Dún Aengus, Inis Mór
One of western Europe’s most awe-inspiring stone forts
Dún Aengus, also known as Dún Aonghasa is a large eleven-acre prehistoric stone cashel situated on Inis Mór, believed historically to be of great maritime power.
Experts say it was built between 800BC and 400AD. Defended on the landward side by three rings of huge stone battlements, it is also protected by sharp up-ended, limestone rocks (cheveaux de frise) placed in the ground as a defence against approaching enemies. The prehistoric hillfort was extensively remodelled in the late first millennium AD. Old walls were thickened and heightened and new walls built; a stone army of pillars (chevaux de frise) protected the middle wall. It took an estimated 1270 cubic tons of stone to build the 6m high inner wall.
Set on the edge of a sheer drop of almost 300ft to the sea, it offers a spectacular view over Galway Bay. It is one of the most famous and important prehistoric monuments in Europe.
The Dún Aengus Heritage Centre is situated at Kilmurvey and is open to visitors.
Book a trip to the Aran Islands and see Dún Aonghasa
Dún Aengus Video
Dún Aonghasa Map
Opening times and prices
January – March: 09:30 – 16:00
April – October: 09:30 – 18:00
November – December: 09:30 – 16:00
Closed: 24 – 30 December
Admission: Free to visit
Contact Visitor Centre
📍Inis Mór, Aran Islands, Co. Galway, H91 YT20
📞 099 61008
📧 [email protected]
Dún Aonghasa Fort FAQs
What does Dún Aonghasa mean?
Dún Aonghasa was referred to as “the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe” by the 19th-century artist George Petrie. Its name, which translates to “Fort of Aonghas,” may allude to either the fictitious king Aonghus Mac Mhór or the pre-Christian God of the same name mentioned in Irish mythology.
What is the best way to get to Dún Aonghasa?
Tourists have a few options to get to Dún Aonghasa. Cycling is a simple way to get to the fort from Kilronan (the main village on Inis Mór). Visitors exploring the island for the day can rent bicycles at the pier and cycle 15 minutes up the road to the fort. Another choice is to take a horse and trap, or you may hike there.
How tall are the cliffs at Dún Aonghasa?
Dún Aonghasa is a spectacular archaeological site with breathtaking views that is perched directly on the cliff edge more than 100 meters above the ocean. Four circular walls make up Dun Aonghasa (pronounce Dun Angusa), some of which have been reconstructed and are over 6 meters high.
How old is Dún Aonghasa fort?
The chevaux-de-frise surround the entire fort from cliff to cliff, providing a dramatically effective means of deterring invaders. Dún Aonghasa is over 3,000 years old. Numerous dwellings and tombs, as well as substantial evidence of prehistoric metallurgy, have been uncovered during excavations of the site.
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