Grianan of Aileach, an ancient stone ring fort in County Donegal, is a must-see destination for any tourist with an interest in ancient Irish history.
In May 2012 Inishowen hosted Féile Grianán Áiliagh to celebrate life as it was thousands of years ago for the ancient Celts who lived atop this windy hill in County Donegal.
Celebrating our Celtic Heritage at the Grianan of Aileach Stone Fort
Battle reenactments, basket making, sword making and food from the era were some of the amazing educational experiences enjoyed by visitors.
Watch the youTube video above for a little sample of the festivities.
This year Féile Grianán Áiliagh will be celebrated once again. The festivities will center around the summer solstice on June 21st through 22nd.
The Grainan of Aileach is a magical place.
Lighting Up The Irish Skies
The Irish landscape spectacle company LUXe will light up the sky, keeping darkness at bay from dusk to dawn. Visitors will be treated to a fire and light display, sculpture, weaving, and ancient music. The celebration will culminate in the awakening of the legendary horsemen who supposedly sleep beneath Grianan of Aileach.
We visit this stone fort every time we return to Ireland. Here is a previous post I wrote on our last visit to this ancient ring fort. Located in Burt, Co. Donegal, it is only a few miles from my husband's childhood home.
My children love this site. Their imaginations run wild as they climb the stone walls to take in an unobstructed 360° view of the surrounding countryside. In their mind they are the ancient knights of the Grianan.
I so wish we could join the people of Donegal this year when this historic hill erupts in festivities.
The celebration will begin with a dawn chorus early on Friday morning (June 21), and trust me, dawn is very early on an Irish summer solstice.
That evening a spectacular musical and lighting event is planned and on Saturday afternoon (June 22) a thrilling cultural event is planned for all the family.
For anyone planning a trip to Donegal in June, I highly recommend taking in the festivities at the Grianan on June 21st.
Tickets are available on the Earagail Arts Festival website.
Updates are also available on the Facebook page for Féile Grianán Áiliagh.
Hope everyone has a wonderful time next weekend.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
Visual Proof You Must See Sherkin Island
Aimee
What a fun event to be a part of! My imagination is running wild! How fun for your kids to get to experience this every year and for your husband to have grown up with it so close!
Irish American Mom
Aimee - We are looking forward to our visit to Donegal in July. We will definitely go to the Grianan. My kids always ask "Can we go see the fort?"
Take care and enjoy your weekend.
Mairéad
Mary
This looks like a great family event - fun but educational at the same time. Would love to be there.
Irish American Mom
As would I, Mary. It would be like taking a step back in time.
Take care,
Mairéad