Thursday 5 November 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 29692Criminal damage (vandalism) · Co. Kildare

Senator calls for Gardaí investigation into Curragh site vandalism

A number of holes were found at the Gibbet Rath in the Curragh, County Kildare, in the days before 11 October 2021. The damage was reported to the County Kildare Heritage Officer. Commenters speculated the holes were caused by reckless metal detection. Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin called on Gardaí to investigate the damage. No arrests or charges have been reported.

  1. Reported11 Oct
  2. Arrested
  3. Charged
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A number of holes were found at the Gibbet Rath in the Curragh, County Kildare.
When
The damage occurred in the days before 11 October 2021.
Cause
Commenters speculated the damage was caused by reckless metal detection.
Investigation
  • The damage was reported to the County Kildare Heritage Officer.
  • Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin called on Gardaí to investigate the damage.
Other details
  • Using a metal detection device for archaeological objects is illegal and can lead to a €63,486 fine and/or up to three months imprisonment.
  • The Gibbet Rath is historically known for the execution of an estimated 350 rebels by British forces during the 1798 Rebellion.
8 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA number of holes were found at the Gibbet Rath in the Curragh (kildarenow.com)
  • whenThe damage occurred in recent days before 11 October 2021 (kildarenow.com)
  • causeCommenters speculated the damage was caused by reckless metal detection (kildarenow.com)
  • investigationThe damage was reported to the County Kildare Heritage Officer (kildarenow.com)
  • investigationFianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin called on Gardaí to investigate the damage (kildarenow.com)
  • otherUsing a metal detection device for archaeological objects is illegal and can lead to a €63,486 fine and/or up to 3 months imprisonment (kildarenow.com)
  • otherThe Gibbet Rath is historically known for the execution of several hundred rebels by British forces during the 1798 Rebellion (kildarenow.com)
  • otherIt is estimated that around 350 rebels were murdered at the site (kildarenow.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 11 Oct2021
    Reportedkildarenow.com, first report
    PHOTOS: Outcry as historical Curragh site is damaged, Senator demands garda intervention

    Community outcry over damage to a historical site; senator calls for Gardaí investigation; no arrests or charges reported.