide a better setting for heritage features and give effectiveness to the ACA designation of the streets.
3 Objective INF6: Pedestrian Infrastructure, Roscrea Local Area Plan
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7 Making it happen
7.1 What will the signs look like?
Starting with the character of Roscrea - the colours, textures and heritage – a suite of sign types have been developed. It is proposed to install 12 signs in total:
5 map monoliths - to provide orientation and interpretation of nearby features at: • The visitor car park • Roscrea Castle entrance • Rosemary Square • Outside the Black Mills visitor centre • Market square (corner of Main and Castle St.)
6 marker signs – to provide orientation and interpretation of nearby features at: • Main St (Barracks Hill) • Outside Abbey Hall • Carroll’s row/Glebe Park • Ballyhall Rd. • Outside the train station • Castle St.
1 wall mounted sign • at the train station
Finger post signs • Given the compact nature of Roscrea, it is not anticipated that finger post signs are necessary in the first phase of signage installation, however a design is provided if reinforcement of routes is required for visitors
7.1.1 Sign Family
The design of the sign family has been developed to ensure the delivery of the information required is the driving factor in the sign form. See Sheet 6 at the rear of this report for larger images.
Using a monolith type sign as the primary sign type allows for interpretive content to be shared with visitors along with directional information. The monolith signs are in two sizes; a wide monolith with a full map and a smaller thinner monolith.
These signs will contain “heads up” maps with “you are here” indicated. The use of heads up mapping aids visitor orientation by reinforcing the mental map of the town and explains intuitively what the town has to offer. The maps will contain information on the walking distance to various features.
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The sign family also includes a wall mounted sign, and a fingerpost type to ensure information can be still be delivered in the areas where the space is more limited or where a reinforcement of the route is required.
Finger post signs will also be required for the proposed longer distance walk from the town centre to Monaincha. If this walk becomes a national looped walk, it would be more appropriate to use the standard National Trials office signage and mapping.
7.1.2 Graphic templates
The graphic style has been developed to enhance the local identity and build on the interpretive stories, using these as pattern and motifs. See Sheet 9 for a larger version of the graphic palette proposed.
7.1.3 Materials
Sign designs are proposed to be powder coated metal frames and posts, with engraved patterns for the base. The information panels are to be reverse applied graphics to toughened glass panels, the signs will have a non-glare finish.
7.2 Sign content
7.2.1 Directional information
The signs will have directional legends highlighting the destinations to be visited and distances in minutes. The directional legends are placed at the top of the signs, and destinations are grouped by direction and set out by distance.
The aim is to highlight only the primary destinations with a directional legend. It is important not to sign everything from everywhere, as this can lead to information overload and confusion. By editing the information and highlighting the primary destinations the information is clearer and coherent for the user. Mapping on the signs is used to convey the locations of secondary destinations.
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7.2.2 Maps
The monolith and marker signs will contain maps at relevant scales and with relevant extent of detail. See Sheet 8 to see the details of proposed mapping.
The maps are aimed at pedestrians so the mapping will be edited down to highlight the points that are useful for pedestrians – with “you are here” identification, a 3-minute walking radius, and highlighting building features, paths, road crossings, public transport nodes, tourist information, areas of retail and refreshments, toilets, visitor parking, playgrounds and open spaces. The maps will be orientated heads up to aid the user to build up a mental map of the town.
7.2.3 Interpretative content
Interpretative content will highlight particularly interesting stories and features, both historical and more recent, along with descriptive text and imagery. In this way, the unique stories of the town are more evident to visitor and visitors are encouraged to get a better understanding of the town and hopefully stay longer.
Outline content aligned with Ireland’s Ancient East themes is set out on Sheet 3. It is proposed that the development of the final stories and interpretive material is carried out in conjunction with local experts and interested local groups such as Roscrea Heritage Society and contributors to the Roscrea online heritage resource. The design of the signage allows for many of the other stories and places of the town to be shared with visitors. There are also potential links with the wider Butler Trail given the family’s links with the town. . All interpretive content in relation to the properties under their management will need to be approved in advance by the OPW.
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7.3 Where will the signs go?
Following an analysis of arrival points and destinations, the layout of the town, and the key features of interest for the visitor, 10 key locations have been identified that would be appropriate for the locating of new pillar and monolith signs. A larger scale map showing proposed locations is shown on Sheet 7.
An Archaeological Assessment is underway and detailed locations are subject to final approval by the Office of Public Works, detailed underground services check and adjustments to align with any planned public realm works.
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Sheets 1-9
March 2017 23 Note: all strategy recommendations are subject to detailed locating/removal and design of signs in line with traffic management requirements, underground SHEET 1 services and County Council engineer’s approval.
