Dun Port na Callich

Dun Port na Callich is located in Mornish, sitting on a rocky knoll that is almost completely cut off from the mainland by two deep rocky inlets. This creates a natural “moat,” leaving only a narrow 20-meter strip of land for access. The dun takes full advantage of this, with the ruins of the main wall enclosing the irregular summit (20m by 10m). The walls are now reduced to tumbled ridges of stone, blending with the natural rock.

In addition to the main enclosure, the remains of an outwork wall can be seen running obliquely down the grassy slope. This would have provided an extra barrier for the landward approach, ensuring that anyone crossing the narrow neck of land could be engaged before reaching the summit. The name “Port na Callich” (Port of the Old Woman/Nun) adds a layer of local folklore to the site.

The site feels raw and exposed to the elements, offering a vivid impression of the harsh realities of Iron Age life. It is a site for those who enjoy reading the landscape, as the interplay between the natural sea inlets and the man-made defenses is the primary feature of interest.