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Grianan “as important as Hill of
Tara”
27.07.10
A MEETING is to take
place between Donegal County Council, the OPW and
other stakeholders to agree a strategy for promoting
the "neglected" Grianan of Aileach stone ringfort on
the Inishowen peninsula.
Local and regional tourism bodies and Derry City
Council will also be party to the negotiations that
are due to take place in September.
The move was welcomed yesterday by Donegal deputy
mayor, Cllr Pádraig MacLochlainn, who said the
historic site had long been neglected in terms of
promotion.
He has called for some years for an upgrade to
visitor facilities at the site and a marketing
strategy to attract more tourists.
"I believe that An Ghrianán is as historically
important to the people of Ireland as the Hill of
Tara and visually, much more impressive. However, An
Ghrianán has not been given the same promotion. This
approach has to end," said the Sinn Féin councillor.
"While I welcome improvements to the fort over
recent years and the commitment to a self-guide
leaflet for visitors from the OPW, this is only a
start to what is required." |
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Cllr MacLochlainn, who
is also mayor of Buncrana, said it was time for
local stakeholders to join with the OPW to come up
with a strategy for the site, located on a hilltop
at Burt.
"We need to agree on a joined-up strategy to promote
An Ghrianán and source the financial resources
necessary to make it a visitor attraction supported
by a visitor |
centre with guides.
"Local people estimate that up to 100,000 people a
year already visit the site. Those of us responsible
in Inishowen, Donegal and the North West need to
improve their visitor experience and ensure that the
local region benefits to the maximum from this
immense resource." |
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