Grianán of Aileach
Grianán of Aileach: The Stone house of the sun
The Grianán of Aileach, also known as An Grianán Fort, takes its name from ‘Grianán Ailigh’ which broadly translates as the ‘stony palace of the sun.’ Should you be lucky enough to arrive at sunrise or sunset on a clear day, it is clear that the fort is well named. The Grianán of Aileach is positioned on Greenan Mountain overlooking the valleys of the Foyle and Swilly rivers, affording extensive views over one of the most beautiful landscapes in Ireland. It is an impressive circular fort, with a diameter of 23m (76 feet), and with drystone walls that stand around 5m (16 feet) high. The top of the walls can be reached by a series of steps and terraces.
The Donagh Cross
The Donagh Cross Historians date the Carndonagh high cross to the seventh century, making it one of the oldest of its type in Ireland. This early Christian relic is a red sandstone slab cut out in the shape of a cross, and engraved with a rich, low relief that mixes...
Cooley Monastic Site
Cooley Monastic Site Cooley Graveyard has a view of Lough Foyle, the name can be spelt Cooly or Cooley and translates as ‘The Quarterland of the Woodland’. The old Irish name was ‘Maigh Bhile’ which translate as ‘The Plain of the Ancient (Sacred)Tree’ Evidence shows...
Fahan Mura Cross Slab
Fahan Mura Graveyard The monastic site at Fahan was founded by St Mura in the 6th century. Originally the monastery was known as Othan Mor,but after St Mura's death became known as Fahan Mura. The main point of interest at this site today is the beautifully decorated...
Clonca High Cross
The 17th century planter's church ruin at Cloncha is believed to have been built on the foundation ofan earlier church associated with a monastic site founded by St Morialagh in the 6th Century. The monastery was one of the most important foundations in the...