Saints and Stones: Dun Eoghanachta
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Dun Eoghanachta (pronounced "Onacht"), one of several stone forts on the Aran Islands, is most interesting for the remains of the clochan (beehive huts) that it encloses. A circular fort with a rather complete structure, it was partially reconstructed in the late 19th Century. The fort takes its name from the Eoghanacht tribe of Munster who were associated with the island in medieval times. The exact date of its construction are not known, but it is probably Iron Age. One observer has dated it to the 5th Century.

Almost 90 feet in diameter, it has 16 foot high walls that are over 12 feet thick. Its walls have stairs in several places. Excavations in 1995 found deposits that revealed remains of hearths, animal, and shell remains, and some iron objects.

About Dun Eoghanachta

Megalithic Portal: Dun Eoghanachta
The Aran Islands: Dun Eoghanachta

Journey to Dun Eoghanachta

Dun Eoghanachta is situated almost a mile northwest of Dun Aengus in the townland of Eoghanacht south of the village of Sruthán in the western part of the Aran Island of Inishmore, County Galway, Ireland, which is visited by boat or air from near Galway or by boat from Doolin.

Map Reference: L812114

Visitors Information

Visitors information for Dun Eoghanachta may be found at the geograph.ie website. General tourist information may be found at the Visit Aran Islands website.

Additional Photos of Dun Eoghanachta

Road Sign for Dun Eoghanachta
Approaching Dun Eoghanachta
Exterior Wall of Dun Eoghanachta
Entrance to Dun Eoghanachta
Interior of Dun Eoghanachta Showing Best-Preserved Clochan (Beehive Hut)
Interior of Clochan (Beehive Hut), Dun Eoghanachta
Second of Three Clochan (Beehive Huts), Dun Eoghanachta
Third of Three Clochan (Beehive Huts), Dun Eoghanachta
Interior Wall of Dun Eoghanachta
Clochan (beehive hut) Near Dun Eoghanachta
Dun Eoghanachta from Afar


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