THE ancient Grianan of Aileach ringfort near the Derry/Donegal border is to be developed as a tourist centre.
A conservation plan is also to be drawn up for the site, which offers breathtaking views over Lough Foyle, Lough Swilly and the Inishowen peninsula.
Dating back to the sixth or seventh century AD, but with roots in mythology stretching back much further, Grianan is believed to have been built by the northern Uí Néill clann as the main seat of the Kingdom of Aileach.
It is considered one of the main royal sites of Gaelic Ireland.
Perched 250 metres above the main Derry-Letterkenny road, and close to the border, it attracts large numbers of visitors to Donegal and Derry and crowds also gather each mid-summer's day to watch the rising sun.
Standing 5 metres high and 4 metres thick, the walls have three terraces linked with steps which can be walked by visitors as well as two long passages deep inside.
The fort also stands close to St Patrick’s Well, with clear views over Inch Fort and Burt Castle, and above the stunning St Aengus's Church which was once named 'Building of the Century'.
Among the many legends linked to Grianan is the story that the ancient Red Branch Knights of Ulster lie sleeping in full battle armour under the hill, ready to ride forth at Ireland’s moment of greatest need.
Talks have now taken place between the Republic's Office of Public Works (OPW), Bord Fáilte and local groups to further develop the site.
Inishowen councillor Jack Murray, who convened the meeting, said people believe facilities should be developed sensitively to preserve the unspoilt beauty of the fort and surrounding hill.
“There are already over 100,000 annual visitors to the site and that is without reaching its full potential. I strongly believe that we need to invest in An Grianan," he said.
“We need to install proper information and educational signage there. We need to improve access roads.
"We also need toilet facilities at the bottom of the access road and we need to address opening times.”
The Sinn Féin councillor suggested that wi-fi coverage could allow an app to be developed with information about the monument, providing a “virtual interpretative centre”.
“The OPW agreed to consult widely on this and I would urge people in Donegal and Derry where streets are named after Grianan to get involved,” he said.
Mr Murray added that officials hoped to have a conservation management plan completed within six months, during which time Donegal County Council would seek funding to develop the fort.
