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Grianan Aileach Ring Fort


TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #2 of 5 attractions in Letterkenny
Traveller Description:
Legend says it was built by the ancient gods; the ring fort was known as the Sun Palace and was held sacred. Traces of ancient earthworks, dating to...... more » Legend says it was built by the ancient gods; the ring fort was known as the Sun Palace and was held sacred. Traces of ancient earthworks, dating to the early Iron Age, surround the fort, enclosing an area of about 5 acres (0.02 km2). The fort itself was probably built in the early centuries of the Christian era. From the 5th to the 12th century AD it served as the royal seat of the O Neill sept of Aileach; it was destroyed by Murtogh O Brien, king of Munster in 1101. To make the demolition complete, the king ordered each of his soldiers to take away a stone from the fort. Grianan of Aileach was reconstructed by Dr Bernard of Derry in 1870, but archaeologists are doubtful about the inner restoration. Surrounding the stone fort are three concentric low walls which formed part of the original fortification of the fort. « less
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Attraction type: Ancient ruins, Historic site
Address: Burt Letterkenny
Ireland
Tel: 353-77-68512
Fax: 353-77-68530

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Stunning!
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5 of 5 stars
Sorefeettoproveit   6 contributions
Ontario
16 Oct 2009

This is Ireland. From the view atop the walls, to the sounds of the nearby farms, to the smell and feel of the mists off the sea nearby. A haunting place that will never leave you. Slainte! more

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5 of 5 stars
BritBob   3 contributions
Red Deer, Canada
9 Aug 2008

Grianan Fort dates back to the Iron Age. It is known to have been connected to the O'Neill chieftains of Ulster from the 5th through the 12th centuries. In 1870 it was rebuilt/restored. More information is available at the excellent interpretive centre below the site. Grianan is very well worth a visit. It was a favourite spot of my late... more

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4 of 5 stars
KatePerthAustralia   1 contribution
Perth Australia
20 May 2007

Go for the amazing views of the sourounding lush green country side, loved the fort just feels good there, calm, relaxed take your camera, I went back again and again, Kate Perth Australia, check out this site for pic's Grianan of Aileach- picture gallery more

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4 of 5 stars
jsloan   837 contributions
Newmarket, Ontario
5 Sep 2005
2
people found this review helpful

The circular fort overlooks Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle. On clear day the view is spectacular. The church at the bottom of the hill has interpretive centre for more information. more

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Grianan Aileach Ring Fort Address

Burt, Letterkenny, Ireland
Tel: 353-77-68512 Fax: 353-77-68530
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