Scrambler Bikes Cause Damage to Historic An Grianán of Aileach Fort in Ireland

Scrambler bikes caused damage to the historic An Grianán of Aileach fort in County Donegal, Ireland. Locals and officials express concern and investigations are ongoing.

Damage to Historic Fort by Scrambler Bikes

The grounds of An Grianán of Aileach, an ancient and protected hilltop fort in the Republic of Ireland, have suffered damage after scrambler bikes were ridden inside its walls.

Located in County Donegal, An Grianán of Aileach dates back to the 9th Century BC and is one of the region's most historic sites.

The Irish government's Office of Public Works (OPW) confirmed awareness of damage to the "ground surface inside the fort" caused during an incident last weekend. Gardaí are currently investigating the matter.

A number of tyre tracks are seen on grass. The grass is inside a stone fort, the walls of which are viewed in the background. — The incident, reported last weekend, is being investigated by Irish police

Local Reaction and Investigation

Local historian Dessie McCallion described the damage as "disrespectful."

"I could not help but think the individuals who did this would not do it to their local soccer pitch, parkland, or garden,"

he said, adding that those responsible were "thoughtless." Gardaí reported the damage occurred between 13:00 local time on 6 March and 14:15 on 9 March.

McCallion emphasized the dangers of the site, stating,

"An Grianán of Aileach is not a playground, certainly not the walls which can be extremely dangerous."

Grianán of Aileach, a circualr stone fort on top of a hill. — Grianán of Aileach is one of County Donegal's most recognisable landmarks

Popular Site for Visitors and Photography

Jacqui Devenney, who lives near the fort, commented on the incident, suggesting those responsible may not fully appreciate the site's historical importance.

"Whoever damaged the fort's grounds, they don't seem to fully understand the historical significance of this site,"

she said. Devenney highlighted the site's accessibility and popularity, noting,

"What is so beautiful about An Grianán is that you can go up anytime and it's open and accessible. You could go up at a full moon and there might be 20-30 people. I am a photographer, and it is fantastic to see people coming here, including weddings."

A lady with shoulder lenght fair hair stands in a car park. she is wearing a blue jacket and black blouse. She is wearing dark rimmed glasses. — Jacqui Devenney says the fort is a popular wedding photography location

Mary McCallion, another local resident, expressed deep concern about the damage.

"Scrambler bikes or powerful bikes caused this damage; I would like to think that those responsible did not realise the extent of the damage. I cannot understand the mindset of people who would do such a thing,"

she said. Mary added,

"Thankfully, any damage that has been caused can be repaired with the help of the OPW before the real tourism season starts."

A lady in a navy blue rain coat stands in front of a parked car. The walls of a house are seen in the background. She has shoulder length brown hair. — The damage to the site is "deeply concerning," Mary McCallion says

grass ripped up by tyre tracks is in the foreground while the stone walls of a fort are in the background — There was also damage caused to the grounds outside the fort

About An Grianán of Aileach

Designated a National Monument by the Irish government, An Grianán of Aileach is situated atop a mountain between Lough Foyle in Northern Ireland and Lough Swilly in the Republic of Ireland.

Archaeological evidence indicates a fort existed at the site between 1100 and 800 BC. The current stone fort structure is believed to have been constructed in the 9th Century AD. It likely served the Cenél nÉogain, a branch of the medieval O'Neill clan, for inauguration and royal ceremonies, according to the OPW.

In the 1870s, the fort underwent extensive rebuilding led by Walter Bernard from nearby Londonderry.

motorbike tyre tracks on the grass inside a stone fort, the walls of which can be seen in the background — Local people say there may be a need for better education about the site

Community and Political Response

Sinn Féin councillor Jack Murray expressed hope that those responsible will be held accountable.

"I hope those responsible for the damage will be brought to task. And I would like to think this will never happen again at somewhere so special to all of us,"

he said. Murray also noted,

"Thankfully the stone work wasn't damaged."

Descriptions of the individuals involved have been provided to local police, he added.

In 2024, new opening hours were introduced at the fort following concerns about limited access to the historic site. Sinn Féin TD Pádraig Mac Lochlainn remarked that some historians consider An Grianán of Aileach to be "as important to Irish history as the Hill of Tara (the seat of the High Kings of Ireland)."