Replace signage with environmental improvements, e.g. tree planting
This kind of sign tends to be the most effective for visitors - Large detailed signs are less effective than simple “arrival signs should “bring someone to a place, then tell them they’ve signs” - consider removal arrived”
Introduce new black on white sign at first large roundabout for “Town Centre”, and white on brown signs for “Roscrea Castle” and “Slieve Bloom Mountains” - current “Town Centre” sign too low. Remove Dunnes sign.
OVERALL APPROACH
A sign’s role is to direct people to a place and tell them they’ve arrived - the character of the place does the rest.
• preference for environmental improvements over non-engineered solutions, Replace/enhance signage with new planting/environmental • quality sense of arrival through landscape and urban design rather improvements than signs, • where signage is used - clear and standardised design approach.
Replace this sign with one with “Roscrea Castle” signed on top, followed by “Birr Castle” and “Slieve Bloom Mountains”
This is a “town bypass sign”. Roscrea is also entitled to a second white on brown “Heritage Attraction” sign. It is proposed that this would include text for “Roscrea Castle” Include here new white on brown sign for “Roscrea Castle” and the standard castle symbol. Location to be agreed with with standard castle symbol over the current one for “Birr TII. Signed attractions tend to be more effective than signed Castle” towns on tourist signage. Note: all strategy recommendations are subject to detailed locating/removal Proposed road sign locations within town and design of signs in line with traffic management requirements, underground pending outcomes of Town Traffic Management Strategy services and County Council engineer’s approval. SHEET 2
First experience of town from motorway; town centre sign difficult to see, insert “P Roscrea Castle” sign - direct traffic left/right in line with Traffic Management Strategy recommendations. Further to more detailed street design assessment, consider walkability improvements in line with Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets. Sign for Visitor Parking Location earmarked for Town Threashold public realm improvements. Signs for Castle/Visitor Parking
Signage here to Visitor Parking/Castle Parking in line with Traffic Management Strategy. Further to more detailed street design assessment, consider walkability improvements in line with Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets.
Signage for Visitor Car Park in line with Traffic Management Strategy. Further to more detailed street design assessment, consider walkability improvements in line with Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets.
Pending outcome of Traffic Management Study, sign may be required here
The Designer’s Risk Assessment for this strategy identifies an existing risk at the crossing between round tower and St. Cronan’s. Signage in this area may highlight this existing risk. Further to recommendations of Traffic Management Strategy currently underway, and more detailed street design assessment, consider applying Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets approaches in this location.
Location earmarked for Town Threashold public realm improvements. Tidy up signs at junction and sign “P Roscrea Castle”
Location earmarked for Town Threashold public realm improvements. Sign for Visitor Parking
Location earmarked for Town Threashold public realm improvements. Signs for Castle/Visitor Parking
Area planned for public realm improvements - first impression of town from proposed visitor parking area. Removal of existing advertising signage from rear of buildings will improve visual quality of this area. Roscrea Note: This outline interpretive content will need to be SignAligning Family Roscrea’s stories with themes further verified/expanded and approved by the OPW where relating to properties under their management. SHEET 3
Sign design will have a non glare finish. Typeface and colour palettes will be legible and positioned suitable for accessible users.
