A Colonsay headland looks over Tobar Fuar and Port Lobh from the earthwork of Dùn Galláin. The site is a promontory fort, a defended headland site using steep coastal ground as part of its protection.
The Gaelic name is translated as Fort of the Strangers. A battle between island inhabitants and invaders is recorded in tradition north of the fort at Traigh an Tobair Fhuair.
What follows is drawn from published sources, with each claim labelled by how firmly it is established.
History
Dùn Galláin is a promontory fort on Colonsay.
Its name is translated as Fort of the Strangers.
The fort overlooks the natural harbours of Tobar Fuar and Port Lobh.
A battle between island inhabitants and invaders is said to have taken place north of the fort at Traigh an Tobair Fhuair.
Connections
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Colonsay
Island setting of the promontory fort.
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Tobar Fuar and Port Lobh
Natural harbours overlooked by the fort.
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Traigh an Tobair Fhuair
Place north of the fort associated with a battle tradition.
What is said
Folklore and tradition, recorded as what is said — not as established fact.
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Battle by the cold-well shore
It is said that the source records a battle between island inhabitants and invaders north of Dùn Galláin. (tradition)
Plan your visit
- Location
- 56.0575°N · 6.2602°W
- Terrain
- Rough ground — reasonable boots advised
Opening & admission
Check locally before travelling
- The source identifies a promontory fort on Colonsay but gives no access details.
- Coastal headland ground may be uneven.
Nearby places
Questions people ask
- What is Dùn Galláin?
- It is a promontory fort, or defended headland site, on Colonsay.
- What does Dùn Galláin mean?
- The name is translated as Fort of the Strangers.
- What does it overlook?
- It overlooks the natural harbours of Tobar Fuar and Port Lobh.
Sources
Explore more: Building or ruins · Medieval · Argyll and Bute
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