Dún Aonghasa – Ancient Stone Fort

Dún Aonghasa – Ancient Stone Fort

Dún Aonghasa – Ancient Stone Fort
5
9:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 AM
About
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Dun Aonghasa is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands. It is enclosed by three massive dry-stone walls and a chevaux-de-frise consisting of blocks of limestone set vertically into the ground to deter attackers. Originally constructed c.1100BC, it was re-fortified around 700-800 AD. Excavations revealed significant evidence of prehistoric metalworking, as well as several burials. Visitor safety information: The fort is about 1km from the Visitors 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.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Trek20824962428
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ancient fort balanced at the western edge of island.d
    5000 year old iron age fort on edge of the eart. 20 min treck up a rocky path is worth it for stunning views. Best experienced on a sunny day. Watch the cliff edge.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 5, 2024
  • Eleanor R
    349 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Phenomenal views
    This was one of my favorite things we did on our trip. It's important to note that it is not an easy walk from the visitor's center. It's steep and very rocky but absolutely worth it for the phenomenal views. I would not recommend bringing small children as there are no railings or anything to prevent falling off the cliffs. This makes the view even better but is definitely worth noting.
    Hi BJonesEsq, Thanks for your review and we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your trip to Dún Aonghasa. I would like to point out however that Dún Aonghasa is safe for children, as long as they stay with their carers. Speaking from experience, I don't find it difficult to prevent my kids from falling off cliffs!
    Written May 26, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 16, 2024
  • W&Y
    Boulder, Colorado103 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A breathtaking view of Inishmore
    The hike to the fort is well worth your time. It took about 20 minutes to walk each way. Wear sturdy shoes (or sneakers at least) or bring hiking poles. Lots of rock on the path and you are going uphill to breathtaking views. The visitor center lobby has facts and the history of the place.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written June 21, 2024
  • Bronwen D
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth the visit!!
    Patricia was so informative. Really helpful and kind to us especially when we discussed photos of the Aran islands. Fabulous site to visit but very very windy. Take good care to stay away from the edge of the cliff. Do visit this ancient fort because it tells so much history of lives lived in the past. Worth the hilly walk.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 7, 2024
  • wild_scully
    Limerick, Ireland27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Breathtaking views! You forget about everything just to enjoy the views!
    Fantastic visit and were lucky with the weather (no rain!) Not overcrowded like Cliffs of Moher -so enjoyable, like a 'hidden' gem. It's a pity we didn't have much time as we were on a day trip to the island- definitely planning an overnight trip next time.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written August 4, 2024
  • Life2Travel
    Charlotte, North Carolina1,965 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is one thing everyone comes to see
    After departing the ferry, we took a red van for hire, look for Jackson! Such a great guy and he took us around the island, where he has lived all his life. Very reasonably priced, I wish there was a place to leave reviews for these drivers. Anyway, The fort was our first stop and he was determined to having us be the first group to arrive and we were. It is a rocky, uneven 20-30 minute walk each way from where the drivers let you off, so be prepared for that. Sturdy shoes also helpful, not a place for flip flops! The views alone are worth the hike there and back. It is also very windy so hold on to your hats. Parents with children, oh my don't let them wander near the edge, even people trying to take that perfect selfie..... On our way back, we did notice some people struggling with the walk, there is no place to sit and rest and it is further away than it looks. Thank you Jackson for getting us there early, we had no one in our pictures!
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 15, 2025
  • Sinead W
    Melbourne, Australia95 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Look for Patrick with the blue van for a great tour of the island!!!
    We hired a wonderful driver, Patrick (with the blue van!) on arrival at the ferry port in Kilronan on Inishmore, and he took 6 of us on a fabulous drive around the island, including a two hour stop at Dun Aonghasa Fort, as well as many other historical sites - one of our party was a big fan of the film Leap Year, with which Patrick was familiar and so we were also taken to sites from the film! Patrick regaled us with great stories of the island, and history and took us to the house used in the classic film Man of Aran (1934) so for film buffs he is a must-have driver!!! It was a magical day out and the 5 hours we spent in our little group just flew by. We had lunch in the village next to Dun Aonghasa and a hot toddy in an inn near the ferry before sailing back to Galway at 5pm.
    Visited January 2025
    Traveled with family
    Written January 19, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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V R
Salt Lake City, UT31 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
This is an ancient circle fort out on a cliff. There is a 3 Euro change to access the trail from a small museum about the site. The first part of the trail is a gravel path. This soon turns into a rocky climb. Its not a long trail but does require some balance and effort to get there. The views are spectacular. It is just amazing to be around something so old!
Written June 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lisa L
31 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
Phenomenal views. No fence, so be careful, but if you are adventurous lay down and peek over the side.