MONAINCHA < <
< Theme (Monastic Heritage)
St Cronan’s Church of Ireland xxmins St Cronan’s Church of Ireland xxmins <
Roscrea Castle St Cronans Church of Ireland xxmins Very important site - centre of pilgrimage,
<
< & Damer < - High Cross Detail hermitage site, 31st wonder of the world, “the xxmins xxmins Bus Stop Bus Stop xxmins Bus Stop House xxmins xxmins Roscrea Castle & Damer House xxmins Roscrea Castle & Damer House xxmins Roscrea Castle & Damer House island of the living”, the bread of stone, Geraldis IRELAND’S MYSTICAL Cambrensis, no women allowed, early Tipperary saints that pre-date St. Patrick - Declan, Ailbe,
Railway WATERWAY Icelandic myth Udainsaker same as Monaincha MARITIME GATEWAY Station
T HE B LACK M ILLS, ROUND T OWER T HE B LACK M ILLS, ROUND T OWER T HE B LACK M ILLS, ROUND T OWER M AIN S TREET THE FRANCISCAN FRIARY
Railway Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, Station sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore abandoned since 1579 magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud Railway Station exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in The story of Ireland’s Follow in ancient reprehenderit in voluptate OETRY Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, P sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore GARDEN BUNKERS HILL Library POETRY magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud GARDEN BUNKERS HILL Library THE CRESCENT exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea THE CRESCENT THE BOOK OF DIMMA commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in GREEN STREET
LOURDES ROAD reprehenderit in voluptate Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, Maritime GatewayGREEN STREET footsteps asGROVE STREET you consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor LOURDES ROAD
incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad GROVE STREET OETRY P minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris MONEEN RIVER Superstore forty days and forty nights OLD DUBLIN ROAD GARDEN BUNKERS HILL nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute Library
MAIN STREET The Black Mills, THE CRESCENT irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate Round Tower CHURCH STREET
St Cronan’s Church of Ireland Shopping Centre
GREEN STREET St Cronan’s YOU ARE HERE MARKET High Cross LOURDES ROAD CHAPEL LANE SQAURE Tourist CASTLE STREET GROVE STREET is one of times, journey alongInformation the Roscrea MONEEN RIVER Superstore Castle Damer ROSEMOUNT House & OLD DUBLIN ROAD Gardens
ROSEMARY STREET Quaker’s Hall GLEBE
MONEEN RIVER
LIMERICK ROAD
MAIN STREET Methodist THE MALL SEAN ROSS ABBEY The Black Mills, Church MONEEN RIVER Superstore Round Tower CHURCH STREET Playground
OLD DUBLIN ROAD Youth Centre ROSEMARY GLEBE ARK GAOL ROAD St Cronan’s SQUARE P
MAIN STREET The Black Mills, Church of Fountain Round Tower CHURCH STREET Ireland Abbey Hall tides and poignant Shopping Centre Shannon River and its St Cronan’s Superstore “the church on the mainland” for the monks of Church of St Cronan’s ABBEY STREET Franciscan Ireland Friary Shopping Centre YOU ARE HERE High Cross
ARKET R M E V I St Cronan’s R
N YOU ARE HERE High Cross E E M O N CONVENT ROAD MARKET CHAPEL LANE SQAURE Tourist CASTLE STREET CHAPEL LANE Information SQAURE Tourist CASTLE STREET Information
St Cronan’s Catholic Church Roscrea Roscrea Monaincha, off the ancient beaten track Castle Castle Damer ROSEMOUNT House & Damer ROSEMOUNT Gardens House & Gardens ROSEMARY STREET Quaker’s Hall GLEBE MONEEN RIVER farewalls tributaries
ROSEMARY STREET Quaker’s LIMERICK ROAD Hall GLEBE MONEEN RIVER Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore
Methodist THE MALL magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo Church
Playground ROUND TOWER LIMERICK ROAD Youth GLEBE Centre ROSEMARY Methodist THE MALL GAOL ROAD Church SQUARE PARK Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed Playground ST CRONAN’S MONASTERY do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna Fountain Abbey Hall aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation Youth Centre ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. ROCREA HIGH CROSS OSEMARY GLEBE Superstore R Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse GAOL ROAD ABBEY STREET Franciscan ARK Friary P cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod SQUARE R E V where the book of Dimma was written I cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit R tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim Fountain E N N E CONVENT ROAD M O anim id est laborum. Abbey veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea Hall commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat St Cronan’s Superstore Catholic Church non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. ABBEY STREET Franciscan Friary
R E V I R
E N N E CONVENT ROAD M O THE ROUND TOWER
