The Rock of Dunamase is a superb 12th-century ruined castle built between the towns of Portlaoise and Stradbally. Considered one of the most imposing historic sites in the region, it was built on a rocky knoll overlooking the Slieve Bloom Mountains… All in all, a site not to be missed!
The Rock of Dunamase – © Piotr Machowczyk
Excavations carried out in the early 1990s showed that the rocky mound where the castle now stands was settled as early as the 9th century: a first fort was built and inhabited until 845, when the Vikings attacked the site and murdered the abbot of Terryglass.
The fort as we know it today was built in the 12th century and must have been commissioned by General Strongbow (other hypotheses suggest it was built for Meyler Fitzhenry). The fort passed through many hands, including that of William le Maréchal, an influential figure who later became regent of England during the minority of Henry III.
From 1247, the castle’s lands were divided between the 5 daughters of William the Marshal, and later belonged to the Mortimer family.
During Cromwell’s conquests of Ireland (1649-1651), the castle was destroyed so that it could not be used by the British. But in the 18th century, Sir John Parnell, a wealthy bourgeois of the time, decided to rebuild a banqueting hall in the ruins…
Unfortunately, this project was never completed, and the château has remained in its current state ever since.
The Fort is situated on a rocky knoll, offering breathtaking views of the Slieve Blooms mountains and surrounding area. Easy to get to, it’s free to visit and you’ll discover the beauty and authenticity of this medieval castle, now in ruins.
Here you can admire the beauty of the defensive structures, the perimeter walls, the watchtowers and the many sections of wall still standing, giving you an idea of the fort’s former structure before it was destroyed. And don’t miss its breathtaking vantage points, with panoramic views of a smaller, more recent church below in the valley.
And don’t miss the chance to photograph the Slieve Blooms Mountains, a deeply rugged mountain range facing the castle.
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