Cahercommaun

Cahercommaun is a triple-ringed stone fort in County Clare, with three concentric stone walls creating a fortified enclosure. The innermost wall sits atop a cliff edge, while the outer walls form broad rings of stacked stone that you can walk along and explore.

Archaeological work starting in 1934 uncovered ruins of stone buildings dating to the 9th century within the fort's walls. These findings showed the site functioned as a defended settlement that housed multiple families during the medieval period.

Archaeological discoveries at the site include a silver brooch from the 9th century, now displayed at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin.

The fort sits on uneven ground near the Burren landscape, so wear sturdy shoes with good grip when exploring the stone structures. Moving around the walls and over the terrain requires careful footing, especially when weather makes the stones slippery.

The inner wall contains chambers built into its thickness, suggesting residents used these spaces for storage or other purposes within the fortification. These recesses show how people adapted the structure to their practical needs during occupation.