Grianan of Aileach - County Donegal, Ireland
The Grianan of Aileach (Irish: Grianán Ailigh, sometimes anglicised as Greenan Ely or Greenan Fort) is a hillfort atop the 244 metres (801 ft) high Greenan Mountain at Inishowen in County Donegal, Ireland.
The main structure is a stone ringfort, thought to have been built by the Northern Uí Néill, in the sixth or seventh century although there is evidence that the site had been in use before the fort was built. It has been identified as the seat of the Kingdom of Ailech and one of the royal sites of Gaelic Ireland. The wall is about 4.5 metres (15 ft) thick and 5 metres (16 ft) high. Inside it has three terraces, which are linked by steps, and two long passages within it.
Originally, there would have been buildings inside the ringfort. Just outside it are the remains of a well and a tumulus.
By the 12th century, the Kingdom of Ailech had become embattled and lost a fair amount of territory to the invading Normans. According to Irish literature, the ringfort was mostly destroyed by Muirchertach Ua Briain, King of Munster, in 1101. Substantial restoration work was carried out in 1870. Today, the site is a National Monument and a tourist attraction.
The Stone Fort of Grianan of Aileach sits on a hilltop in Inishowen, County Donegal, and the stone was probably first built on an earthen rath - standing on the hilltop to check one of the touristic places in county Donegal is one of the different reasons for visiting this place but it is also different to visit something that was built back then and is still standing to tell its history to the visitors nowadays.
Standing there at the Gianan of Aileach, you will receive a magnificent view that would take your breath away. Being at the Grianan of Aileach, you will get good views of Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly with their glistening waters which are clear from there - it is believed that this is one of the places that witnessed the history of Ireland being written down.
Every touristic destination you tend to visit will always tell you part of the history about the country you are in and that is the same things with Grianan of Aileach. In addition to the historical stories which are being shared about the different touristic destinations which you visit, you also get the chance to receive some different views from every single one of them.
The round fort of the Grianan of Aileach is built largely without mortar. The interior of the place has three terraces and wooden structures were built against those terraces in order to provide accommodation. From the things that could be seen from below the fort is the outline of the Bronze Age or the Iron Age ramparts.
Some legends state that the giants of Inishowen are lying sleeping in the location but when the sacred sword is removed, they will spring to life reclaiming their ancient lands. It is thought that St. Patrick visited the site in the 5th century and baptised the local cheiftain, Eoghan (from whom Inis Eoghan got its name).
We have made different trips to county Donegal before and got the chance to know about some of the things that one could do there, you could check our trip to Donegal Town through this video and tell us what do you think and whether you have been there before or not (
From the other places that we have been to in county Donegal, Northern Ireland, we have been to Letterkenny which is also known as the Cathedral Town and we got introduced to its different attractions and touristic locations ( such as St. Eunan's Cathedral that stands on the top of the list (
The Grianan of Aileach - Stone Fort - sits on top of Greenan Hill with a 360 degree view of Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly as well as the countryside of the Inishowen Peninsula as we have already mentioned above. But that of course might differ according to the Irish weather because if the sky is not clear, the view might not be clear and you might end up seeing nothing but if the sky is clear and the weather is good, it is believed that sometimes even five counties could appear.
Gianan of Aileach could be reached from Letterkenny by heading east towards Derry on the N13 and after 5 kilometers you will need to turn left at the roundabout, staying on the N13 road that is heading for Inishowen. On the road and while trying to reach Gianan of Aileach, shortly after Newtown cunningham, you will see Burt Castle on the left and will then lookout for a right turn to reach your final destination.
This is one of the different places which we have enjoyed in county Donegal, Northern Ireland, and this is one of the different historical destinations which will bring good sights to you as well. Have you ever been there before? Tell us about your experience.
Some of the best locations around Ireland / Northern Ireland and further afield. A travel blog/vlog of the hidden treasures that are on our doorstep.
Diamond Lodgings - Donegal - Ireland
Diamond Lodgings hotel city: Donegal - Country: Ireland
Address: The Diamond Lodgings, 2nd Floor, The Diamond Centre, Donegal Town; zip code:
Diamond Lodgings is a family run accommodation located in the centre of Donegal Town, opposite the main bus stop. There is free on-site parking. The rooms are spacious and bright, and come with tea/coffee making facilities, a TV, and a hairdryer.
-- Le Diamond Lodgings est un établissement à la gestion familiale situé dans le centre-ville de Donegal, en face de l'arrêt de bus principal. Un parking gratuit est présent sur place.
-- El Diamond Lodgings es un establecimiento de gestión familiar situado en el centro de Donegal, enfrente de la parada principal de autobuses. Ofrece aparcamiento gratuito.
-- Die familiengeführte Unterkunft Diamond Lodgings erwartet Sie im Stadtzentrum von Donegal, direkt gegenüber der zentralen Bushaltestelle. Die Parkplätze an der Unterkunft nutzen Sie kostenfrei.
-- Diamond Lodgings wordt beheerd door een familie en ligt in het centrum van de stad Donegal, tegenover het centrale busstation. Er is gratis privéparkeergelegenheid bij de accommodatie.
-- Situata nel centro di Donegal, di fronte alla fermata principale degli autobus, la struttura a conduzione familiare Diamond Lodgings offre gratuitamente un parcheggio in loco.
-- Diamond Lodgings是一家由家庭经营的旅馆，坐落在多尼戈尔镇（Donegal Town）中心，对面是中央巴士站，内设免费停车场。 客房宽敞明亮，配有沏茶/咖啡设施、电视和吹风机。连接浴室提供强力淋浴和免费洗浴用品。 前侧客房享有城镇中央广场The Diamond广场的景致。所有客房均提供免费WiFi。旅馆还设有电脑供客人使用。 Diamond Lodgings旅馆位于多尼戈尔（Donegal）镇中心，靠近当地的多间商店、酒吧、餐厅以及多处景点，包括多尼戈尔城堡（Donegal...
-- Семейный отель Diamond Lodgings расположен в центре города Донегол, напротив главной автобусной остановки. На территории обустроена бесплатная парковка. В числе удобств светлых и просторных номеров принадлежности для чая/кофе, телевизор и фен.
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The Craic - Heartbeats [rehearsals, April 2011]
Cover of The Knife/José Gonzalez tune by The Craic, based in Limerick, from Kilkelly/Kiltimagh/Tourmakadey/Ballinrobe in County Mayo. Recorded on a video camera!