Dún Aonghasa – Ancient Stone Fort

The fortress of Dun Aonghasa is one of the main attractions for people visiting Inis Mor. Located on the edge of a cliff, Dun Aonghasa is a semi-circular stone fort overlooking the daunting views of the Atlantic. It was given the official status of a world heritage site and is currently protected and managed by the Office of Public Works. A first-class visitor centre is nearby at Cill Mhuirbhigh (Kilmurvey Village).

Excavation findings

Excavations in the 1990s revealed that people lived on the hilltop from around 1500 BC, with the first walls and dwelling houses erected around 1100 BC. At that time, Dun Aonghasa was used by a group of people with a common ancestry for political, economic, and ritual purposes. Only the elite members of this group were allowed to live in the fort. It is still to be found out who Aongus is. The legend is that Aonghas belonged to a high-ranking dynasty that was displaced from its lands in Co. Meath in the early centuries AD. Some scholars believe that it might have been Aonghus Mac Natfraich. He was the King of Cashel in the 5th Century AD and had dynastic affiliations with Aran.

Dun Aonghasa was used from its construction to around 1000 AD when the last large rebuilding was undertaken. After 700 BC, the site's importance waned. It seems to have been inhabited only periodically over the following thousand years. In the early Medieval period (500 – 1000 AD), the fort was abandoned right after a major rebuilding programme was undertaken. In the 19th century, it became a National Monument and underwent extensive repairs soon after. The burial of the two young men may be related to that last construction work. After this, the fort was then abandoned. Today, it is the premier tourist attraction in Inis Mor.

Most tools used in everyday life (hammers, axes, whetstones, and quern stones) are made of rocks. Wool or leather along with bone pins were used for making clothing; the range of needle types found also showed that the Late Bronze Age people used various organic materials. All the objects such as rings, tools, beads and foodstuffs found on site are now in the National Museum Dublin.

Some findings suggest that the platform overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean may have had ritual significance. According to some scholars, the rock platform at the edge may have had a ritual or ceremonial function. The archaeologists revealed a hoard of four bronze rings beside it. The rights were intentionally buried, which suggests they were an offering to a deity. The opposite end of the inner enclosure is where a large hearth can be found. It is associated with communal feasting and casting bronze weapons and tools. Findings also indicate almost 8 tonnes of limpet shells.

Enclosures of the fort

The hillfort covers an area of 5.7 hectares. Three curvilinear walls divide its interior into an outer, middle, and inner enclosure. The fort could be approached from the north, and the main entrances through the outer and middle walls face this direction. Today, a breach in the outer wall serves as the entry point, but the original doorway can be seen at some distance to the right.

The structure is surrounded by a massive network of defensive stones, a Chevaux de Frise (c.700 BC). This broad band of closely set stone pillars is still difficult to negotiate. An additional stretch of wall runs along the west side, and when the fort was occupied, there was probably a ‘safety wall’ along the cliff edge.

The original doorway to the middle enclosure is about 50m to the right of the existing entrance. Due to the poor condition of the roof lintels, they are now blocked up. A wooden gate would have closed the entrance, and the sudden drop inside the threshold was likely designed to trip any unwanted visitors. The bodies of two young men were interred in the paved entrance around 1000 AD. No evidence suggests that they died violently. This ritual may have had Viking connections.

The inner enclosing wall was built in layers. Originally, it was 5m in width and about 6m high. The foundations could be stepped over rising ground. Ca. 6,500 tonnes of stone were used while constructing it. The interior terrace gave access to the wall top. A small chamber on the west side of the wall was arguably a place for storing precious or perishable goods.

Visitor Center

The Dun Aonghasa Visitor Center is located on the edge of Kilmurvey Craft Village. The village offers an eclectic mix of Irish Arts and crafts shops. Many visitors to the island browse through before entering Dun Aonghasa. It provides a wealth of information about Dun Aonghasa, the Cliffs, and the Aran Islands. It has several presentation outlets and informative educational materials that are set out in a very simple way. There are many educational and informative exhibitions, artefacts, and displays which will help explain what is about to be seen at the site. This blends nicely with the experience, and the friendly staff at the centre are always on hand to help you with any questions you may have. The site is a 900-meter walk from the visitors centre. over rough ground.

The fort is easily reached from the main town of Kilronan. The most popular way to reach the point is to cycle from the pier. The mix of attractions along the way makes this cycle a self-standing must-do activity. Daytrippers can hire bicycles at the pier on arrival and then cycle for 10 minutes up the road. Hiring a horse and trap is another option. 

Dun Aonghasa is one of the marvellous examples of Bronze Age fortresses. The landscape's natural features make a completely encircling wall unnecessary. That is why the defensive walls are semi-circular, cordoning off a part of the cliff. At the same time, if the walls were ever breached from the front, the inhabitants would have nowhere to escape! Therefore, some people question its real purpose in opposition to a more ritualistic sense. Visit Dun Aonghasa and decide for yourself!

• Entrance: 
  - Adults €2.00
  - Students €1.00
  - Seniors €1.25
  - Families€5.50
• Guided tours are available free of charge on request.