An Dùn

Heritage Site in Argyllshire

Scotland

An Dùn

Kildalton High Cross Kildalton High Cross is one of the earliest crosses in Scotland dating from the second half of the eighth century.
Kildalton High Cross Credit: Andrew Wood

An Dùn, located in Argyllshire, Scotland, is a renowned heritage site that holds significant historical and cultural value. The name "An Dùn" translates to "The Fort" in Gaelic, which perfectly encapsulates its primary purpose.

This ancient fort, believed to have been built during the Iron Age, sits atop a prominent hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The fort's strategic location suggests its importance as a defensive stronghold, allowing its inhabitants to monitor and safeguard the territory.

An Dùn comprises a series of concentric stone walls, meticulously constructed using local materials. These walls, still remarkably intact, enclose a central courtyard and provide insight into the architectural prowess of the ancient builders. The fort's design incorporates intricate features like defensive ditches and gateways, further emphasizing its military significance.

Archaeological excavations at An Dùn have uncovered various artifacts, such as pottery fragments and tools, shedding light on the daily lives of the fort's inhabitants. These findings, along with the fort's structural remains, contribute to a deeper understanding of the region's ancient history.

Today, An Dùn stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Iron Age people who once inhabited this land. Visitors to the site can explore the fort's ruins, admire the stunning vistas, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Argyllshire. An Dùn serves as a valuable educational resource, allowing visitors to connect with Scotland's past and appreciate the enduring legacy of its ancient civilizations.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

