They have been tasked with producing a Visitor Management and Sustainable Tourism Development Plan for the 43 acres island.
Earlier this year Clare County Council acquired the island with a view to increasing tourism to the area.
People living around Lough Derg will soon have a chance to give their views and suggestions for one of the islands on the lake.
Dublin-based Solearth Architecture have been engaged to prepare proposals in relation to improving access to Holy Island and the provision of tourism facilities on or near the island….as well as proposals on the marketing and promoting of the Island as a visitor destination.
The plan will also take into account its historical significance and aim to protect its built and natural heritage.
In June of this year Clare County Council acquired 41 acres on Holy Island which, together with the 2 acres already in the ownership of the Office of Public Works, resulted in the entire island being brought into public ownership for the first time.
Holy Island is one of the most important historical and ecclesiastical sites in Ireland, with important links to Brian Ború. Buildings on the island include a 24-metre high Round Tower, an Oratory, and a number of churches.
The island is on the UNESCO world heritage site tentative list for Ireland as an early medieval monastic site along with Clonmacnoise, Durrow, Glendalough, Kells and Monasterboice.
Solearth Architecture will hold a series of public meetings to draw on the wisdom and knowledge of locals who know the island.
The plan will take around 10 months to complete.
