Port An Dún is a 9th-century relic on the island of Inishturk in County Mayo. Used by the Vikings, it overlooks the island’s only lagoon and offers exceptional views of the Atlantic Ocean! Located near the port of Portdoon, it served as the Scandinavians’ HQ for their raids on Ireland.
Port An Dún is an archaeological site dear to the hearts of Inishturk Islanders. This fort has a particularly rich history! It was here that the Vikings established a base camp as they plundered the island and surrounding area of all available gold.
Its geological location was strategic, with the fort overlooking the island’s port, which itself sits on a natural lagoon. The harbor was very narrow, allowing only small boats to pass through: a real advantage for avoiding attackers and defending the fort!
According to locals, it was here that the Viking chieftain of the time improvised a recipe for local beer, using heather taken from the island of Inishturk. The result would have been so good, the chef would have gotten excessively drunk. In his drunkenness, he then ordered the death of his own son, before drowning himself in the island’s harbour!
Let’s face it: there’s not much left of the Port An Dún fort. But it’s well worth a visit if you’re a history buff!
What’s more, the site is set in an exceptional location: the harbor and its lagoon offer extraordinary seascapes, where you can admire the comings and goings of small fishing boats, as well as the stalls of a few local craftsmen, who regularly come to sell tourists the fruits of their labor.
And, weather permitting, the site is ideal for swimming in the island’s crystal-clear waters! The water is crystal-clear and pure: ideal for a swim or a real scuba diving session!
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