Brian Boru's Fort

Brian Boru's Fort is a circular earthen ringfort near Killaloe with banks that rise between 4 and 8 meters above ground level. The structure measures roughly 70 meters across and sits prominently within the landscape surrounding the River Shannon.

This fort was built between 500 and 1000 CE and served as a strategic control point for traffic along the Shannon. It was destroyed in 1116, marking the end of its role as a defensive structure.

Archaeological excavations in 1961 revealed multiple periods of occupation, with over 800 stone implements found in the surrounding area.

The fort sits roughly 1 mile north of Killaloe village and provides views across Lough Derg and the Shannon crossing point. The banks are easily accessible on foot and offer good vantage points for taking in the surrounding landscape.

Excavations in the 1960s revealed an earlier structure lying beneath what visitors see today, showing that the site was occupied in earlier periods. Archaeologists also discovered Viking-era coins from the 11th century, suggesting links to Norse trade or settlement.