Dún Aonghasa
One of western Europe’s most magnificent stone forts
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.
Dún Aonghasa
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.
Highlights

Gallery
Opening Times
Open all Year.
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
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
Facilities
- Bicycle Parking
- Café
- Exhibition
- Guided tours
- Interpretive exhibit
- Toilets
Restrictions
- Dogs on lead
- Limited Access
- Stay back from edge
- Uneven walkways
Nearby sites to visit
Dún Aonghasa
Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh, Connemara – Pearse’s Cottage
A cottage steeped in revolutionary history and Gaelic culture
Approx. 30.8 km from Dún Aonghasa
Aughnanure Castle
A historical gem in the heart of Connemara
Approx. 46.1 km from Dún Aonghasa
Scattery Island Centre
In the footsteps of St Senan
Approx. 59.4 km from Dún Aonghasa