Grianan Aileach - County Donegal, Ireland - Historic Forts on Waymarking.com

This large stone-walled fort, located on a hilltop commanding views over Loughs Foyle and Swilly and counties Donegal, Londonderry and Tyrone, was the royal citadel of the northern Uí Néill from the 5th to the 12th century. It was probably built some time around the birth of Christ. Its builders may have been attracted to this hilltop site by the presence here of a sacred monument - a prehistoric burial mound or tumulus, possibly from the Neolithic period (about 3000 BC).

A lintelled passage through the 4.5m thick wall leads to the interior where the wall rises in three terraces to a height of about 5m; there are also two long passages contained within the thickness of the wall. (These are now closed off to the public).

Substantial restoration work was carried out in 1870. We know little about the three earthen banks which circle the Grianan, but they could be part of an earlier Bronze or Iron Age hillfort. The trackway running through these banks and leading to the fort is believed to be an ancient roadway.

The year the "Fort" was constructed or started.: 600 BC Name of "Country" or "Nation" that constructed this "Fort": Northern Uí Néill Was this "Fort" involved in any armed conflicts?: Yes it was What was the primary purpose of this "Historic Fort"?: Used for defence of a border or land claim. Current condition: Restored This site is administered by ----: Office of Public Works If admission is charged -: 0.00 (listed in local currency) Open to the public?: Open or unrestricted access. Link to web-site that best describes this "Historic Fort": [Web Link] Link if this "Fort" is registered on your Countries/ State "Registry of Historical Sites or Buildi: [Web Link] Official or advertised web-page: Not listed

Recent Visits/Logs:

There are no logs for this waymark yet.