Background

Grianan of Aileach: A Window to Ancient Ireland

Explore the ancient Grianan of Aileach, a majestic stone fort with panoramic views steeped in Irish myth and history on Donegal's Greenan Mountain.

4.7

Grianan of Aileach, a majestic stone fort perched atop Greenan Mountain in County Donegal, offers panoramic views and a journey into Ireland's ancient past. Reconstructed in the 19th century, this historical landmark stands as a testament to the region's rich heritage, with origins dating back to 1700 BC.

A brief summary to Grianan Of Aileach

  • Monday 9 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-7 pm
  • Friday 9 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most breathtaking views, which gave the fort its name, the 'Stony Palace of the Sun'.
  • Wear appropriate footwear and clothing, as the hilltop location can be windy and exposed.
  • Take your time to walk around the fort and imagine the history that has unfolded within its walls.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach Grianan of Aileach by car, follow the N13 from Letterkenny towards Derry. At Burt, turn off the N13, following signs for Grianan of Aileach. A narrow road leads to a small car park at the hilltop, a short walk from the fort. Parking is free. From Derry, take the N13 east, following signs for Letterkenny, and turn off at Burt.

  • Public Transport

    From Letterkenny, take the TFI Local Link Donegal Sligo Leitrim bus towards Burt. Alight at Burt, from where it is approximately a 40 minute walk to Grianan of Aileach. The bus journey from Letterkenny to Burt is approximately 17 minutes. A single fare on the bus will cost around €5.

Unlock the Best of Grianan Of Aileach

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Grianan Of Aileach

Grianan of Aileach, meaning the 'Stony Palace of the Sun,' is an iconic monument steeped in myth, legend, and history. Situated on Greenan Mountain in Inishowen, County Donegal, this impressive circular fort commands breathtaking views of the Foyle and Swilly rivers. The fort's strategic location, 250m above sea level, allowed those within to view the entire peninsula. Originally built around the 6th or 7th century CE by the Northern Uí Néill, the site may have been used long before the fort's construction. Some accounts link its origins to the Tuatha de Danann around 1700 BC, a mythical race who built stone forts on strategic hills. The fort served as the royal seat of the Kingdom of Ailech and held significant political importance. It was destroyed in 1101 by the King of Munster, but was later restored in the 1870s. The existing stone structure, largely built without mortar, features walls approximately 5 meters high and 4 meters thick, with a diameter of 23 meters. Inside, terraces provided accommodation, and passages within the walls led to the summit. Today, visitors can explore the fort, admire the panoramic views, and imagine life in early medieval Ireland.

Popular Experiences near Grianan Of Aileach

Popular Hotels near Grianan Of Aileach

Select Currency