BSW4 - 12. Ardara fort

Nov 05, 2021, 11:01 AM

Speaker: Bart Whelan
From the Bluestack Way - Part 4 playlist.

The end of the Bluestack Way is at Ardara on the Atlantic coast on Loughros Bay. Ardara - Ard an Ratha (pronounced 'Ardra') means Hill of the Fort, named after the large ringfort situated above and overlooking the village. Located behind the national school at the top of the town, the ringfort is approx. 28km in diameter and enclosed by an earthen bank and ditch. it was probably home to a single family and dates from AD 500-800.
 
Our pictures show you the wall and gate to look out for to access the Ardara fort. Make your way over the gate and up the hill to see the fort.
 
There is an even more impressive ring fort a few miles away, just outside of Portnoo called Doon Fort.
 
Wondering what else to see in the area? Ask about any one of these wonderful sites: -
 
Iniskeel Island, St Connell's Church and two Cross Slabs; Narin's championship 18 hole Golf Course, Kilclooney Portal Dolman; Cloney Wood Forest walk; Massrock at Morganstown; Owenea Bridge standing stone (see POI 7), Ardara Fort at Hillhead, Evie Hone stained glass window, Drumbarron Hill scenic view, The Dorleens, Loughros Point, Maghera Caves, Assaranca falls near Maghera, Glengesh Pass and Ard an Amharc.