Look out, you’re flying over neutral Éire

UP to 30 people, including an archaeological advisor, a historian, an architect and a marine biologist are expected to take part in a dig in Kilbaha on Sunday to unearth and clean the ÉIRE sign, constructed in 1943 by members of the local coast watch service.

They were stationed at the World War II look-out post and the ÉIRE sign was to alert passing Allied aircrews that they were over neutral Ireland.
The sign is located behind Loop Head Lighthouse and is approximately 12m long and six metres high. Signs can consist of up to 150 tonnes of stone. Few ÉIRE signs remain intact and those that do are generally located in very remote areas.
The sign was found through studying aerial photographs and employing local knowledge.
Old Ordnance Survey maps have been consulted and revealed no structures of any kind at the location prior to 1943-’44. There are no known archaeological sites in the immediate vicinity.
During a test dig at Loop Head on August 17, the end of the bottom leg of the final ‘E’ was revealed.
A mini digger will be used on Sunday to remove some of the surface covering the sign.
Though undercover, the Loop Head ÉIRE sign is in good physical condition and is easily accessible for public viewing.
“It is a valuable and photogenic historical site, which if restored, can act as a focal point for tourists,” Ailish Connolly, one of those involved in the dig, said.  The sign is not a protected or listed structure and is not covered by the National Monuments Act. The area is commonage and 15 of the 16 landowners have given consent for the dig. The Irish Land Commission has also been informed.
The dig is due to start at 10am and will conclude at 5.30pm. It is the combined initiative of the Kilballyowen Development Group and the Loop Head Tourism Development Committee. Some of those with specific expertise due to attend, include archaeological advisor Professor Terry Barry, Trinity College; historian, Michael Kennedy; architect, Gerry Malone and marine biologist, Dr Simon Berrow.