Calls for Athlumney Castle to be opened to the public

CALLS for public access to Athlumney Castle in Navan have been made as it emerged a planned Halloween parade to the monument was cancelled because the organisers couldn't get access.

The Navan Cycling Initiative had plans for a colourful community cycle to the castle as a Halloween event.

“We planned a community cycle up Convent Road to the castle, but we when we tried to contact the Office of Public Works for access to the castle, we were unsuccessful,” said Ed Moynihan of the Navan Cycling Initiative.

“It would be great to see that whole area opened up. Convent Road is a cycle and pedestrian facility and they are doing up Andy Brennan park. The entire area is rich in heritage and it should be open to the public.

At last week's meeting of Navan Municipal District Council, the Mayor, Cllr Eddie Fennessy called on Meath Co Council to engage with the OPW with a view to giving public access to the Athlumney Castle site and was told the council would contact the OPW and request that an assessment of the implications on giving the public access to the Castle be considered.

Cllr Fennessy said: “The Navan Cycling Initiative had intended to organise a tour of the castle, graveyard and surrounding area. Unfortunately it was cancelled when they couldn't gain access to the castle.

“Athlumney Castle and the surrounding area is beset with picturesque scenery and historic significance. It is a short five minute walk from the town centre and we really need to make better use of it.

“Greater public access would generate interest amongst the local community and open the area up to a new generation of Navan people.

“I welcome the council's response to the motion and I encourage them to use local expertise to design a public access plan with the OPW.

“Navan archaeologist Clare Ryan compiled an excellent conservation and management plan on the Medieval Town Walls project. Designing this project with a similar approach would go a long way towards ensuring it's success,” he said.

Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons said there was “rich heritage around the county that was visitor friendly but a lovely castle in Navan, on the Convent Road that is not visitor friendly. It is a pity it is not open to the pubic.”

Cllr Fitzsimons added that he would like to see the viaduct in Navan lit with uplighters.

“It stands out as you come into Navan and it was lit up it would really enhance the entrance to the town.