Seat of Kings
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A standing fortress enchanting even in our time
A stone round standing fortress crowns forever beauty
The name translated to english Grianan means sunny spot or sun temple
The land bows down inspirational the view
seat of the high kings dating back to 1700 B.C
Overlooking Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle
Eogháin, after whom Inishowen is named
was baptised at Grianán by St. Patrick
where they imposed Patrick's rule
Eoghan was a leader of the Ui Néill's
the northern clan descended from Niall of the Nine Hostages
Eoghan began a dynasty that brought forth the High Kings of Ireland
for more than 500 years
our crowned jewel rings in the heart of Donegal
High up on a massive hilltop
it was a place of sun worship
or the place of hibernation of Gráine
a Celtic sun-goddess
In Celtic mythology Grainne was the sister of Aine
goddess of the sun, and though Grainne was known as goddess of corn
or grain (springs from the earth after being nurtured by the sun)
both sisters are said to have been birthed by a sunbeam or “of the sun
There is also a tradition that the temple was built by Daghdha
the good god or god of the earth
He was known as the King of the Tuatha dé Danann
a race of supernatural beings descended from the Goddess Danu
They inhabited Ireland before the Celts
This tradition has Daghda building the fort to protect the grave of his son
A variation tells of giants building the hill and the Grianán on top a residence
for the shining ones who gave birth to the children of the sídhe
All of these traditions link the hill and the fort on top with supernatural beings
to unseen energy and power and a link to the Otherworld
With one breathtaking scene
overlooking spanning miles awestruck
sweeping below beautiful country side our forty shades
of emerald green jewel of Ireland
From inside outwards the pen flows golden precious
Here stands a kingdom
dating back to a time of tuatha de danann
one dynasty sings over centuries
Legend states that the giants of Inishowen are lying sleeping
but when the sacred sword is removed
they will spring to life reclaiming their ancient lands
Our ancient ring stone clad fort in Irish folklore sings
One such tale relates that Niall Frasach
he was born when these freasa or showers fell
honey silver and blood
A high-king of Ireland
Son of Fergal mac Maolduin
Brother of Aodh Allan
It is said that, when a famine occurred
they carried off by force the one cow
that the solitary hermit of that church had
the hermit cursed the king and his host
there was an earthquake
people devoured one another there at this time
A great cow-plague existed
he prayed and the famine was lifted
with showers of food and silver falling from heaven.
(High King of Ireland 743-770 AD)
to me it stands out one fort in a test of time
On a clear day one can see five of the nine counties of Ulster
from Grianán's parapets.
A truly magical wonder to behold
still standing in our midst
sings enchanting sweet beautiful
magical music to this heart
Copyright © Liam Mcdaid | Year Posted 2015
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