ENNIS, IRELAND — Gino’s Italian Limited, a popular ice cream franchise, has been denied permission to retain recent changes made to its shopfront on O’Connell Street in Ennis. Clare County Council ruled that the alterations, which feature Gino’s signature open-front design, are not in keeping with the architectural character of the area.
The ice cream shop, part of a growing national chain known for its Italian-style gelato and vibrant storefronts, opened its Ennis location in August 2024. As part of the redevelopment of No. 18 O’Connell Street, Gino’s implemented a fully open shopfront—a hallmark of its retail presence across Ireland.
However, the location falls within an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA), meaning standard exemptions for such design changes do not apply. Planning consultant Michael Leahy, submitting on behalf of Gino’s, argued in the April 17 retention application that the modifications would typically qualify as “exempt development” had the ACA designation not been overlooked.
In a decision issued June 6, Clare County Council rejected the application, stating that the retained alterations would constitute “unacceptable development” and appear “out of character” with adjacent historic buildings. The council also expressed concern that approval could set an “undesirable precedent” for future modifications along the protected street.
Gino’s now has the option to appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanála within four weeks.
The outcome underscores the challenges facing new businesses—particularly those in the latest ice cream franchise wave—when operating within heritage zones. As franchises like Gino’s continue to expand nationwide, aligning brand aesthetics with local planning requirements remains a critical step for sustainable growth.
Related topics
- Penn State Altoona Hosts Sunday Arts Ice Cream Social
- Katie’s Ice Cream Celebrates 30 Sweet Years in Roanoke
- Dead Lizard Found in Ice Cream Prompts Factory Probe
