Which island is home to the prehistoric cliff fort of Dún Aonghasa?
Aran Islands
Dún Aonghasa (Unofficial anglicised version Dun Aengus) is the best-known of several prehistoric hill forts on the Aran Islands of County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It lies on Inis Mór, at the edge of a 100-metre-high (330 ft) cliff….Dún Aonghasa.
| History | |
|---|---|
| Public access | yes |
| National Monument of Ireland | |
| Reference no. | 23 |
What did Dun Aonghasa look like?
Dún Aonghasa (its name is sometimes semi-anglified as Dun Aengus) is the most extraordinary place. A massive and tall semicircular wall of local limestone rubble defines a small piece of flat ground, set on a vertical cliff-edge, 100 metres (330 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean. The drop is beyond sheer: it’s an overhang.
What was Dun Aengus used for?
Although clearly defensible, the particular location of Dún Aengus suggests that its primary purpose was religious and ceremonial rather than military. It may have been used for seasonal rites by the druids, perhaps involving the bonfires that could be seen from the mainland of Ireland.
How old is DÚN Aonghasa?
3,000 years old
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.
How do I get to Dun Aengus?
Visitors to Dun Aonghasa can decide for themselves! The fort is easily reached from the main town of Kilronan by bicycle. Daytrippers to the island can hire bicycles at the pier on arrival, and then cycle for 10 minutes up the road to reach the fort.
Who lived on Dun Aengus?
In Medieval times, people on the Aran Islands lived in “chiefdoms” – the largest example of this is the hillfort at Dun Aonghasa ( Dun Aengus ) on Inis Mor. This spectacular fort stands on the highest point of the cliffs on Inis Mor (87m or almost 300 ft). The word “Dun” means “fort of a king or chieftain”.
How do I get to poll bPeist?
You’ll find Poll na bPeist around 1.6km south of the magnificent cliffside fort of Dun Aonghasa, on the west side of Inis Mór Island.
Where is Inishbofin Ireland?
County Galway
Location. Inishbofin Island is situated off the coast of Connemara, in the west of County Galway, Ireland. To get to Inishbofin, you must take the ferry from Cleggan pier, located northwest of Clifden. The ferry leaves Cleggan pier three times a day during peak times and twice a day during the off peak times.
How do I get to Dun Aonghasa?
What is Dun Aonghasa?
Located on the 300ft cliff side or south side of Inismór, It is a semi circular stone fort over looking the Atlantic with daunting and dramatic views that stretch the length of the Island. Dun Aonghasa is deemed to be one of the best examples of its kind in Europe.
Where is the Dun Aonghasa visitor center?
The Dun Aonghasa Visitor Center is located on the edge of Kilmurvey Craft Village and provides a wealth of information about Dun Aonghasa, the Cliffs, and The Aran Islands in general.
Is Dun Aonghasa The most barbaric monument in Europe?
Dun Aonghasa, which has been given the description as “the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe” stands at the edge of a 100 metre high cliff on the largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mór. This amazing site is over 300o years old!
What is dundun Aonghusa known for?
Dun Aonghusa is the best-known of several prehistoric hill forts on the Aran Islands. It sits at the edge of a 330 ft. cliff. It is a popular tourist attraction as well is an important archaeological site. It is believed that the first construction goes… More.