Hotel Near the Rock of Dunamase

There is evidence from early excavations in the 90’s that this site was first settled in the 9th century. The first known settlement on the rock was Dun Masc, or Masc’s Fort, an early Christian settlement that was pillaged in 842 by the Vikings.

When the Normans arrived in Ireland in the late 1100s, Dunamase became the most important Anglo-Norman fortification in Laois. In the late 1100s, Aoife, the daughter of Diarmuid Mac Murrough, King of Leinster, was given in marriage to the Norman conqueror Strongbow and Dunamase became the most important Anglo-Norman fortress in Laois.

The ownership of the castle has been passed on through marriage and inheritance many times, until just after 1330, when the castle appears to have passed into the hands of the O’Moore’s and been abandoned. Local tradition relates that the castle was besieged and blown up by the Cromwellian generals Hewson and Reynolds in 1651. While there are no contemporary records of these events, it may be the best explanation for the ruinous state of the castle today. In 1795, Sir John Parnell, chancellor of the Irish Parliament, attempted to develop a residence and banqueting hall at Dunamase. Many late medieval features, such as windows and doors, were taken from other ruins and added to the castle.

The Rock of Dunamase is now a state-owned cultural site. Archaeological excavations and conservation work by the Office of Public Works have ensured that the Rock of Dunamase will survive for future generations to enjoy.