Why is Calliagh Berra's House on Slieve Gullion closed?

Calliagh Berra's House is closed for safety reasons due to the need to repair corroded steel beams from the 1960s.

When will the Slieve Gullion passage tomb reopen?

A timeline for the reopening of the Slieve Gullion passage tomb has not yet been provided by the Department for Communities.

Can I still visit Slieve Gullion for the winter solstice?

While the interior of Calliagh Berra's House is closed, visitors can still climb Slieve Gullion to observe the solstice from outside the tomb's entrance.

Home / Environment / Solstice Sun Misses Tomb: Ancient Site Closed

Solstice Sun Misses Tomb: Ancient Site Closed

17 Dec

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Summary

Slieve Gullion's passage tomb closed for safety, blocking solstice tradition.
Corroded 1960s steel beams necessitate vital repair works.
No timeline provided for tomb's restoration, impacting local tourism.

Solstice Sun Misses Tomb: Ancient Site Closed

The ancient tradition of observing the winter solstice sunset within Calliagh Berra's House on Slieve Gullion has been halted this year due to the closure of the prehistoric passage tomb. The Department for Communities (DfC) blocked the entrance in July, citing safety reasons and the necessity for repair works on corroded 1960s steel beams that form the tomb's roof. This closure, despite its long history of drawing visitors for the solstice, has raised concerns among locals and tour guides about potential impacts on the burgeoning tourism industry in south Armagh.

DfC stated that the closure is essential to protect the monument and ensure visitor safety while vital works are carried out. The project to replace the steel beams is described as logistically challenging due to the mountain-top location and access restrictions. Although DfC aims to restore access as soon as possible, no definitive timeline has been provided, leading to worries about a potentially lengthy closure and its economic repercussions.