The Best and Worst of Europe by Rick Steves
After Prague, Kraków and Budapest are central Europe's best cities. Bratislava (Slovakia) and Bucharest (Romania) are probably my least favorite of the big ...
Dun Aengus
I'll close with a lightning round of "ultimates" (what travel writer can resist?): the ultimate medieval walled town in Germany ( Rothenburg), prehistoric stone fortress in Ireland ( <anchor>Dun Aengus</anchor>), Riviera town (Vernazza), hike in England's Lake District (Catbells above Keswick), neighborhood pub in London (The Anglesea Arms), castle in North Wales (nope, I still can't pick just one)...and pedestrian market street in Paris (Rue Cler).
Dún Aonghasa – Ancient Stone Fort | Heritage Ireland
# Heritage Ireland

Aerial view of Dún Aonghasa

# Dún Aonghasa – Ancient Stone Fort

One of western Europe’s most magnificent stone forts

# Dún Aonghasa – Ancient Stone Fort

One of western Europe’s most magnificent stone forts

### On this page

### Dún Aonghasa visitor centre will close to the public from 16 August 2024 for refurbishment. Visitors can still access Dún Aonghasa via the path and OPW Guides are on duty on the site as usual. There is no charge to visit the site for the duration of these works. Temporary bathrooms are available on site. We hope to reopen the Visitor Centre with a brand new exhibition in March 2025

### Admission

Adult: €5.00

Group/Senior: €4.00

Child/Student: €3.00

Family: €13.00

Free admission when staying overnight on Inis Mór, in participating accommodation.

### Getting here

Cill Mhuirbhigh

Inis Mór

Aran Islands

Co. Galway

H91 YT20

# Dún Aonghasa – Ancient Stone Fort

Visitor Safety Information

Dún Aonghasa is about 1km from the Visitor Centre and is approached over rising ground. The last section of the path is over rough, natural rock and care is needed, especially when descending. Boots or strong walking shoes are recommended. There is no fence or barrier at the edge of the cliff.

Perilously perched on a sheer sea-cliff, Dún Aonghasa defiantly faces the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands.

The fort consists of three massive drystone defence walls. Outside them is a chevaux-de-frise – that is, a dense band of jagged, upright stones, thousands in number. A devastatingly effective way to impede intruders, the chevaux-de-frise surrounds the entire fort from cliff to cliff.

Dún Aonghasa is over 3,000 years old. Excavations have revealed significant evidence of prehistoric metalworking, as well as several houses and burials. The whole complex was refortified in AD 700–800.

The visit involves a short hike over rising ground and rough, natural rock, so come prepared with boots or strong walking shoes. Be careful, too, when walking near the cliff – there is no fence or barrier at the edge of the 87-metre drop.

## Gallery

## Opening Times

Open all Year.

Closed 24 – 30 December.

Average Length of Visit: 1 – 1.5 Hours

### Notice

Please note that Dún Aonghasa is a vulnerable site. Visitors are therefore asked to co-operate with our effort to protect this monument by not interfering with this site in any way.

Visitor safety information: The site is about 1km from the Visitor Centre and is approached over rising ground. The last section of the path is over rough, natural rock and care is needed, especially when descending.  Boots or strong walking shoes are recommended. There is no fence or barrier at the edge of the cliff.

### Seasonal Opening Times

January – March

09:30 – 16:00

April – October

09:30 – 18:00

November – December

09:30 – 16:00

Closed 24 – 30 December .

## Contact

Cill Mhuirbhigh

Inis Mór

Aran Islands

Co. Galway

H91 YT20

099 61008

## Getting Here

Located 7 km west of Cill Rónáin. Local ferry boat service from Ros a ‘Mhíl to Cill Rónáin. Air service from Indreabhán to Cill Éinne. Private tourist buses and bicycle hire available in Cill Rónáin.

Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions

FacilitiesRestrictions

## Facilities

- Bicycle Parking
- Café
- Card Accepted
- Exhibition
- Guided tours
- Interpretive exhibit
- Toilets

## Restrictions

- Dogs on lead
- Limited Access
- Stay back from edge
- Uneven walkways

## Nearby sites to visit

## You might also like



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