Call to reopen West Cork ringfort as visitor attraction

Councillors back call reopen Lios na gCon ringfort near Clonakilty

Lios na gCon was closed after public access was withdrawn. Picture: Larry Cummins

Tue, 06 Oct, 2026 - 19:00

David Forsythe

Councillors have backed a call to reopen the Lios na gCon ringfort near Clonakilty, West Cork, as a visitor attraction.

A meeting with landowner Teagasc has been identified as the first step in the process to report the site.

Independent Ireland councillor Daniel Sexton proposed the motion at a meeting of Cork County Council’s Western Division. It was seconded by Social Democrats councillor Ann Bambury.

The motion supports the Friends of Lios na gCon and those seeking to reopen the reconstructed ringfort at Darrara.

Fine Gael councillor John Michael Foley gave a detailed account of the site’s history and potential, describing it as an important heritage, tourism, and educational asset for West Cork.

Mr Foley said the ringfort could provide a practical example of farm diversification and alternative rural enterprise, bringing together agriculture, heritage, education, tourism, and community involvement.

He said Teagasc had previously intended to use the site as a training facility for students from Darrara Agricultural College, but that did not happen.

Lios na gCon was reconstructed on its original footprint after an archaeological excavation in the late 1980s. It was once run as a visitor centre and attracted about 5,000 visitors in 1992, rising to 12,000 in 2002.

Public access was later withdrawn amid insurance and management issues, leaving the site closed.

Mr Foley said it should not be allowed to remain unused and reopening it could complement other visitor attractions in the Clonakilty area.

Council officials said the first task should be to arrange a meeting with Teagasc. They said this would establish the landowner’s position and begin discussions on a possible way forward.

The council said it supported engagement with Teagasc, relevant Government departments, and State heritage bodies to identify a sustainable long-term management arrangement for the site.