Daithí’s quest to get dolmens recognised
‘ A SITE SIMILAR TO NEWGRANGE SHOULD BE EXAMINED’
DAITHI TURNER has been trying to get the ‘ many’ neolithic sites scattered around West Sligo recognised for some time.
He sees the economic benefit for local businesses in the tourism trade.
He said: “There are loads of dolmens around here.
“I have spent four years trying to get even signposts put up.
“There are so many, even the locals don’t know they’re there.”
Daithi moved to the scenic area eight years ago.
“I’m from Tallaght and have an interest in early Irish history and archaeology.
“Although I work in the music industry, I have a great interest in this area.
“I think it really should be promoted.
“Fifteen percent of all the neolithic sites in Ireland are in Sligo, which is a lot.
“With court cairns and portal tombs, that figure is even higher
There is practically one in every field along here.”
He is trying to get support from various local businesses to promote the dolmens more.
“I just want them acknowledged.
“To try and stop them from being bulldozed into ditches.
“There is a ringfort nearby that looks like Newgrange did before they worked on it.
“This ringfort has never been examined.
“There is a road out of Easkey and there are 17 sites marked along a small area, again these haven’t been examined,” Daithi maintained.
He said that he’s been trying to get a tourism drive going to promote the economic value of these historic sites, while at the same time keeping them preserved for generations to come.
Daithi explained: “With regard to the use of these neolithic sites, the history is only theory as opposed to fact.
“It is generally accepted that they were tombs, dating back between 5,000 and 8,000 years ago.
“I want to see them preserved for their own intrinsic work.
“I think putting signposts up in the local villages or even having a wooden walkway would be brilliant.
“Children could become ambassadors for the area.”
He said that up until now, there was no money for this work, however Daithi is trying to get local businesses on board.
“The reaction has been great, particularly from younger business people in West Sligo who are willing to promote the area.”