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo St Cronan’s Catholic adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor Church incididunt ut labore et dolore magna oldest structure in the town, response to the aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, SACRED IRELAND Viking attack, top a victim of the 1798 uprising, Scullys and the orange flag, the mysterious ship AONACH ÉILE and belted cross carvings – points in the direction Chariot races THE SPORT OF KINGS Follow the ancient of Monaincha? Colour Pallette pilgrim routes to ST. CRONAN’S HIGH CROSS Discover Ireland’s - Option 1 11th century, St. Cronan himself, founder of Roscrea discover Saints and in the 7th century and a native of the Ely O’Carroll legendary passion for Territory. Life written in the 12th/13th century. Scholars at every turn the rumble of chariots SEIR KIERAN One of the oldest Christian sites – St. Kieran the and the thunder of Elder, St Patrick’s contemporary hooves Potential pilgrimage route – Clonmacnoise, Seir Kieran, Roscrea, Holycross, Cashel, Ard Mór
THE ROSCREA PILLAR c. 800 AD. mysterious elephant carvings
MOUNT SAINT JOSEPH CISTERCIAN MONASTERY Modern continuation of the monastic tradition, important gardens, bread baking Sign Type 1 VIKINGS Sign Type 2 Sign Type 3 Map Monolith Marker Wall Mounted ST CRONAN’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Bentley, the architect of Westminster Cathedral ROSCREA BROOCH Find traces of the remarked that it was the most beautiful piece of Late 9th century, rare fusion of Gaelic and Viking church architecture he had seen in Ireland. craftsmanship Vikings in Ireland…. ST. CRONAN’S CHURCH OF IRELAND THE BATTLE OF ROSCREA if you know where a remarkable silver chalice that goes back to the VikingIt is raidnot on proposed the Aonach Éile to 842 translate - Roscrea each block of interpretive text into Irish, but rather, to incorporate Irish into the text in various ways including translation, phonetic spelling17th century, andpre-Reformation simple style,phrase. the letters, S.C. defeated the Vikings - Olfin, chief of the Vikings to look M.P. inscribed on the base inThere Connaught is wasa deep killed at interest the Battle ofin Botherín the Irish language as an important cultural layer for both the overseas and domestic visitor and interpretive structures provide a rich opportunity for interpretation Glasthrough (Carrick/Green the descriptiveSt), poem language of a landscape. CASTLES AND CONQUESTS HIGH KINGS AND Swashbuckling HEROES stories need dramatic locations and brave Ireland’s early history heroes and heroines is wrapped in legends that resound within the culture today In Roscrea, for example, Ballyhall can be found on a street sign - this anglicised place name is derived from An Baile Thall - or "the town over there", describing its status as the Gaelic settlement outside of the Castle walls. Signs will include Irish phrases, poems, prayers etc. to deepen the interpretation and provide a real opportunity for learning/improving spoken Irish.
Technology, including audio apps and hand held audio devices also play an important part in accommodating different languages and translations. BIG HOUSES AND ANCIENT IRELAND HARD TIMES Locals hold the key to Theme (Ancient Roscrea) < < < < Feel the layers of a historyThe Mall xxmins that’s never - Roscrea Brooch The Mall xxmins The Mall xxmins Roscrea Castle & Damer < Main Street xxmins xxmins < Main Street xxmins House xxmins < Main Street history in big houses, farRailway away Station xxmins
xxmins
Railway Station xxmins Railway Station <
< xxmins Bus Stop < ROSCREA CASTLE xxmins Bus Stop xxmins St Cronans Church of Ireland xxmins Bus Stop along famine roads xxmins St Cronans Church of Ireland xxmins The Black Mills, Round Tower The whole sweep of Ireland under occupation, xxmins St Cronans Church of Ireland xxmins The Black Mills, Round Tower xxmins The Black Mills, Round Tower ROSCREA CASTLE King John, restored rooms, 9ft thick walls, the Railway and on quaysides Station Butler connections, Walter Butler and the 40 years THE ANONACH ÉILE A N B AILE T HALL Councils of chieftains andA kingsN B AILE T HALL M AIN S TREET R OSCREA C ASTLE & DAMER H OUSE war, the intermarriages with the O’Carrolls, Crom-
ALLYHALL ALLYHALL Railway B B Station well, Baile Thall (the town over there)
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud Railway Station exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea POETRY SPEAKER’S CORNER ON CASTLEcommodo consequat. Duis aute irureST dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate GARDEN BUNKERS HILL Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur Library Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, THE CRESCENT THE LEAP CASTLE adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt POETRY sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore GARDEN BUNKERS HILL Library Daniel O’Connell, Michael magnaCollins aliqua. Ut enim ad minim and veniam, quisut nostrudDe labore etValera dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad GREEN STREET THE CRESCENT exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea LOURDES ROAD GREEN STREET
minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco LOURDES ROAD commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in GROVE STREET GROVE STREET the O’Carrolls, most haunted in Ireland, key route reprehenderit in voluptate Lorem ipsum dolorlaboris sit amet, nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. made speeches in the townconsectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. UtDuis enim autead irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate OETRY P minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris MONEEN RIVER Superstore
OLD DUBLIN ROAD GARDEN BUNKERS HILL Library nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute through Slieve Blooms, concerts and events
THE CRESCENT MAIN STREET The Black Mills, Round Tower CHURCH STREET
MONEEN RIVER St Cronan’s Superstore Church of Ireland GREEN STREET Shopping Centre OLD DUBLIN ROAD St Cronan’s LOURDES ROAD YOU ARE HERE MARKET High Cross GROVE STREET CHAPEL LANE SQAURE Tourist CASTLE STREET Information
MAIN STREET Roscrea The Black Mills, Castle Round Tower CHURCH STREET Damer ROSEMOUNT AMER OUSE ARDENS House & D H G Gardens
ROSEMARY STREET Quaker’s St Cronan’s Hall GLEBE MONEEN RIVER Lorem ipsum dolor sit pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat Church of Ireland non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia LIMERICK ROAD MONEEN RIVER Superstore amet, consectetur deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Shopping Centre Methodist THE MALL BALLAGHMORE CASTLE OLD DUBLIN ROAD Church adipiscing elit, sed do St Cronan’s Playground YOU ARE HERE High Cross Youth MAIN STREET The Black Mills, eiusmod tempor incididunt MARKET GLEBE Centre Round Tower CHURCH STREET ROSEMARY PARK GAOL ROAD ut labore et dolore magna CHAPEL LANE SQUARE Tourist St Cronan’s SQAURE CASTLE STREET Church of aliqua. Ut enim ad minim Information Fountain Abbey Ireland Hall Shopping Centre the Fitzpatricks veniam, quis nostrud Roscrea St Cronan’s Superstore YOU ARE HERE High Cross Castle exercitation ullamco ABBEY STREET Franciscan MARKET Friary Damer ROSEMOUNT CHAPEL LANE R QAURE Tourist laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea E S CASTLE STREET House & V Information I R Gardens E N commodo consequat. Duis N E CONVENT ROAD M O Roscrea Castle aute irure dolor in Damer ROSEMOUNT ROSEMARY STREET Quaker’s House & GLEBE Gardens reprehenderit in voluptate Hall St Cronan’s MONEEN RIVER Catholic velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla Church
ROSEMARY STREET Quaker’s Hall GLEBE MONEEN RIVER LIMERICK ROAD
LIMERICK ROAD
Methodist THE MALL Methodist THE MALL DAMER HOUSE GARDENS Church Church BALLAGHMORE CASTLE Playground Playground
Youth Centre Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore GLEBE DAMER HOUSE Youth ROSEMARY Centre GAOL ROAD magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo PARK do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna GLEBE SQUARE ROSEMARY consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation GAOL ROAD Fountain PARK Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatatAMER OUSE QUARE Abbey ullamcoLorem laboris ipsum nisi dolorut aliquip sit ex ea commodo consequat. D H S Hall the O’Duigens, Sheila na Gig non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia Duis auteamet, irure consectetur dolor in reprehenderit in voluptatedeserunt velitmollit animesse id est laborum. Fountain Superstore cillum adipiscingdolore eu fugiat elit, sednulla do pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod Abbey ABBEY STREET Franciscan Hall Friary cupidatateiusmod non proident, tempor suntincididunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim
R E anim id est laborum. V ut labore et dolore magna veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea I R Superstore E N N E CONVENT ROAD M O aliqua. Ut enim ad minim commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit ABBEY STREET Franciscan veniam, quis nostrud esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat Friary exercitation ullamco non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. R St Cronan’s E Catholic laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea V I Church R
commodo consequat. Duis E N N E CONVENT ROAD aute irure dolor in M O BALLINAKILL CASTLE reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla
