Grianan Fort

Grianán Ailigh is a ring fort (c.1000AD) built on the site of another, more ancient, hill fort (c. 3000BC). It is said to have been built by Dagda, a king of the Tuatha De Danann in 1700BC.

It was the first site of conflict between Ith, the son of Breogain, of the Milesian legend and near the site of the first battle in Ireland, at Mag Itha (1000BC – 500BC). It served as the residence of the Uí Neill, High-Kings of Ireland in the fifth century, then subsequently becoming the seat of the O’Donnells, chieftains of what is now Donegal.

Prehistorically, it was thought to be a place of sun worship and the place where Gráinne, the Irish sun-goddess, hibernated.

 It overlooks Inishowen to the north, giving good views of Lough Swilly to the north and Lough Foyle to the east. There are many tales associated with Grianán of Aileach in Irish folklore.