Press release
Vandalism at the Hill of Tara condemned by Ministers
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The Office of Public Works (OPW) and the National Monuments Service (NMS) in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are deeply dismayed by the act of vandalism perpetrated on the Lia Fáil on the Hill of Tara. The placement of graffiti on the standing stone is the latest in a series of acts of vandalism at this national monument, which is accessible all year round to the public. The vandalism has been condemned by Ministers Patrick O’Donovan and Malcolm Noonan.
Patrick O’Donovan, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, said:
“This is an appalling and reprehensible act of wanton disregard for our national heritage. Acts of this nature are on the increase which is of concern. For over 5,500 years, Tara has been an important ceremonial site embedded in Ireland’s history, most prominently as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland which continues to attract numerous visitors each year. I can assure the local community and the wider public that action is already being taken in conjunction with the National Monuments Service to ensure the stone is cleaned and returned to a proper state.”
After an inspection of the monument by OPW and NMS, it was agreed to apply low-impact cleaning methods (warm water and steam cleaning) to the stone. While the cleaning effort has been successful in removing most of the paint, there is still faded traces of blue. OPW will continue to assess the condition of the stone before considering any additional appropriate cleaning methods taking into account the need to protect the national monument.
Condemning these mindless acts of vandalism, Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State for Heritage at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, added:
“I deplore such baseless vandalism of this National Monument, a monument that is treasured by so many. At the heart of the recently published Conservation Management Plan for Tara are a series of objectives and actions aimed at protecting the Hill of Tara, and we will be resolute alongside our OPW colleagues in ensuring that is the case, and that our wonderful heritage may remain protected and open to the people, the vast majority of whom cherish it and will join with us in being shocked at this act. My National Monuments Service and OPW are working with An Garda Síochána to investigate this senseless act.“
A joint campaign launched 2 years ago by OPW and NMS aims to highlight the vulnerability of Ireland’s archaeological heritage and how the public may assist in its protection. This Protect our Past social media campaign will be rolled out again in coming days to time with the usual steady increase in visitor numbers as the days lengthen.
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The Hill of Tara is one of Ireland’s most important archaeological and cultural landscapes, and it is of international significance. The archaeological complex within the State-owned land encompasses 61 known monuments recorded by the Archaeological Survey of Ireland, dating to the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and the medieval period. During its long history it was used as a burial place, a religious complex, a venue for ceremonies associated with an exalted kingship, and was an arena for battles. The archaeology of the Hill of Tara has remained relatively undisturbed and research points to the existence of significant archaeology yet to be fully understood and interpreted.
Historical sources indicate that Tara was at the centre of the most important kingship in Ireland from at least the sixth century AD. The title ‘King of Tara’ was claimed by rulers from all parts of the island though, from the eleventh century onwards, the ‘King of Ireland’ title gradually replaced ‘King of Tara’.
Tara is a special place, arising from its continued use over time for gathering and ceremonial occasions, and holds great value for many, including the local community. Its primary attraction relates to its archaeological and historical significance, which draws visitors from around the world. The hill’s wide panoramic views, its ecology and accessible grasslands are additional attractions.
The Hill of Tara is included on Ireland’s 2022 World Heritage Tentative List, as one component of the Royal Sites of Ireland, a serial transboundary site that also includes Dún Ailinne, Co. Kildare; the Hill of Uisneach, Co. Westmeath; the Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary; Rathcroghan, Co. Roscommon and Emain Macha, Co. Armagh.