You can get there via bicycle, van tour, or horse driven carriage. We rode bikes, and though we made it, for those not in great shape it can be challenging. I would recommend the electric bikes for those concerned with physical condition, or those who just want an enjoyable ride.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michael B
New York, United States12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023
As part of our tour of Inishmore, we spent about 45 minutes visiting the ring fort. The visitor center staff were great, the toilets were clean (as they seemed to be wherever we traveled in Ireland), and the displays were informative and readable. The hike up and back combined with a bike tour was physically challenging, but it felt great to be working the muscles.
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TimRockhill
Benton Harbor, MI21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023
Dun Aonghasa was the whole reason for me to go to Inishmore. I have wanted to see this for years. It is very easy to get to with a broad clearly defined path leading up to it. They were constructing a new entrance for the main enclosure and so we could not go inside but we could get inside the two outer defensive walls. You can also, if you want to, go right up to the edge of the cliff, so watch your kids, and your husbands. One other thing worth noting: There are signs posted in several places that drones are not allowed.
Written April 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Timothy R, Thanks for your review and we are delighted you enjoyed your visit to Dún Aonghasa. Thank you as well for noting the signs regarding drones. We do not allow drones to be flown on site for the safety of visitors and staff alike. Drones ruin the peaceful atmosphere of Dún Aonghasa, and cause a distraction when we want people to be watching their footing as they cross the rough, cliff-top landscape.
Written May 25, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

McAlindens
Craigavon, UK41 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Family
Breathtaking views, we were able to get amazing photos. We went early in the morning which avoided the crowds on the walk up and down. Nice selection of shops at the base we met a very kind lady who had a knitting and painting shop, she was lovely to our son and gave him discounts of his purchases which made his day.
They badly need more catering places for the tourists at lunch time and parking for all the buses.
Written August 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

johnmM754OI
Chesterfield, MO790 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
This old fort is probably the highlight of a visit to Inis Mor. However, it is a fairly rugged climb to get up there, and a few euros to do it. The path up to it is gravel for about half way. But, the next part is rugged rocks, but doable. I used a walking pole, and was glad I had it. The views are breath taking, and the edge of the cliff is quite an adrenaline rush. Pictures don't do it justice. This old stone structure is dated back to 1100 BC! How in the world they could do this is unbelievable. As one might expect, it is very windy, and approaching the cliff's edge is very risky, although many people were doing it. A great and thrilling experience.
Written May 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

rupert0701
194 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Friends
Whether you really have to visit Aran Island is a question. Basically, there is only one reason: Dun Aenghus. And it's worth it.
After the almost hour-long ferry ride to the island, it's still a few kilometers to the gate. It's a bit far on foot. Renting a bike makes sense, or taking a taxi/bus. There are enough options at the harbor. The visit costs an entrance fee. You pay this at the gate where the souvenirs are also sold.
You can walk up to the fortress. It's neither very far nor very steep. Gravel path with steps. Not suitable for wheelchairs. About 1 km
The "fortress" is really impressive. The cliffs are even more impressive. Be careful: there are no barriers. If you're too brave, you'll fall down.....
Google
Written September 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lita L
99 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
We stayed the night on Inis Mor and took advantage of a bike hire (no eBike for us). It's an adventurous way to explore the island on your time. From the bike hire in Kilonan to the visitor center of Dun Aonghasa, allow 30 minutes. Park your bikes, then make the gradual ascent to the fort. The topography is rather desolate, rocks all around you. Yet once at the fort, you're met with amazing views of the Atlantic. I pondered, "How did the early settlers managed here?" It's such a remote setting. Time your visit right and you could have the fort all to yourself when it opens!
Written August 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JML02118
Boston, MA263 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021
It is a 30 minute roundtrip hike to the top. There is a carpark at the bottom where you can also lock your bike (which is a nice way to get around the island if you are day-tripping it or doing an overnight). The views are worth the hike! If you are going on a day trip, just make sure you have a nice day before going.
Written November 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sinead O
5 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Friends
So firstly, you need to realise this is a walk from the visitors centre, a good 15 minute walk at least....and it's not an easy walk if you have any mobility issues at all. Suitable footwear is necessary. Secondly, if you have kids with you .... hold them tightly by the hand as there are sheer drops and no warning of the same. The views are breathtaking and amazing but there are no staff or tour guides up there to tell you what to do in way of safety so, be careful.
Written June 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Dún Aonghasa – Ancient Stone Fort, Inishmore

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