An Dùn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.682/-6.017 or Grid Reference NR4750. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Kildalton High Cross Kildalton High Cross is one of the earliest crosses in Scotland dating from the second half of the eighth century.
Kildalton High Cross
Kildalton High Cross is one of the earliest crosses in Scotland dating from the second half of the eighth century.
Thief's Cross A cross in an enclosure to the north of Kildalton Church. much later in origin than the high cross this one is in unconsecrated ground and rumour had it as a thief's grave marker.
Thief's Cross
A cross in an enclosure to the north of Kildalton Church. much later in origin than the high cross this one is in unconsecrated ground and rumour had it as a thief's grave marker.
Kildalton Church The roofless ruin of Kildalton. The church has been here from probably the late 12th century.
Kildalton Church
The roofless ruin of Kildalton. The church has been here from probably the late 12th century.
One of the Kildalton Crosses Two ancient stone crosses found at this small church that has fallen into disrepair.
One of the Kildalton Crosses
Two ancient stone crosses found at this small church that has fallen into disrepair.
Carved grave stones These very old grave stones have images on them. One at least is knight in armour with a sword.
Carved grave stones
These very old grave stones have images on them. One at least is knight in armour with a sword.
Kildalton Church and Cross Kildalton Cross is one of the finest early Christian crosses in Scotland, the High Cross of Kildalton, is closely related to three major crosses in Iona, St John's, St Martin's and St Oran's and dates from the second half of the 8th century. The cross stands 2.65 metres in height, with arms 1.32 metres across.
Kildalton Church and Cross
Kildalton Cross is one of the finest early Christian crosses in Scotland, the High Cross of Kildalton, is closely related to three major crosses in Iona, St John's, St Martin's and St Oran's and dates from the second half of the 8th century. The cross stands 2.65 metres in height, with arms 1.32 metres across.
'The Thief's Cross' Outside the wall of the Kildalton churchyard stands a simple late-medieval cross possibly erected by some dignitary (while still alive) as a place for private prayer and for his own salvation. However, because this cross stands in non-consecrated ground, the story has evolved that it is the grave of a criminal and it has been nicknamed 'The Thief's Cross'. <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.islayinfo.com/islay_kildalton_cross.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.islayinfo.com/islay_kildalton_cross.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
'The Thief's Cross'
Outside the wall of the Kildalton churchyard stands a simple late-medieval cross possibly erected by some dignitary (while still alive) as a place for private prayer and for his own salvation. However, because this cross stands in non-consecrated ground, the story has evolved that it is the grave of a criminal and it has been nicknamed 'The Thief's Cross'. LinkExternal link
Yellow Irises  Beside the track to Ardmore.
Yellow Irises
Beside the track to Ardmore.
Maidenhair Spleenwort Asplenium trichomanes growing on the south face of the north wall of Kildalton Churchyard.
Maidenhair Spleenwort
Asplenium trichomanes growing on the south face of the north wall of Kildalton Churchyard.
Kildalton Great Cross Described as one of the finest Early Christian crosses in Britain. It probably dates from the second half of the 8th century. It is 2.65m high with arms 1.32m across, and is carved from a single block of local stone. For more information see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/251204/islay-kildalton-chapel-burial-ground-kildalton-great-cross" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/251204/islay-kildalton-chapel-burial-ground-kildalton-great-cross">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> . For the reverse see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5783377">NR4550 : Kildalton Great Cross</a>.
Kildalton Great Cross
Described as one of the finest Early Christian crosses in Britain. It probably dates from the second half of the 8th century. It is 2.65m high with arms 1.32m across, and is carved from a single block of local stone. For more information see LinkExternal link . For the reverse see NR4550 : Kildalton Great Cross.
Kildalton Great Cross The reverse side. Described as one of the finest Early Christian crosses in Britain. It probably dates from the second half of the 8th century. It is 2.65m high with arms 1.32m across, and is carved from a single block of local stone. For more information see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/251204/islay-kildalton-chapel-burial-ground-kildalton-great-cross" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/251204/islay-kildalton-chapel-burial-ground-kildalton-great-cross">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> .
Kildalton Great Cross
The reverse side. Described as one of the finest Early Christian crosses in Britain. It probably dates from the second half of the 8th century. It is 2.65m high with arms 1.32m across, and is carved from a single block of local stone. For more information see LinkExternal link .
Pasture between Kintour and Aros With patches of rush and woodland.
Pasture between Kintour and Aros
With patches of rush and woodland.
Oaks at Ardmore On a slight rise in rocky grassland.
Oaks at Ardmore
On a slight rise in rocky grassland.
Oak woodland on a rocky knoll By the road to Ardmore.
Oak woodland on a rocky knoll
By the road to Ardmore.
Rough pasture at Aros House Looking south
Rough pasture at Aros House
Looking south
Track to Aros Bay
Track to Aros Bay
The Kildalton High Cross Information board in Kildalton Churchyard. Described as one of the finest Early Christian crosses in Britain. It probably dates from the second half of the 8th century.
The Kildalton High Cross
Information board in Kildalton Churchyard. Described as one of the finest Early Christian crosses in Britain. It probably dates from the second half of the 8th century.
Kildalton High Cross Detail of the carving. Described as one of the finest Early Christian crosses in Britain. It probably dates from the second half of the 8th century.
Kildalton High Cross
Detail of the carving. Described as one of the finest Early Christian crosses in Britain. It probably dates from the second half of the 8th century.
Show me another place!

An Dùn is located at Grid Ref: NR4750 (Lat: 55.682, Lng: -6.017)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///ulterior.prowling.cunning. Near Port Ellen, Argyll & Bute

Related Wikis

Kildalton Cross

The Kildalton Cross is a monolithic high cross in Celtic cross form in the churchyard of the former parish church of Kildalton (from Scottish Gaelic Cill...

Aros Bay

Aros Bay is an embayment of ocean waters near the southeast of Islay, Scotland. == See also == Claggain Bay == Line notes == == References == Alexander...

Claggain Bay

Claggain Bay is an inlet on the southeast of Islay, Scotland. A well known walking path follows near to Claggain Bay and continues to Ardtalla. == See... ==

Ardtalla

Ardtalla (Scottish Gaelic: 'Àird Talla') is a place name and estate in the southeast coastal area of Islay, Scotland. The name derives from Gaelic Àird...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.682,-6.017
Port na Cille
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 55.6814377/-6.0232973
Ardmore Point
Natural: cape
Lat/Long: 55.6847161/-6.0205507
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to An Dùn?

Leave your review of An Dùn below (or comments, questions and feedback).