Have a peek inside if you’re passing.

A special mass will be held today in University College Cork’s iconic Honan Chapel as the result of its €1.2m refurbishment works are unveiled, marking a new chapter in its 106-year-old story.

Consecrated in 1916, a turbulent year in Irish history, the Honan Chapel is considered a jewel in the crown of twentieth-century Irish art and architecture, with its collection including fine examples of the artworks of the Irish Revival, and Irish Arts and Crafts practice.

Eleven Harry Clarke windows – acknowledged as the finest example of stained glass work in Ireland – have been painstakingly restored and storm-proofed and the beautiful mosaic floor with its intricate River of Life iconographic program has been repaired and sealed.

The interior of the Chapel has been repainted and all the pews have been restored, while the exterior surrounds of the limestone chapel have been entirely repaired, with drainage works, landscaping and the restoration of original items including the decorative metal gate to its main entrance.

The Chapel hosts approximately 100 weddings in a typical year with thousands of UCC alumni tying the knot in the Chapel over the years, Rugby star Ronan O’Gara among them.

“The response to the call for support for the Chapel has been phenomenal”

The total cost of the renovations was €1.2 million and the money was sourced from private funding through a philanthropic campaign, with the project overseen by a Development Committee chaired by Michael O’Flynn.

“The response to the call for support for the Chapel has been phenomenal and is testament to the regard and affection in which the Honan is held. On behalf of the development committee I wish to give our sincere thanks to the generous donors, as well as the architects, conservation experts, contractors and staff who made this happen.”  Mr O’Flynn said.

The completed renovations will be celebrated at a special mass today at 5.30pm (Monday, March 21st) and the public can visit the Honan Chapel daily.