Graffiti removed from Lia Fail after vandalism attack

The ancient Lia Fail stone on the Hill of Tara which was vandalised earlier this week has been restored to its former glory.

The Office of Public works moved swiftly to remove the graffiti, which was daubed on the stone earlier this week.

Locals walking the site were appalled to discover the words 'Fake' written on all sides of the 'Stone of Destiny' or 'Speaking Stone' which is believed to be over 5,000 years old.

The incident took place sometime between Monday evening and Tuesday morning. Spray paint was used to damage the stone, said to be a coronation stone for the High Kings of Ireland.

A spokesperson for the OPW said they had been notified of the damage to the Lia Fáil stone early on Tuesday morning.

"Both An Garda Síochána and National Monuments Services were notified and an inspection of the monument was carried out with all parties in attendance. The findings were that the granite stone was damaged in four locations with graffiti using blue spray paint.

"After the inspection and consultation, it was agreed to apply low-impact cleaning methods (warm water and steam cleaning) to the monument. "While the cleaning effort has been successful in removing most of the paint, there is still faded traces of blue. OPW will continue to assess the condition of the stone before considering any additional appropriate cleaning methods taking into account the need to protect the national monument."

Gardaí in Navan have opened an investigation and are appealing for information. A spokesman said the stone was sprayed with graffiti sometime between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

The Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Nick Killian, was pleased to see it cleaned up so quickly. "The OPW are very good at doing this sort of work."

He said the “desecration of the sacred site” was unacceptable.

“It’s a magical place ... Whoever did it, shame on them.”

Cllr Killian described the attack as "a mindless act of vandalism", on "one of our most important and significant sites, not just in Meath but in the country".

Cllr Killian recalled it was also vandalism in 2012 and 2014 and praised the OPW who carried out repair works at the time.

The Lia Fail is located at the centre of the historical site on the Inauguration mound on the Hill of Tara.

It's not the first time the stone has been the target for vandalism; in 2012 someone took to it with a hammer while in 2014, paint was thrown over it.