Ailech

This article is about the medieval Irish kingdom. For the royal fort of that kingdom, see Grianan of Aileach.

Exterior view of Grianan of Aileach situated in County Donegal; the royal fort of the Kingdom of Aileach; 55.023386°N 7.428509°W / 55.023386; -7.428509.

Ailech (modern Irish Aileach or Oileach) was a medieval kingdom in Ireland, roughly centred on modern-day County Donegal and the Inishowen peninsula in Ulster.

The Kings of Ailech belonged to the northern Uí Néill and took their name from the Grianán of Ailech (Irish: Grianán Ailigh), a hillfort on top of Greenan Mountain in modern County Donegal. The restored fort stands in a commanding position at the base of the Inishowen peninsula overlooking Lough Swilly to the west and Lough Foyle to the east.

References

• "Cenel nEogain Kings of Ailech 700-1185", pages 194-195 in A New History of Ireland, volume IX, ed. Byrne, Martin, Moody, 1984.
• T. M. Charles-Edwards, Early Christian Ireland
• Francis J. Byrne, Irish Kings and High-Kings

External links

• Grianan of Aileach Visitor Centre