Conservation Management Plan developed for Grianan of Aileach

The news was confirmed to Donegal County Councillor Jack Murray, who has been calling for improved tourist facilities and signage at the site for a number of years.

The Sinn Féin councillor told the Journal that the Conservation Management Plan for the site was first raised at a meeting of all Grianan of Aileach stakeholders, held four years ago in An Grianan Hotel in Burt.

“It was said at that meeting that nothing could be done until the plan was developed. It was supposed to have been finalised within six months, so we didn’t think we’d have to wait four years. But, it’s good that it has now been published, as that barrier has now gone. I look forward to reading it.”

Colr. Murray outlined how some concerns have been raised that any future development at Grianan of Aileach would intrude on its beauty of the landscape. However, he said no major development was planned and any additions would be subtle.

“Anything that would be done would be undertaken in a very subtle, non-invasive way. It would not impinge, on any way, on the integrity of the site and An Grianan would be protected.”

He said some ideas might include an increase in ‘tasteful’ information signs being erected, which would outline the history of Grianan.

“Everyone who visits Grianan can see the beauty of it, but not many are aware of its history. There is an information sign there, but it doesn’t outline much,” he said.

“Ideally, we would have a tourist guide up there and that would also ensure it was protected. But, I’d maybe like to see something like waist high signage, with a picture of the view and different areas highlighted, so that visitors could know what they’re looking at, such as Inch Castle etc.

“It would also be really beneficial to have a wifi hotspot and maybe an app that people could log into at the site and which would have all the information needed.”

Colr. Murray said the attraction of Grianan of Aileach is not being fully realised.

“It is always in the top ten of free visitor attractions in Ireland and is visited by 100,000 people each year. We need to have more there for them. The sign that is there isn’t really fit for purpose. Whatever we could do would be done tastefully.

He continued: “Tullyhogue Fort in Cookstown is linked with Grianan and what the council have done with signage etc there is fantastic. It would be great if we could so something similar with Grianan.”