Dun Aengus(Dún Aonghasa in Irish Gaelic) is one of the largest prehistoric forts ever discovered in Ireland… and one of the best preserved in Europe! Built into the cliffs on the island of Inishmore (in the Aran Islands), it is one of the country’s most impressive remains…
Every year, it attracts thousands of visitors who come to touch its stones and admire its breathtaking ocean views… A magical place with an indescribable atmosphere!
Dun Aengus Fort – © David Matthew Lyons
Do you love enigmatic sites steeped in history and legend? Welcome to the site of Dun Aengus, a prehistoric fort dating back to the Bronze Age… and said to be the largest fort on the Aran Islands!
According to specialists, it was built around 1100 BC, based on a semi-circular architecture. A rather unusual choice, as most of Ireland’s prehistoric forts are circular…
There are many theories surrounding this architecture… but the simplest explanation would be that the fort’s builders preferred to use a semicircle, as the cliff provides a natural bulwark against any attack…
The site stands 87 metres high, on vertiginous cliffs, and unfurls its impressive dimensions.
The fort is divided into 4 distinct dry-stone enclosures, some of whose walls are up to 4 meters high. The outermost wall encircles an area of 6 hectares: unprecedented for a prehistoric fort!
Outside the third ring of walls is a defensive system of stone slabs known as the“cheval de frise“. The latter is planted vertically in the ground and is still largely intact. These ruins also feature a huge rectangular stone slab, whose function is unknown today.
It’s true that part of the construction collapsed 80 meters below (in the middle of the ocean) as a result of violent storms and shaky foundations. But many remnants of the fort still remain on the cliff.
For archaeologists, the Dun Aengus fort had many functions: its unobstructed view of the sea (over a 120km stretch of coastline) made it an ideal defensive location… But other installations also suggest that the fort was used for ceremonial purposes by possible druids.
Aerial view of Dun Aengus fort on Inishmore – © timursalikhov
Please note: the beauty of the fort lies in its unspoilt character, and its location right on the cliff.
This makes for a magnificent site, but also an extremely dangerous one, as you’ll be standing at the top of an 87-meter cliff, with no protective barriers or safety features.
The wind blows hard over Inishmore, and the building has no shelter to protect itself. Also, fatal accidents have already occurred (selfies, gusts of wind, inattention…etc.): we therefore recommend that you avoid going too close to the shore, and above all, that you keep your children close to you!
In any case, the visit is well worth the detour. You’ll begin your discovery with a short visit to the Visitor Centre, where you’ll find a brief exhibition explaining the history of Dun Aengus, its characteristics and the archaeological discoveries that have been made.
A short 15-minute walk then follows, taking you to this incredible cliff and its famous fort. From then on, the view is breathtaking (beware of vertigo). The fort itself seems to stretch to incredible dimensions.
To explore it, you’ll have to climb over the stones to get past the enclosures. (Unfortunately, the site is not suitable for people with reduced mobility). Be careful not to damage the stonework.
As you progress, you’ll discover the beauty of the view: the fort overlooks not only the ocean, but also part of Inishmore Island, on its western slope. The view from the nearby cliffs is simply breathtaking.
Don’t forget to bring a warm sweater and a raincoat: it can be particularly cold at the top of the cliffs: the ocean and the wind blow non-stop!
Adresse :
GPS :
Tour duration :
Rates : 
Opening hours :
4.17/5 (6 votes)
