Dún Aonghasa

The  visitor centre at Dún Aonghasa Stone Fort 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

Dúnfaidh Ionad Dún Aonghasa don phobal ar 16 Lúnasa le haghaidh obair athchóraithe. Beidh Dún Aonghasa é fhéin fós ar oscailt don phobal le linn an obair seo, agus beidh Treoirithe OPW ar dualgas ar an suíomh mar is iondúil. Beidh leithris sealadacha ar fáil ar an suíomh. Ní bheidh aon táille iontrála ag Dún Aonghasa fad is atá an obair ar siúl san Ionad. Tá súil againn go mbeidh an obair críochnaithe thart ar Márta 2025

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.