Description
Has been the focal point for human activity for thousands of years. The spectacular view from the summit made it an ideal spot from which to overlook the lands and waters below.
The great stone cashel which gave Grianan Ailigh its name is said to have been built by the Tuatha De Danann God, and king of Ireland "The Dagda (or good god) to mark or protect the grave of his son Aedh. Nuada of the silver Hand who fought Balor of the Evil Eye was brought here for a royal burial so legend says. Here also lie the sleeping Warriors waiting for the call to arms of the Ui Neill.
There are many more stories, myths and legends once only known to a few which are now revealed to all that visit.
Grianan Ailigh is a multi-period site. It is believed that the tumulus or ancient burial site could well have been dated to the Neolithic Period. (1700 BC) The cashel dates from an early historic period (600 A.D). St Patrick was said to visit the site in the 5th.Century. There is a well, known as 'St. Patrick's Well' on the site. Local Legends would call this a holy well from the old faith and would attribute healing properties to the water... Another old story gives the advice not to whisper a secret within the walls of the fort, as everyone will know. This could is attributed to the acoustics of the fort. The lay out has been compared to that of a Greek amphitheatre.
Grianan Ailigh emerged from the mists of mythology and legend to assume no less an important place in the history of Ireland. The story of how the great stone cashel became the most significant political centre in all of Ulster began in the 5th Century. Niall of the Nine Hostages was a leader of the Connachta an important Sept who obtained power and predominance in Ireland. The descendants of Niall, known as the Ui Neill, were the most powerful family in the country for almost 600 years after Nialls death. Giving many high kings to Ireland. The Ui Neill who established kingdoms in the north were Conal and Eoghan. Conal established Tir Chonaill to the west of the county and Eoghan gave his name to Inishowen and Tyrone. So devoted were the brothers that Eoghan was said to have died of a broken heart one year after Conal's death. He is buried at Iskaheen 'Uisce Caoin' or Gentle Waters. The northern branch of the Ui Neill family ruled from Grianan Ailigh and Established Tir Ailigh (kingdom of Ailigh) which stretched from Northern Sligo to the Shores of Lough Neagh.