Georgia Southern University and Wexford County Council in Ireland broke ground on the redevelopment of the historic Adoration Convent in Wexford Town on Sept. 30. The project will create new student housing and expand opportunities for international study. 

The $7 million, philanthropy-funded project will transform the 1886 convent into modern accommodations for up to 56 Georgia Southern students studying abroad in Ireland. When complete in early 2027, the refurbished site will include study, recreation, cooking and laundry facilities, creating a vibrant international student hub in the heart of Wexford. 

“Today marks both an ending and a beginning,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “For 133 years, this convent was home to the Adoration Sisters, whose presence filled it with purpose and service. As we reimagine this space, we honor their legacy while creating a home away from home for our students. This project embodies gratitude for the past and confidence for the future, strengthening the bonds between Wexford and Georgia.” 

The redevelopment follows a 15-year lease agreement between Wexford County Council and Georgia Southern, deepening a partnership that began in 2019 when the University established its permanent overseas campus in Wexford — the first U.S. public university to do so in Ireland. 

“This project represents an investment in both heritage and education,” said Eddie Taaffe, chief executive of Wexford County Council. “Georgia Southern University has been a valued part of our community since 2019, and friendships have formed between students and local residents. Today’s groundbreaking deepens that relationship — providing a long-term base for their students and strengthening ties that will endure for generations.” 

Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach (chairperson) of Wexford County Council, also offered remarks. 

“Today marks not just the beginning of a building project, but the start of an exciting new chapter for one of Wexford Town’s most iconic and beloved landmarks,” he said. “The redevelopment of the Adoration Convent is a symbol of continuity and renewal, preserving the fabric of our history while adapting it to meet present and future needs.” 

Georgia Southern’s Wexford Campus has become central to the University’s international programs, empowering students as global citizens by offering immersive experiences in Irish culture, history, business, public health, environmental science and more. The expansion underscores Georgia Southern’s commitment to providing transformative learning experiences that prepare students to lead and serve in a connected world. 

“Today, as we turn the ground on the Adoration Convent, we do so with gratitude for the past and confidence for the future,” Marrero said. He also noted the “full-circle” nature of the occasion, for hundreds of Wexford people emigrated directly to Savannah during the 1840s and 1850s. 

Waterford, Ireland-based Nevin Construction was awarded the contract to deliver the project.                                              Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 155 different degree programs serving more than 26,100 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty, the University is focused on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu. 

PHOTO: (l-r): Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero, Adoration Sister Gabriel and Sister Finbarr, and University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Avinandan Mukherjee, joined for the groundbreaking celebration in Wexford, Ireland.