Traces of paint remain on the ancient Lia Fáil standing stone on the Hill of Tara despite efforts to remove the graffiti, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has said.
The word “fake” was painted on to the 5,000-year-old granite stone, which is one of the main attractions at the former seat of the High Kings of Ireland.
An Garda Síochána has opened an investigation into the vandalism, which gardaí believe was carried out sometime between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.
On Wednesday a crew from the OPW were on site to attempt to clean off the blue spray paint from the monument.
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The cleaning effort followed an inspection of the historic stone by the OPW and National Monuments Services in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
In a statement, the OPW said “the findings were that the granite stone was damaged in four locations with graffiti using blue spray paint”.
The State agency said following the inspection and consultations, it was decided a “low-impact cleaning method” would be the most appropriate, which included spraying warm water and steam on the stone.
“While the cleaning effort has been successful in removing most of the paint, there is still faded traces of blue,” the statement said.
“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,” it said.
Visitors to the Hill of Tara on Wednesday expressed their shock at the act of vandalism.
The O’Brien family, Theresa, David and Emma, had travelled from Maynooth. “This place is such an important part of our history and it’s an absolute shame that somebody would think of doing something like this,” Theresa O’Brien said.
[ The Hill of Tara’s Lia Fáil has a fascinating history - but is it the original?Opens in new window ]
Dr Ciara Ní Crábhagáin was there with her son, Jordan Crawford. She heard about the attack through the media. “This hill is so much part of our culture and heritage,” she said, describing the vandalism as “nothing short of sacrilege”.
Eoin Ó Cinnseala had travelled from Dunshaughlin and was appalled to learn about the damage. “This is such a sacred place. I come here for some peace and quiet. It’s shocking that somebody would deliberately damage what is part of our heritage. Why is the question I would ask.”
He said that he and his wife were expecting a baby in June and they are hoping to bring the baby on to the hill for a druid ceremony.
Seán and Bernie Kelly, who live about two miles from the Hill of Tara, were there for their regular walk. Mr Kelly said the attack was a “desecration”. “I don’t know what motivates people to do things like this. And this isn’t the first time,” he said.
Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Nick Killian said Tara was not just an important part of Meath but also a very important part of the country’s heritage, adding that 188,000 people had visited the hill in 2021.
[ Vandalism of Hill of Tara standing stone a ‘desecration’Opens in new window ]
Fianna Fáil councillor Tommy Reilly, who walks on the hill every day, described the attack as “disgraceful”. He said the OPW did not take Tara seriously enough.
“It’s such a sacred place and the OPW and the Heritage Council must act fast to protect this important piece of our heritage. I know that a management plan has been launched recently, something we have been waiting for 20 years. So I would say to the OPW and others “please, please get moving on protection works here”.
The Tara Skryne Preservation Group said it “condemned” the attack on the historic monument. “The vandalism of our ancient monuments and proud heritage should be met with the strictest punishment of the law,” the local group said.
Carmel Diviney, secretary of the group, said the act of vandalism must not be used to restrict access to the site, while extra security camera would be welcome.
In 2012 someone damaged the monument with a hammer or similar tool, chipping off parts in several places.
At the time the Department of Heritage said it would investigate ways to improve surveillance at national monuments but said they could not be policed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In another incident in 2014 paint was thrown over the historic stone.
