Grianán of Aileach visitor numbers increase by 8%

There has been an 8% increase in the number of recorded visitors to Grianán of Aileach over 12 months. 

Figures released by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on visitor numbers to the 780 heritage sites it operates around the country, show the number of visitors to the ring fort at Burt rose from 16,592 in 2022 to 17,919 in 2023, an increase of more than 1,300.

Last month the OPW confirmed that Grianán of Aileach was accessible during daylight hours, after months of concern about access to the state-owned monument with visitors regularly finding it closed without prior notice.

Concerns over access arose after a gate was installed at the ancient ring fort, which was extensively restored in the 1870s but is thought to have a history dating back to 1700 BC. Locals complained that the gate has prevented access during sunrise and sunset to the fort and more than 1,800 people signed an online petition calling for the reinstatement of open access to the site.  

Successful year for Carndonagh’s Colgan Heritage

Colgan Heritage is holding its annual general meeting next month and is inviting new members to join

Across the five OPW sites in Donegal, a total of 164,969 visitors were recorded in 2023. That figure is up from 147,379 in 2022 – just short of a 12 per cent rise. Numbers visiting Donegal Castle rose to 63,072 in 2023 with 55,476 having been recorded in 2022. Glebe House and Gallery had 44,364 visitors last year, with some 37,120 visiting Doe Castle. The Newmills Corn and Flax Mill had 2,494  visitors.

The number of recorded visitors last year at OPW heritage sites in Ireland exceeded 15.3 million, up from 15 million in 2022.

Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Patrick O’Donovan, said: “The 780 sites under the care of the Office of Public Works contribute to the local sense of place, the local economy and are great places for domestic and international tourists to enjoy.

“The 2023 visitor data clearly indicates that there is a strong interest in heritage tourism and that an increasing number of visitors regard Ireland’s heritage sites as great places to visit.”