Ancient Loughcrew passage tombs suffer serious vandalism and graffiti
The prehistoric burial site at Loughcrew in County Meath has been heavily damaged by blunt-force attacks and graffiti, authorities say.
A statement from the Office of Public Works, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the National Monuments Service confirmed that the prehistoric cemetery at Loughcrew, County Meath, has been seriously vandalised. Stones within a passage tomb were struck with blunt force and defaced with graffiti, some of which bore ancient megalithic designs. The damage is classified as a significant heritage crime and breaches the National Monuments Acts.
Both the OPW and the National Monuments Service have inspected the site, and the gardaí have opened an investigation. Officials called on visitors to follow the Code for Caring for our monuments and to protect Ireland’s archaeological heritage.
Why it matters
Vandalism of a protected ancient site threatens irreplaceable cultural heritage.
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