One of Ireland's largest and best-preserved ringforts — a mortar-free stone giant perched at the head of a wild Kerry valley with sweeping views to Kenmare Bay.
Climb the ten sets of X-shaped staircases built into the inner wall face. They lead up to narrow platforms where defenders once stood, and the top offers a thrilling perspective on the fort's 5.5m-high, 4m-thick drystone walls.
Two hidden chambers are tucked inside the massive walls. The north-western chamber has a corbelled roof you can stand up in; the southern one is lower and tighter — a squeeze for the claustrophobic but a highlight for adventurous visitors.
The 1.8m-high entrance passage is roofed with enormous double lintels and funnels you from the outer world into the 27m-diameter interior — a space that once teemed with houses, animals, and the household of a local chieftain.
The fort commands a stunning view down the Staigue river valley to Kenmare Bay on the Atlantic. The surrounding hills form a natural amphitheatre — especially beautiful in late summer when fuchsia hedgerows line the approach path.
Before or after your visit, explore the Voices from the Dawn VR tour online. Interactive 360° hotspots let you move through the entrance, climb the steps, and examine every corner of the fort from home.
Load the interactive map to explore this place location.
