Called down at Ballylee yesterday and work is in progress, the suits were having a meeting in the middle of the road but to get the craic not the bumf ask the guy with the mucky hands. Story is from the lads doing the work that if all goes to plan the tower will be reopening for visitors on the 7th of May but no official announcements have been made yet (to my knowledge)
Apparently they have held an official opening for the members and supporters of the newly formed group and they have a web site that I was only made aware of yesterday. http://yeatsthoorballylee.org/home/
I am waiting for a response to the question of regular opening times and charges.
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Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour
I get a sinking feeling that they are going to set unrealistic admission charges when they do get sorted out. There is a poetry evening on the 7th and admission is 20 euro. Its not something I would go to normally but if the charge was say 10 euro then I might have considered it.
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Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour
I've just received your comment through the website. As far as I can tell it is the first that has been registered, but it sounds like you must have tried before this, so my sincere apologies. Thank you very much for your interest in the project.
If you look at the website you'll see the appeal is ongoing, and of recent and longer term history. The tower has been closed since the floods of 2009. We've come a long way in just a few months, and it's been amazing that it has been already open one or two days already this summer for special events - it goes much beyond what we might have hoped at this time last year.
There is no possibility yet for a general opening and admission prices. As you see the appeal is to generate funds for the tower's restoration, upkeep, public insurance, and to create a visitor centre that is sustainable so that it can be open for visitors in perpetuity, at least in the summer months. There is no public funding available for this, so at present we are a voluntary organization looking for support.
We have several events coming up, the next an auction on May 28th and then a summer event June 13th for Yeats's birthday. Other forthcoming events you'll see in the calendar. We'd be delighted to welcome you then, and certainly hope to see you in the future. If you'd like to support us in any way you'll see the details of how to do this on the website.
Thanks again for your interest.
All best wishes,
Adrian
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Two rules for Ireland, Take your time & bring a sense of humour