An online petition, started by local historian, Bettina Linke, calling on the Office of the Public Works to restore open access to the Grianan of Aileach in Inishowen, Co. Donegal has garnered over 1,300 signatures in less than a fortnight, reflecting the community’s desire to protect and cherish this cultural heritage. The monument, beloved for its cultural and historical significance, now faces restricted access due to recent OPW-imposed changes, including locked gates and limited opening hours, a move which I believe is damaging to tourism, mental health and the atmosphere of the area.
The community and global visitors are drawn to the Grianan’s unique solar alignment and beauty, and the monument has been a key tourism driver for Inishowen. The imposed restrictions are causing disappointment among its admirers, and to the entire local community.
The signatories are therefore calling on the Office of the Public Works to reinstate open access to the Grianan, as it was before, and to reverse the newly introduced opening hours to the monument itself.
Petition is here: Click to Sign the Petition
You can read all the details in Catherine McGinty’s article in Derry Now newpaper HERE