Blair raises concerns over historic monument

ALLIANCE MLA John Blair, has raised concerns over the current state of the Holestone Scheduled Historic Monument, near Doagh, following complaints from local visitors.

“The Holestone is a significant historic monument, a place of deep cultural and archaeological importance,” he said.

“Sadly, I have been contacted by constituents who were shocked by its current neglected state.

“The site is almost inaccessible due to overgrown bushes and gorse, which obscure the stone and prevent visitors from properly viewing or approaching it.

“The information sign is badly weathered, damaged, and vandalised, leaving visitors without a proper sense of the site’s history or importance.

“On top of this, there is no safe parking, forcing cars onto a narrow road and creating a potential safety hazard.

He added: “I understand that while the Holestone site is privately owned, the Department for Communities provides guidance on its care.

“I have written to the relevant agencies and raised this matter directly, urging them to carry out improvement works.

“It is vital that this monument is preserved and made safely accessible, not only for local people but also for visitors who travel to see one of our most remarkable Bronze Age sites.

“The Holestone deserves to be properly maintained so it can continue to inspire, educate, and connect us with our shared past.”

The Bronze Age 1.39m standing stone is located on top of a rocky outcrop in the middle of a field along a road of the same name.

While there is little written history behind the enigmatic megalith, as well as being described as a landmark of ancient Irish chieftans, it has acquired a reputation as a place to exchange marriage vows or mark a betrothal.