St Cronan’s Catholic Church Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur the Butlers, German connections Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo incididunt ut labore et dolore magna consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo AONACH ÉILE An ancient two week fair of trade, marriages and SGT MARTIN “MARTY” MAHER funerals, still a market town, shopfronts… town US military training legend, The Long Grey Line film DAMER HOUSE names; Trudy’s corner, Fayerd’s corner, Lindsey’s Colour Pallette Rare Queen Anne staircase, furnished rooms, rent corner - Option 2 collecting, children’s interactive exhibit, John Damer owned whole town, family never lived in TIMONEY STONES house THE SLÍ DÁLA GLOSTER HOUSE One of the great five roads of Ireland, pilgrimages, The Medhops and the Lloyds, gardens coming and going, Barnagutta (Carroll’s Row) – coaches and horses …. FANCROFT MILL HOUSE AND GARDENS ST. THOMAS SEAT ASHBURY HOUSE, TENNIS COURTS Ancient judgment seats of the Brehons of Ireland, the Ink Bottle DAISY BATES Local emigrant to Australia – chronicler of STONE HEAD OF KILLAVILLA Aboriginal culture Norman or ancient? ROSCREA, ROSCREA, CO. TIPPERARY CO. TIPPERARY
Sign Type 1 Sign Type 2 Sign Type 3 Map Monolith Marker Wall Mounted SHEET 4 Roscrea
Route Analysis Railway Station Decision Points and key destinations
BUNKERS HILL
THE CRESCENT
Vehicle Town Entry Points GROVE STREET Transport Points Main Visitor Carpark Tesco Vehicle Decision Points Destinations Superstore
Pedestrian Decision Points The Black Key Spaces Mills, Round CHURCH STREET Tower Shopping Church of Bunnow River Centre Ireland MAIN STREET Bunnow River Main Sqaure Tourist Visitor Information Bus/ Coach CASTLE STREET Hut Stop CHAPEL LANE Roscrea Castle & Damer School ROSEMOUNT House Medieval Garden
ROSEMARY STREET The Methodist Church Church Hall
LIMERICK ROAD THE MALL Youth Play Area Centre
GAOL ROAD Abbey Fountain Hall Square
Dunnes Supermarket
ABBEY STREET
CONVENT ROAD
Roscrea Catholic Church Roscrea SHEET 5 Design Inspiration
Design inspiration to be referenced in the sign solutions
1. Ancient Roscrea
2. Monastic Heritage
3. Architectural and Industrial Heritage SHEET 6 Roscrea
Sign Family
Theme (Monastic Heritage) Theme (Ancient Roscrea) - High Cross Detail - Roscrea Brooch
Bus Stop xx mins xx mins Bus Stop Bus Stop xx mins
Roscrea Castle & Damer House xxmins xxmins Roscrea Castle & Damer House Roscrea Castle & Damer House xxmins
St Cronans Church of Ireland xxmins xxmins St Cronans Church of Ireland St Cronans Church of Ireland xxmins
xxmins The Black Mills
Colour Pallette - Option 2 Colour Pallette - Option 1 < < < < <
xxmins < <
St Cronans Church of Ireland St Cronans Church of Ireland xxmins <
Roscrea Castle St Cronans Church of Ireland xxmins The Mall xxmins
The Mall xxmins The Mall xxmins Roscrea Castle
< < < & Damer & Damer xxmins xxmins < Main Street xxmins Bus Stop xxmins xxmins Bus Stop Bus Stop House xxmins xxmins < xxmins < Main Street House xxmins xxmins Roscrea Castle & Damer House Main Street Railway Station
xxmins Roscrea Castle & Damer House xxmins
Roscrea Castle & Damer House xxmins Railway Station xxmins Railway Station <
< xxmins Bus Stop < xxmins Bus Stop xxmins St Cronans Church of Ireland xxmins Bus Stop xxmins St Cronans Church of Ireland xxmins The Black Mills, Round Tower xxmins St Cronans Church of Ireland xxmins The Black Mills, Round Tower xxmins The Black Mills, Round Tower ROSCREA CASTLE Railway Railway Station Station
T HE B LACK M ILLS, ROUND T OWER T HE B LACK M ILLS, ROUND T OWER T HE B LACK M ILLS, ROUND T OWER M AIN S TREET A N B AILE T HALL A N B AILE T HALL M AIN S TREET R OSCREA C ASTLE & DAMER H OUSE
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, ALLYHALL ALLYHALL Railway B B Station sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud Railway Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, Station exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud Railway reprehenderit in voluptate Station exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea OETRY OETRY commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in P Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, P reprehenderit in voluptate GARDEN BUNKERS HILL BUNKERS HILL sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore GARDEN BUNKERS HILL Library Library THE CRESCENT magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur THE CRESCENT THE CRESCENT Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt POETRY sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore GARDEN BUNKERS HILL commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in Library GREEN STREET THE CRESCENT GROVE STREET magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud reprehenderit in voluptate Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, GREEN STREET ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea LOURDES ROAD GREEN STREET ET consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor LOURDES ROAD minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco LOURDES ROAD commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in GROVE STREET incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad GROVE STRE GROVE STREET reprehenderit in voluptate Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, POETRY minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor GARDEN BUNKERS HILL nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute Library CHURCH STREET incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. UtDuis enim autead irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate THE CRESCENT irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate MAIN STREET OETRY P minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris MONEEN RIVER Superstore
