Dún Dúchathair (The Black Fort) is one of the hidden gems of the Aran Islands in County Galway. Now almost teetering on the edge of a cliff after centuries of erosion, some interesting features remain.
Dún Dúchathair, on the south coast of Inis Mór on the Aran Islands in County Galway, is one of the two cliff forts on the island, the other being Dún Aonghasa. The 18 foot thick dry stone wall across the neck of the headland consists of three independent layers raised to different heights, forming terraces inside which are linked by flights of steps.
Inside the stone wall enclosure are the remains of clocháns that were used as dwellings. Outside are the remains of what are known as chevaux de frise, large stones set at differing angles in the ground. These were originally put in place to make it difficult for attackers approaching the fort.
