Featured photo: Adam Rory Porter’s capture of the Spring Equinox at Burt in 2016
Grianán of Aileach will be open and accessible for this year’s spring equinox, much to the delight of campaigners.
The OPW has confirmed that the gates to the historic fort will be open during daylight hours.
This means that visitors hoping to see the magnificent spring equinox alignment between 15th and 22nd March 2024 will be assured entry.
During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the rising sun aligns with the monument and beams a ray of light through the entrance, dividing the structure in two.
Access to Grianán of Aileach has been limited for the past six months after a gate was installed to block the interior section of the fort during mornings and evenings. This, coupled with unplanned closures during poor weather in winter, sparked disappointment among locals and tourists alike.
Buncrana woman Bettina Linke, who has been campaigning on the issue, has warmly welcomed the OPW’s commitment to reviewing the arrangements. However, she said it is vital that access is allowed at night to observe lunar events, such as the current lunar standstill.
“I am so relieved, I am so happy that people will enjoy the sunsets again, and many people come in the morning for their mental health,” Bettina told Donegal Daily.
“We are very close to getting full access again. The only restriction left now is the nights. I visit the Grianán for the moon, other people come for the Milky Way and the aurora borealis as the Grianán is the perfect observation post.”
Bettina launched a petition last month calling on the government to reverse all restrictions implemented last autumn. More than 1,800 people have signed the petition.
“I would ask people to still sign and share the petition. We are nearly there, and it’s wonderful that the OPW has listened to the needs of the community here.
“It’s not just me making the call, I have only sent the requests forward.”
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