Dun Aengus

Dun Aengus is a prehistoric fort on Inishmore, ringed by four concentric walls built from stacked stone without mortar. The site rises toward a cliff edge, with stone structures arranged across different levels and openings that face toward the sea.

The fort developed gradually over time, with its walls built and rebuilt through different periods of occupation. The structure shows evidence of various construction phases and improvements made to its defensive system.

The name comes from a pre-Christian god, and the structure shows signs of being a place for religious gatherings. Visitors can see how carefully the stone walls were built, reflecting the importance this location held for early inhabitants.

The site is accessible via a path from the visitor center and is located on an island served by regular ferry connections from the mainland. Wear sturdy shoes and prepare for changing wind and wet conditions common to coastal exposed locations.

Between the walls lies a field of sharp stones planted vertically into the ground, which served as a defensive barrier. This unusual defense method was rarely used at other fortifications from this era and region.

Location: County Galway

Accessibility: Inaccessible en fauteuil roulant

Made from material: stone

Website: https://heritageireland.ie/visit/places-to-visit/dun-aonghasa

GPS coordinates: 53.12591,-9.76636

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:25