2021

C3619 : Grianan of Aileach

taken 4 years ago, near to Speenoge, Co Donegal, Ireland

Grianan of Aileach
Grianan of Aileach
Grianan of Aileach

The Grianan of Aileach is a hillfort on top of the 244 metres high Greenan Mountain at Inishowen in County Donegal. The main structure is a stone ringfort, thought to have been built by the Northern Uí Néill, in the sixth or seventh century CE; although there is evidence that the site had been in use before the fort was built. It has been identified as the seat of the Kingdom of Ailech and one of the royal sites of Gaelic Ireland. The wall is about 4.5 metres thick and 5 metres high. Inside it has three terraces, which are linked by steps, and two long passages within it. Originally, there would have been buildings inside the ringfort. Just outside it are the remains of a well and a tumulus.
According to Irish literature, the ringfort was mostly destroyed by Muirchertach Ua Briain, King of Munster, in 1101. Substantial restoration work was carried out in 1870. Today, the site is an Irish National Monument.
Wikipedia: LinkExternal link

National Monuments of Ireland

A National Monument in the Republic of Ireland is a structure or site, the preservation of which has been deemed to be of national importance and therefore worthy of state protection. If the land adjoining the monument is essential to protect it, this land may also be protected.
A list of the monuments can be found at LinkExternal link


Creative Commons Licence [Some Rights Reserved]   © Copyright N Chadwick and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
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C3619, 70 images   (more nearby 🔍)
Photographer
N Chadwick   (more nearby)
Date Taken
Friday, 22 October, 2021   (more nearby)
Submitted
Friday, 18 February, 2022
Subject Location
Irish: geotagged! C 3665 1974 [10m precision]
WGS84: 55:1.4245N 7:25.6633W
Camera Location
Irish: geotagged! C 3637 1874
View Direction
North-northeast (about 22 degrees)
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Image Type (about): cross grid 
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