Rock of Dunamase

A short distance from the towns of Portlaoise and Stradbally, in dramatic contrast to the surrounding countryside of most of County Laois, rises the Rock of Dunamase, probably the county’s most widely recognized heritage site.

The name Dunamase means “the fort of masg”. Historians believe that the site has been occupied from time before the pyramids and Newgrange, and it was known to sailing Phoenician traders as far back as the first century.

The “rock’s” natural attributes – in fact it is a 150-foot high limestone cliff – made it the perfect spot to erect a fortress. Indeed, a Celtic castle once crowned the summit of the rock. Dermott Mac Murrough, the King of Leinster, erected the first castle built here in 1250. Mac Murrough was said to have originally invited the Normans to Ireland. His daughter Aoife married Richard De Clare – better known as “Strongbow”, the leader of the Normans. The castle passed to Strongbow as part of the princess’s dowry, and he built it up into a massive fortification, parts of which remain standing.

From 1325 until 1609, the castle belonged to the O’Moore family of Laois, before ownership passed to the Earl of Thormond, Donal O’Brien. It was finally left in ruins by two Cromwellian colonels named Hewson and Reynolds in 1650.

A climb to the summit these days reveals broken, but still recognizable portions of walls and towers from the 12th century castle. You can also enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of the countryside, including both the beautiful Slieve Bloom and Wicklow Mountain ranges.

Getting There
The Rock of Dunamase lies just off the N80, about 9 kilometres north of Portlaoise.