Description
Burt, Inishowen, County Donegal, Ireland
You may have noticed that this winter I have been visiting all my favorite historical monuments to capture them dressed in white snow. ‘An Grainan of Aileach’ was the next target on my snow radar. Yet after already visiting & failing 2 times prior due to unfavorable flying conditions, I just knew this old fort was going to stubborn once again!
Mainly I needed snow of course & as it stands high on a hill top, some thaw was also needed to ensure I could drive near to it. Lastly there had to be great light with no wind or rain. Yesterday all seemed to fall into place except for the light ☹ Regardless of the dull weather I sent my drone into the sky & within 10 minutes a storm approaches. High winds & sleet are forcing me to land but I hang on as i’m determined not to fail this time again! Eventually the clouds open behind me letting a perfect beam of light shine over the fort for just a moment…. Nature can be such a tease at times! But finally lets me capture my once visioned snow scene.
The mystical & magical seat of power were once Kings & Queens of Ireland reigned from. An Grainan Aileach is the best known monument in Inishowen & easily one of the greatest in all Ireland. Situated along Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way on a hilltop 800 feet above sea level the view from Aileach is breathtaking.
The fort was first constructed around 1700 BC (probably with earthen walls) by the Tuatha de Danann. It has been ascertained that it was the Palace of the Northern Princes, from a period long before Christianity (AD 400) up until the 14th century. Legend states that the giants of Inishowen (Princes of Aileach) are lying sleeping but when the sacred sword is removed they will spring to life reclaiming their ancient lands!
