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Heritage Ireland

Dún Aonghasa – Ancient Stone Fort

One of western Europe’s most magnificent stone forts

See all opening times

Dún Aonghasa – Ancient Stone Fort

One of western Europe’s most magnificent stone forts

See all opening times

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

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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.

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.

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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

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