Grianán of Aileach

Grianán of Aileach

Location: Toulett, Co. Donegal

Classification: Hillfort

SMR Code: DG047-012001-

Rating:

The Stone Fort at 'Grianán of Aileach', is a truly spectacular site. Situated on Greenan Hill, 244m above sea level, on the Inishowen Peninsula. It stands almost 24m in diameter, the stone walls are 4m thick and 5 to 6m in height. The interior of the walls rise into 3 terraces, accessible by inset stairways. A lintel-covered entrance-passage, 2m high leads into the interior from the east.

Description

The Stone Fort at 'Grianán of Aileach', is a truly spectacular site. Situated on Greenan Hill, 244m above sea level, on the Inishowen Peninsula. It stands almost 24m in diameter, the stone walls are 4m thick and 5 to 6m in height. The interior of the walls rise into 3 terraces, accessible by inset stairways. A lintel-covered entrance-passage, 2m high leads into the interior from the east.

History

Grianán of Aileach has enormous historical significance, being one only five Irish sites mentioned in Ptolemy of Alexandria's 2nd Century map of the world. Traces of ancient earthworks dating from the Iron and Bronze Age surround the site. The stone fort served as the royal seat of the northern O'Neill's from the 5th Century AD until it was ransacked and almost destroyed by Mortogh O'Brien, the King of Munster in 1101.

Folklore

In one legend it was built by the Dagda, god of the Tuatha dé Danann to protect the grave of his son Aedh. Another legend describes Grianán as the hibernation place of Grainne, the Celtic Sun Goddess, the site is believed to have been built as a Sun Temple, an ancient sundial was found during the excavations of the 1870's.

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Accessibility Rating: Easy

Accessibility

Accessibility Class: Easy

Facilities

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Map

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Sunrise/Sunset

Sunrise: 05:16

Sunset: 21:37

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Sunrise/Sunset

Sunrise: 05:16

Sunset: 21:37

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