Consultants have been appointed to prepare a tourism development plan for Holy Island.
Solearth Architecture is being engaged to prepare proposals on access to the island on Lough Derg, tourism and marketing.
Dating back to the 7th century, Holy Island is one of the most important historical and ecclesiastical sites in Ireland with important links to Brian Ború.
In June this year, Clare County Council acquired 41 acres of land on the island, which together with the 2 acres already in the ownership of the OPW, resulted in the entire island being brought into public ownership for the first time.
Solearth Architecture has now been appointed to prepare proposals aimed at improving access and the provision of tourism facilities.
The Dublin-based company will also put together a proposals on the marketing and promotion of the island as a visitor destination.
The plan is expected to take around 10 months to complete and will involve consultation with the local community as well as the Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht, Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.