Call for protection as battle site stripped by metal detectorists

“While the results of our surveys have exceeded all expectations, they have also revealed that Vinegar Hill has been extensively stripped by illegal [metal] detectorists, and impacted mby various developments, both of which have had a profound and detrimental impact on our knowledge,” said Ronan O’Flaherty.

The man who helped to undertake the most mcomprehensive survey of any battlefield site in Ireland says it highlighted the impact of illegal metal detection and the need to protect sites like this all across the country.

“As the most important battlefield in terms of finds ever to be investigated in this country, with the potential to continue to reveal more over the years to come, Vinegar Hill is more than ever in need of protection, from both illegal metal detection and inappropriate development,” said Dr O’Flaherty.