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Grianan Aileach Ring Fort: Traveller Reviews

Burt, Letterkenny, Ireland
353-77-68512
View from the Fort
Great Free Attraction
View from Inside the Ring
14 visitor photos
Ranked #2 of 8 attractions in Letterkenny
4.5 of 5 stars 12 Reviews
Type: Ancient Ruins, Historic Sites
Owner 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 » Owner 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 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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12 reviews from our community

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BritBob
Red Deer, Canada
1 review
“One of the 'must see' places in Ireland.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 August 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 wife and I. The view is awesome! You can see Lough Swilly with Inch island and its causeways and Fanad Head in the distance, Lough Foyle, Derry City, the River Foyle upstream from Derry towards Strabane, and the Hills of Donegal, including Errigal and Muckish, the 2 highest peaks. You can even crawl (kids love it!) inside the walls that are about 15' thick.

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KatePerthAustralia
Perth Australia
1 review
“A must visit”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 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

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Philly413
Newmarket, Ontario
Top Contributor
70 reviews
198 helpful votes
“Beautiful views of County Donegal”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 September 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.

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Grianan Aileach Ring Fort
Burt
Letterkenny
Ireland
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