Call for longer opening hours at Grianan of Aileach

A call has been made for the opening hours of Grianan of Aileach to be extended over the coming months.

Local councillor Paul Canning has said there is unhappiness at the opening hours as they are he would like to see it open until 9pm sooner than the staggered opening hours allow.

He raised the issue at the most recent meeting of the Inishowen Municipal District where he said he would like to see longer opening hours at the ring fort in Burt brought in earlier in the year. He called for the council to seek a review of the opening times from the Office of Public Works (OPW).

There have been ongoing calls in recent years for more facilities at the site with local councillors saying they don't believe its tourism potential is being fully exploited.

According to a report submitted to the Inishowen MD, a conservation and management plan was completed by the OPW in January 2021 and councillors have requested a meeting with the OPW and Fáilte Ireland about enhancing the visitor experience at the site. 

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Canning said he understands why there are restrictions to the opening hours during winter months due to safety concerns about the lack of getting on local roads.

“But once you hit St Patrick’s Day, I think it should be open to at least 7.30pm or 8pm and then from May or June it should be open from 9am to 10pm, or at least 9pm,” he said.

He said there should be more facilities at the site including more visitor information, toilets, and a coffee shop.

The Fianna Fáil councillor said he understands that there is a balance to be struck between the provision of more facilities and the need to protect and preserve the monument, which attracts around 100,000 visitors a year. 

“I would like something more there but I accept there should be a buffer zone [to stop infringement on the monument].”