Cliffs at Dun Aonghasa
I was proud of myself to have walked all the way to Dun Aonghasa on Inishmore Island. I know the hike is probably not considered long by any means but seeing as to how most people would be riding a bicycle or taking the tour bus to get here, I’d say that is quite an accomplishment. I was already under the impression that not a lot of people visit Inishmore but it turns out that they are concentrated in a few places, the most important one is Dun Aonghasa – a hilltop stone fort facing the Atlantic. This not a UNESCO World Hertiage site but I have a feeling that it would soon be.
Outside the Walls of Dun Aonghasa
The fort has been dated to 1500 BC and it is noted for its terraced walls. What is also remarkable about Dun Aonghasa is its scale. I was probably used to more modest stone forts that this one is probably the largest I have seen in Ireland. There are three layers of walls of different diameters. One side of the fort faces the Atlantic. There is evidence that people have lived within the walls of the Dun Aonghasa however archeologists are still not sure of the purpose of the structure. After all, why build such a large fort in such a remote island.
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