Churches, Abbeys and Monasteries
Rock Of Dunamase
Contact
Portlaoise Tourist Office
James Fintan Lawlor Avenue
Portlaoise
Laois
Republic of Ireland
+353 57 8621178
The Rock of Dunamase is a popular historic attraction found overlooking the valley of the O’Moores, just outside Portlaoise, County Laoise. The significance of the site dates back to the early Christian period, when it was known as Dun Masc, or Masc’s Fort. The Vikings pillaged the settlement in 842. Later, in the 12th Century, Dunamase became an important Anglo Norman fortification and was part of Aoife’s dowry when she married Strongbow in 1170.
Despite the castle’s ruined state, visitors can get a sense of its former grandiosity and also have the opportunity to take in stunning views of the surrounding countryside.