Description
Grianan of Aileach Ring Fort, Burt, Inishowen, County Donegal, Ireland
Each winter I wait in anticipation for snow to arrive on our lands. This past 2 winters the snow has been extremely light, only lasting a few days out of the entire year. As soon as the white stuff starts falling, I waste no time & rush to all my favourite historical monuments to capture them all dressed in white snow. ‘An Grianan of Aileach’ is always a favourite target on my snow radar ?. Snow can transform any scene to look almost completely different than it would during summer, night or a colourful sunset etc ❄️
First constructed around 1700 BC (probably with earthen walls) by the Tuatha de Danann. An Grianan Fort was once a seat of power were the ‘O’Neill Kings’ reigned from for over 700 years. An Grianan Of Aileach is the best known monument in Inishowen & easily one of the greatest in all Ireland. Situated along Donegal’s coast on a hilltop 800 feet above sea level the view from Aileach is breathtakingly beautiful. Legend states that the giants of Inishowen (Princes of Aileach) are lying sleeping under this hill but when a hidden sacred sword is removed from this ring fort, they will return back to life reclaiming their ancient lands ☘️
