Grianan of Aileach

Grianan of Aileach is a stone ringfort built on Greenan Mountain in County Donegal with concentric stone walls forming its core structure. Inside, steps and passages connect different terraced levels, revealing the architectural complexity of this construction.

The Northern Uí Néill built this royal stronghold in the sixth century and made it the power center of the Kingdom of Ailech. The structure endured for centuries, demonstrating the strategic importance this region held for Irish rule.

The site connects to Irish mythology through stories of the god Dagda commissioning its construction as a burial monument for his son. These mythological associations shape how people understand and experience this place today.

The site can be explored on foot with informational panels explaining the architectural features and surrounding archaeological remains visible in the landscape. Weather protection is important as the location sits exposed on a hilltop where conditions can be quite windy.

Bronze Age ramparts lie beneath the main stone structure, showing the site was inhabited long before this fortress was built. These layered remains reveal a continuity of human settlement spanning thousands of years.

Location: County Donegal

GPS coordinates: 55.01667,-7.43333

Latest update: December 17, 2025 10:34