Dun Aonghasa
Europe’s Famous Ringfort
Dun Aonghasa, which has been given the description as “the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe” stands at the edge of a 100 metre high cliff on the largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mór. This amazing site is over 300o years old!
It’s located just over 7 km from Kilrónan so many tourists cycle from there, getting the full experience of the Island and discovering many sites along the way. You may be interested in our article about What to do on Inis Mor or How to Get Around.
Dun Aonghasa offers a truly spectacular view and is the most famous of several prehistoric forts on the Aran Islands. The “Fort of Aonghas” is named after a pre-Christian god in Irish mythology, or the mythical king, Aonghus mac Úmhór, believed to be dating back to the Iron Age. A very mysterious ruin, nobody is quite sure why it was built.
The site is very intriguing. There are three main enclosing walls dividing the fort into an inner, middle and outer enclosure; a fourth wall gave added protection along the West Side. You can read an interesting and detailed article from Heritage Ireland all about Dun Aengus. When you arrive there you have to take a short hike up rising ground which is rough and natural rock. So we suggest to come prepared with boots or strong walking shoes. After you reach the top and the main fort area you will then see the cliffs. There is no fence or barrier at the edge of the 87-metre drop, so mind your step.
Is there a fee to visit Dun Aengus?
- Adults €5
- Group/ Seniors €4
- Students/ Children €3 (children under 12 are free)
- Family €13 (2 adults + children under 16)
Why not check out this wonderful and unusual site for yourself? Booking online is simple, book your trip to Inis Mor and download your Map.