Grianán of Aileach is a stone ringfort located in County Donegal. It was the royal fort for the Kingdom of Aileach between the 5th century and 12th century AD
Known locally as Grianán, the stone fort was built on the site of an earlier Bronze Age or Iron Age hillfort constructed as a fortification for local tribal clans. The original hillfort was most likely built as an earthen rath, a circular enclosure used as a dwelling and a stronghold.
Large circular markings around Grianán Fort can be seen from above. These markings indicate a larger structure once stood here.
Today, the circular enclosure of Grianán fort measures 23 meters in diameter, and its walls are approx. 4 meters (13ft) thick and 5 meters (16ft) high, making it the largest stone fort in Donegal.
Inside Grianán the large circular enclosure is grass-covered. Steps lead up to the 3 platforms that would have supported a wooden structure that served as the living quarters. Various doorways, now shrinking in height, lead to tunnels inside the walls. These tunnels run the entire length of the walls, and local legend claims a stone seat inside the tunnels was once the throne of the King of Aileach. Its very doubtful this was actually the Kings throne but it made good story telling for kids who explored the tunnels.
History of Grianán of Aileach
When Claudius Ptolemy, the Greek geographer, compiled the 2nd-century Geographia atlas, he marked Regia in the northern part of Ireland. Some scholars believe Regia, translated as the city of Kings, was Grianán of Aileach. By the early medieval period, the fort had evolved into a seat of power for the Northern Uí Néill dynasty. These powerful kings ruled much of Ulster, and Grianán of Aileach became their royal stronghold.
Medieval Manuscript compiled in Ireland gives us insight into how important Ailech was. Entries in Annals of Ulster, spanning from 431 AD to 1540 AD, has multiple mentioned of Ailech and its kings.
The manuscript mentions a battle between the king of Ailech and the invading Norse-Gaels in 856 AD
Áed, king of Ailech, the king of greatest prowess in his time, gave battle to the fleet of the Gall-Gaedil (that is, they are Irish, and foster children of the Norse, and sometimes they are even called Norsemen). Áed defeated them, and slaughtered the Gall-Gaedil, and Áed brought many heads away with him. And the Irish deserved that killing, for as the Norwegians acted, so they also acted.
In 904 AD the raiding Vikings returned and plundered Grianán of Aileach. They returned 35 years later, sacked Ailech and kidnapped the king.
The stone fort was destroyed when the King of Munster invaded in 1101 AD, leaving it in ruin. It wasn’t until the 1870’s when a decision was made to reconstruct this ancient heritage site. During excavations in 1870 several artefacts were uncovered. Some of the pieces found included, a possible sundial made from wood, warrior clubs, sling-stones, and a chequered stone slab that was possibly used for a game. Other items included an Iron ring, coins, beads, and animal bones.
The Legends of Grianán of Aileach
When Tuatha Dé Danann invaded Ireland, before the arrival of the Celts, they built forts on top of hills. According to Irish mythology, the Tuatha worshipped the Dagda, the good god. To honor his dead son, Dagda ordered the construction of the stone fort at Aileach that was to serve as a burial monument. It is most likely this was a stone cairn that is located nearby the large stone fort we see today.
Other legends state St Patrick visited the site during his pilgrimage in Ireland in the 5th century. Its believed he baptised a local chieftain by the name of Eoghan (Owen). The area known as Inis Eoghain (island of Eoghan) was named after this chieftain.
Visiting Grianán of Aileach
Located between Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle, Grianán has a spectacular 360 view of the Irish countryside. On a clear day, visitors can view for miles into county Donegal, County Derry, and County Tyrone.
Grianán of Aileach is located near the N13, between Letterkenny and the city of Derry. Approaching from Letterkenny, pass An Grianan Hotel and turn right at Burt junction. Follow the road signs along the road climbing the hill until you reach the car park, the fort will be visible from here.
Amenities at Grianán fort - Unfortunately, there are no amenities at the site and it’s not wheelchair friendly.
Entrance fee - There is no charge to access the fort and car parking is free.
Opening times: 9am - 7pm (gates are known to stay open later during the summer).