OLD DUBLIN ROAD GARDEN BUNKERS HILL GREEN STREET Library nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. CASTLE STREET CHAPEL LANE MAIN STREET The Black Mills, LOURDES ROAD THE CRESCENT Round Tower CHURCH STREET
GROVE STREET MONEEN RIVER Superstore St Cronan’s ROSEMOUNT Church of MONEEN RIVER Superstore Ireland GREEN STREET Shopping Centre OLD DUBLIN ROAD St Cronan’s OLD DUBLIN ROAD ROSEMARY STREET LOURDES ROAD YOU ARE HERE MARKET High Cross GROVE STREET CHAPEL LANE SQAURE Tourist CASTLE STREET Information
THE MALL LIMERICK ROAD MAIN STREET Roscrea The Black Mills, Castle MAIN STREET The Black Mills, Round Tower CHURCH STREET Damer ROSEMOUNT MONEEN RIVER Superstore Round Tower AMER OUSE ARDENS House & CHURCH STREET D H G Gardens OLD DUBLIN ROAD GAOL ROAD
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ROSCREA, ROSCREA, CO. TIPPERARY CO. TIPPERARY
Sign Type 1 Sign Type 2 Sign Type 3 Sign Type 4 Map Monolith Marker Wall Mounted Fingerpost Sign Type 1 Sign Type 2 Sign Type 3 Sign Type 4 Map Monolith Marker Wall Mounted Fingerpost 12 SHEET 7 Roscrea 11
Sign Positioning
3 Alternative location possible closer to 4 Blackmills visitor centre entrance
5 Map Monolith
Marker 2 6 1 Wall Mounted
1
7
9 8
Proposed Sign Positioning. Locations subject 10 to detailed positioningProposed Sign in line Positioning. with traffic Locations managementsubject requirements, to agreement underground with the office of services andpublic agreement works, with Irish the Rail Office and Tipperary of Public Works, IrishCounty Rail and Council. Tipperary County Council SHEET 8 Railway Station Roscrea
Pedestrian mapping for the signs
POETRY
GARDEN BUNKERS HILL Library
THE CRESCENT
Key GREEN STREET
LOURDES ROAD
GROVE STREET Visitor Parking
Playground
Bus Stop MONEEN RIVER Superstore OLD DUBLIN ROAD
MAIN STREET The Black Mills, Visitor Toilets Round Tower CHURCH STREET
St Cronan’s Church of Ireland Tourist Information Centre Shopping Centre
St Cronan’s YOU ARE HERE MARKET High Cross
CHAPEL LANE Railway Station SQUARE Tourist CASTLE STREET Information
Roscrea Castle Damer ROSEMOUNT Retail & Refreshments House & Gardens
ROSEMARY STREET Quaker’s Hall GLEBE
MONEEN RIVER
LIMERICK ROAD
Methodist THE MALL Church
Playground
Youth Centre ROSEMARY GLEBE GAOL ROAD SQUARE PARK
Fountain Abbey Hall
Superstore
ABBEY STREET Franciscan Friary
R E V I R
E N N E CONVENT ROAD M O
St Cronan’s Catholic Church SHEET 9 Georgia Roscrea abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRS Graphic Palette TUVWXYZ 0123456789
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APPENDIX A: Workshop Outcomes Report
March 2017 25
Roscrea Signage and Way-finding Strategy Workshop Outcomes Report
May 11th 2016
Table of Contents
1 Background ...... 2 1.1 Introduction ...... 2 1.2 Workshop Attendees ...... 2 2 Roscrea – what stories does it have to tell visitors? ...... 3 2.1 The mind map...... 3 3 Mapping some locations where stories are revealed ...... 5 4 Next Steps ...... 8
May 2016 1
1 Background 1.1 Introduction
The Roscrea Enhancement Committee and Tipperary County Council are working on a new signage and way-finding strategy for Roscrea. This plan will include new ways for visitors to find their way to the town, new ways for people to find their way around the town, and new ways to access the stories the town has to tell.
A public workshop was held Thursday 28th April, 6.30pm at the Muintir na Tíre hall on Chapel Lane, Roscrea where participants were invited to share thoughts and ideas in relation to the town's signage and signage to the town.
1.2 Workshop Attendees
Name ORGANISATION Eileen Doherty Tidy Towns/Enhancement Committee PJ Wright Tidy Towns Caroline Creamer Ard Ross Residents Anne Keevey Age Friendly Roscrea Jacinta Rigney OPW Roscrea James Byrne Gleann Glas Pamela Aitken Roscrea Heritage Society Bri Greene Roscrea Heritage Society Sandra Smith North Tipperary Leader Partnership Mary Haugh Youthreach Trisha Purcell North Tipperary Leader Partnership Rita McLoughney St. Cronans Centre Brian Redmond Roscrea Heritage Society John Hanamy Age Friendly Roscrea/Roscrea Credit Union Marion Carey Tipperary County Council Seamus Browne Roscrea Chamber of Commerce Marie Warren Sli Dala B&B
Workshop facilitator: Deirdre Black, Deirdre Black Associates
May 2016 2
2 Roscrea – what stories does it have to tell visitors?
2.1 The mind map
Responding to the question of “what stories does Roscrea have to tell its visitors?” the participants voiced their ideas and these were captured graphically on the mind map.
