Even the name is enough to conjure up a sense of ancient legends and history half-forgotten in the mists of time. Inishowen – the peninsula at the northern end of County Donegal in Ireland – is home to some of the earliest religious remains in the British Isles as well as a much older prehistoric fort. Here are some of the ancient sites of Inishowen.
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Grianan Ailigh
A massive stone fortress built on the site of a Neolithic burial mound, Grianan Ailigh gives spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. It was already centuries old when St Patrick supposedly baptised the leader of the O’Neill clan here in 450 CE, and it remained the seat of the High Kings of Ireland until the 12th century.
Donagh Cross
The Donagh Cross at Carndonagh is one of the oldest and most famous of the Irish High Crosses, a 7th century Celtic cross with carvings reminiscent of druidic traditions.
Fahan Cross
Set in an old graveyard containing the ruins of St Mura’s Monastery, the Fahan Cross (also known as the Mura Slab) is a stone slab cross, predating even the Irish High Crosses.
The monastery itself was founded by St Colmcille in the 6th century.
4 thoughts on “The Ancient Sites Of Inishowen”
So much history and reminders of old times!
Hi Karen
Tis almost 11 years since Inishowen got a comment so I thought I would put on in. The Donagh cross and pillars are very interesting and I am pleased to say they remain in situ. The simple Celtic Crosses in North are also worth a visit.
Here`s a NW Irish exploration to think about – The Ritual Landscapes of West Tyrone (archaeology, ecology and mythology all woven into a series of site and habitat explorations).
Would love to see or know of the stone circles that are in the area
Hi Michael, I didn’t get to any of the stone circles on this visit. Maybe next time!