Locals hope for Longford's Cairn Hill to be recognised as a national monument

Local heritage advocates are calling for urgent action to protect Carn Clonhugh (Cairn Hill / Corn Hill), one of County Longford’s most significant ancient sites. The hill, which features prehistoric cairns believed to be passage tombs, remains neglected and largely inaccessible despite its cultural and historical importance.

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Hazel Robinson and Aoife Keirnan, both from Drumlish, have taken on the task of advocating for preservation of the hill. Students of The school of Shamanic Studies, run in Mayo by Aldo Jordan, Hazel discussed why the hill should receive the same recognition as Brú na Bóinne and Loughcrew.

“The concern started 10 years ago when Coillte started to cut the forest out. A small committee was organized at the time,” explained Hazel, who is part of the revived group.

“Our main concern is there being no access to the Cairn. It's in a state of disrepair. If nothing is done about it, it will be lost to our future generations.”

Wanting people to have more connection with their local heritage, Hazel hopes that people, in the future, will be able to experience the Equinox and Solstice in Longford's own historical site.

“We would love for our children to be able to learn more about our heritage and connection with it,” she told the 'Longford Leader' when asked about why Cairn Hill should be recognised.

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The group hopes that Cairn Hill gains recognition as a National Monument, in the same category of protection as numerous other sites nationwide that share similar features to Cairn Hill.

Supporters stress that Cairn Hill is not just a matter of archaeology, but of identity: “This is about respecting our ancestors and ensuring future generations can connect with our shared heritage.”