The following is a summary of the topics of discussion during the 30-minute mind-mapping exercise:
Ancient Roscrea Roscrea Brooch (8th century) Timoney Standing Stones (c. 800 AD) – some debate over their role Fossilized shells at Mount St. Joseph Book of Dimma Slí Dála The Round tower and its boat carving Roscrea defeated the Vikings - Olfin, chief of the Vikings in Connaught was killed at the Battle of Botherín Glas (Carrick/Green St), there’s a poem about it
Some notable Roscrea people Daisy Bates – heroine of the aborigines (Australia) Tess Truman (US president’s wife) Barack Obama relatives Marty Maher – famous soldier, trained US presidents, The Long Grey Line (film)
May 2016 3
Monastic heritage From early to present St Cronan, St. Cronan’s well Monaincha – 31st wonder of the world, on island, bread turned to stone, oldest care centre, mentioned by Geraldis Cambrensis, no women allowed Pilgrimage route – Clonmacnoise, Seirciarais, Roscrea, Holycross, Cashel, Ard Mór Sean Ross Abbey (Philomena film), memorial weekend in June Mount St Joseph, lost in card game by Lord Heaton (botanist), bought by Count Moore to provide Catholic education
Big houses and families Damer house – family lived in Emo, John Damer owned whole town, family never lived in house Roscrea Castle and Butler connection Leap Castle – O’Carroll clan territory, family went to US, castle haunted, route through Slieve Blooms Ballinakill Castle (German connection) Fancroft mill house and gardens Glouster House Ashbury house, tennis courts Ballaghamore Castle (Sheila na Gig)
Politics and civic movements Daniel O’Connell, Michael Collins and De Valera made speeches in the town First Muintir na Tire established in Roscrea, first co-op
Agricultural and industrial heritage Roscrea bacon and sausages (ad with two hens talking) Roscrea meats in parade in town Mill pond and mill race (grain and oats) Fair/markets (talk to Dick Conroy) Brewery planned for ex. Temperance hall/goal (Goal Rd.) Factory – German connection
Roscrea expressions “Well Kid”
General notes: Huge amount of reference information in the many published documents on Roscrea’s heritage, speak to George Cunningham Talk to Dick Conroy for further information Marie and Cathal McNicholas working on Visit Roscrea website
May 2016 4
3 Mapping some locations where stories are revealed
After the mind map, the workshop participants looked at areas within Roscrea from the point of view of the visitor, in terms of visitor arrival points, visitor journeys and ways for visitors to access the stories of the town.
May 2016 5
Existing car parks
May 2016 6
New number 1 Masonic Hall 2 Quaker’s Hall – link from Rosemary St to Castle St? 3 Former Gaol/Temperence Hall - future distillary 4 Mill race/Mill pond 5 Possible museum? 6 Horse fairs in the past 7 Involve butchers in Roscrea bacon/sausage story telling? 8 Possible bus drop off, need nearby toilets 9 Methodist church 10 The Mall 11 Level looped walk for infirm – Gantly rd-Main St 12 Junction too wide 13 More toilets needed 14 Put up street signage 15 Freshfield’s alley/Walsh’s 16 Business opportunity (Hotel) 17 Playground 18 Ballyhall (outside the walls of the town) 19 Daisy Bates’ house Aboriginie champion (Australia) 20 Franciscan Friary 21 Battle of Botherín Glas location 22 Baton charge – protest of Market Square moving 23 Possible pedestrianisation 24 Black Mills – original high cross – good for events 25 “Speaker’s Corner” – O’Connell, De Valera, Michael Collins made speeches 26 Mile marker 27 Daisy Bates’ garden 28 Round Tower 29 Geneology Centre 30 Damer House – location for Roscrea brooch replica? 31 High cross/Romanesque doorway 32 Priority “town entrance” 33 Priority “town entrance” 34 Milestone 35 Slí Dála – coach stop outside hotel 36 Bus shelters 37 Train station - Guinness depot until 70’s/cattle industry 38 Weddings and music at the train station/funerals/films delivered 39 Put up old photos at station 40 Good example of vernacular architecture 41 Possible visitor car park 42 Possible Tourist Office 43 Georgian house 44 Luttrel’s Butcher
May 2016 7
4 Next Steps
The outcomes of the workshop have been shared with all participants and with Tipperary County Council. These will now be incorporated into the Signage and Way-finding strategy being drawn up by Deirdre Black Associates.
A full draft of the Signage Strategy will be presented in Damer House Roscrea in June, and all participants will be invited when the date is fixed.
Many thanks to all who took the time to take part in the event.
May 2016 8