Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Archaeological site · Kilronan, Galway
Dún Aonghasa
Prehistoric stone fort in a semicircle on the edge of a cliff about 100 metres above the Atlantic, with four walls and a field of pointed stones to deter invaders.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Dún Aonghasa
Dún Aonghasa is a prehistoric stone fort built on the south coast of Inis Mór, on the edge of a cliff about 100 metres above the Atlantic. Excavations have shown occupation of the site from around 1100 BC, in the Bronze Age, and the walls were enlarged in subsequent centuries. The name recalls Aonghus, a legendary chieftain of the Fir Bolg, a people of Irish legend.
The fort is formed by four dry-stone walls in a semicircle, which end abruptly at the cliff edge, with no wall on the seaward side. The inner wall, the tallest, is about 4 metres high with wide faces and steps on the inside. Between the second and third walls is a chevaux-de-frise, a field of vertical pointed stones driven into the ground to impede approach.
The central enclosure is a flat limestone platform open to the sea. From there you can see the island's coastline, the cliffs and, on clear days, the mountains of Connemara and the Burren. There is no railing on the cliff edge, and the wind is strong: visitors should keep away from the edge.
The visit begins at the Kilmurvey visitor centre run by the State heritage body, which has an exhibition about the fort. From there a trail of about 900 metres climbs over fields and rocks to the fort. The path is uneven and slippery when wet.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1.5 to 2 hours, including the walk up and the visitor centre exhibition.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, outside the day-visitor peak when boats arrive late morning. In very strong winds the climb may be closed. Check the visitor centre opening times.
How to get there
The visitor centre is in Kilmurvey, about 7 km west of Kilronan by bicycle, minibus or horse-drawn carriage. From there the walk up takes 15–20 minutes.
Tip
Wear sturdy footwear and bring windproof clothing. In the central enclosure sit well away from the edge: the cliff has no barrier. On the way back, have lunch in Kilmurvey.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Dún Aonghasa
How old is Dún Aonghasa?
Excavations show occupation from around 1100 BC, in the Bronze Age, with walls enlarged later.
Is the climb difficult?
It's about 900 metres of uphill trail over rocks and fields, taking 15 to 20 minutes. The ground is uneven and slippery in the rain.
Is there a railing at the cliff edge?
No. The fort ends at the cliff edge without any protection. Keep away from the edge, especially in windy conditions.
How to get to the fort from the harbour?
The Kilmurvey visitor centre is about 7 km from Kilronan, by bicycle, minibus or carriage.