Can you visit Grianan of Aileach?

The fort itself is a short 5-minute drive up the hill from Burt in County Donegal. The fort is located right next to the car park, so it’s easy to reach. From there, you can wander around the complex and walk into the fort through the entrance openings at the base. Note: it’s free to visit Grianan of Aileach.

What was Grianan of Aileach used for?

It is linked to the Tuatha de Danann who invaded Ireland before the Celts and built stone forts on top of strategic hills. They worshipped Dagda (the Good God) and he too is associated with the origins of Aileach. It was he who ordered the building of a stone fort to act as a burial monument to his dead son.

Who built the Grianan of Aileach?

Cenél nEógain
The stone fort is believed to have been constructed during the 8th or 9th century as the seat of Cenél nEógain, rulers of the ancient kingdom of Aileach.

What happened in Lough Swilly?

During a gale on 4 December 1811, the Royal Navy 36-gun Apollo-class frigate HMS Saldanha was shipwrecked in Lough Swilly. There were no survivors out of the estimated 253 aboard, with approximately 200 bodies washed up on shore.

What is a fort in Ireland?

Ringforts, ring forts or ring fortresses are circular fortified settlements that were mostly built during the Bronze Age up to about the year 1000. They are found in Northern Europe, especially in Ireland.

What was Dunree fort used for?

It provided protection to the British naval fleet, anchored in Lough Swilly, prior to World War One’s Battle of Jutland. Dunree was handed over to the Irish Free State in 1938.

How do you know if you have a ringfort?

Ringforts are circular areas, measuring c. 24-60m in diameter, usually enclosed with one or more earthen bank enclosures, often topped with a timber palisade. Excavations at Adhadegnan, Co. Longford also suggested that some ringforts may be preceded by open settlements.