Damage to Loughcrew Cairns

Fresh damage to the Loughcrew megalithic cairns last week is being investigated by An Garda Síochána.

Officers attached to Kells Garda Station are looking into the incident, which saw a person, or persons, light a fire causing damage to the ancient ground.

The incident occurred sometime between 5pm on Wednesday, August 10, and 10.20pm on Thursday, August 11.

"As this location is a protected National Monument, we are appealing for any witnesses or information in relation to this incident," say gardaí, who are asking anyone with information to contact Kells Garda Station on 046-9280820 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111.

It is the second time in a little over a year that the 5,000-year-old site has been vandalised.

Scrawlings, including 'Ben was here', appeared back in April 2021, etched with stone into Cairn U.

The tombs contain ancient human remains, and are often aligned with the sun.

The cairns stand on the highest point in Co Meath.

In the wake of the damage, additional security patrols were been put in place to guard the location, a popular tourist attraction for the region.