- Dún Aengus
Dún Aengus ( _ga. Dún Aonghasa) is the most famous of several prehistoric forts on the
Aran Islands , of Co. Galway,Ireland . It is located onInishmore at the edge of an approximately 100 metre high cliff.A popular tourist attraction, Dún Aengus is an important archaeological site that also offers a spectacular view. It was built during the
Bronze Age and dates from 1,000 B.C. or before. It has been called "the most magnificent barbaric monument in Europe." [ [http://www.frommers.com/destinations/print-narrative.cfm?destID=226&catID=0226020843 George Petrie] ]The name "Dún Aengus" meaning "Fort of
Aengus " refers to the pre-Christian god of the same name described inIrish mythology .Form and function
The fort consists of a series of four concentric walls of
dry stone construction. Surviving stonework is four metres wide at some points. The original shape was presumably oval or D-shaped but part of the cliff and fort have since collapsed into the sea. Outside the third ring of walls lies a defensive system of stone slabs, known as a ‘Chevaux de frise ’, planted into the ground that is still largely well-preserved. These ruins also feature a huge rectangular stone slab, the function of which is unknown. Impressively large among prehistoric ruins, the outermost wall of Dún Aengus encloses an area of approximately 6 hectares (14 acres). 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 thedruid s, perhaps involving thebonfire s that could be seen from the mainland ofIreland . [ [http://www.emmedici.com/journeys/aran/eforti.htm Prehistoric Forts] ] The location also provides a view of as much as 120 km (75 mi) of coastline [ [http://www.csoonline.com/read/040105/fort.html Bronze Age Bastion] ] , which may have allowed for control over a coastal trading highway.Visitor notes
The walls of Dún Aengus have been rebuilt to a height of 6m and have wall walks, chambers, and flights of stairs. The restoration is easily distinguished from the original construction by the use of mortar. Exploring Dún Aengus requires a bit of climbing, and there is no rail at the edge of the cliff, so it may not be a good place to visit with small children or people with mobility problems. There is a small museum illustrating the history of the fort and its possible functions. Also in the vicinity is a
Neolithic tomb and a small heritage park featuring examples of a traditional thatched cottage and an illegal poteen distillery. [ [http://www.emmedici.com/journeys/aran/eforti.htm Prehistoric Forts] ]Neighboring sites
Dún Dúchatair (Black Fort), Dún Eoghanachta (Fort of the
Eóganachta ), and Dún Eochla are similar prehistoric sites on Inishmore. Dún Chonchúir (Fort ofConchobar ) is located on nearbyInishmaan .References
External links
* [http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2782858-action-imgsearch-dun_aonghasa_galway-i Images of Dun Aonghasa]
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
