Vandals force closure of historic Kilkenny tourist attraction

BY COLIN BARTLEY

A NATIONAL historic site in Kilkenny has been forced to shut its gates to the public following serious and ongoing vandalism.

St Mary’s Abbey and graveyard in Callan was the target of serious vandalism in recent weeks, with numerous headstones damaged beyond repair and graves vandalised.

The site had only recently been opened up by Kilkenny County Council and the OPW to the public The council at a meeting of Callan-Thomastown Municipal District yesterday told the members of their intention to shut the site down with immediate effect.

The council is to investigate the possibility of installing CCTV at St Mary’s Abbey.

Tourists can still visit the OPW site but will now have to follow instructions posted to the gate of the site and request a key locally to enter.

Gardai in Callan are investigating the ongoing vandalism and ask anyone with information to contact them on 056 7706 630.