Dunamase Castle
Midlands Ireland | County Laois
Dunamase Castle or "Rock of Dunamase" (county Laois) - the ruins of the Anglo-Norman defensive stronghold from the 12th century built on the site of early-medieval fort "Dun Masc". Probably was built by Meyler Fitzhenry, to whom they were granted the lands of the county laois after the Norman invasion(there is also a hypothesis that was built by William Marshall, Lord of Leinster, who held Laois after Meyler). The Marshal family held Dunamase until the mid - 13th century. After marriage William Marshal's granddaughter with Roger Mortimer Dunamase passed into the possession of the Mortimers family . Since the 29th of November 1330 when Roger Mortimer was executed for treason by order of Edward III, castle probably several times changed the owner ending in the possession of the Irish O'Mores, who are credited with the destruction of the castle in the mid - 14th century (there is also a hypothesis, that Dunamase was blown up by the Cromwellian generals Hewson and Reynolds in 1651). At the end of the 18th century Sir John Parnell is trying to revive the Dunamase Castle. He starts to rebuild the banquet hall, with its medieval elements (which came from the ruins of the nearby castles), but after his death buildings fell into decay. Still impressive remains of battlements and buildings situated on a hilltop with stunning views over the plains of Laois, making this place worth a visit.
- OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS :
- Freely accessible
- CAR PARK :
- Roadside
Photos from Dunamase Castle
