When was Dunamase castle built?
12th century
The castle was built in the second half of the 12th century. When the Normans arrived in Ireland in the late 12th century, Dunamase became the most important Hiberno-Norman fortification in Laois.
Who owns the Rock of Dunamase?
the Office of Public Works
It appears that these had originally been impaled along the battlements, most likely as a warning to other rebels and outlaws (Hodkinson 1995, 21). The Rock of Dunamase is now maintained by the Office of Public Works and is open to the public year round.
Who lived in the rock of Dunamase?
When Isabel, the daughter of Strongbow and Aoife, wed William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, Dunamase was part of her marriage portion. It is likely that Marshall carried out some building on the rock when he lived there between 1208 and 1213, though most of the castle is earlier.
What happened to the rock of Dunamase?
It was finally destroyed during the Cromwellian invasion in 1650. 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.
Who built the rock of Dunamase?
William Marshal the Elder
These outer fortifications were probably built between 1208-1210 by William Marshal the Elder, Lord of Leinster.
When was the rock of Dunamase attacked?
1320
These outer fortifications were probably built between 1208-1210 by William Marshal the Elder, Lord of Leinster. Around 1320, Dunamase was attacked and captured by local Gaelic forces under the command of Leysagh O’More. The castle appears to have been abandoned in the second half of the 14th century.
What is the county town of Laois?
Portlaoise
County Laois
| County Laois Contae Laoise | |
|---|---|
| Established | 1557 (as Queen’s County) |
| County town | Portlaoise |
| Government | |
| • Type | County Council |
Why is Laois called the Queens county?
In 1556, the town was named Maryborough and Laois renamed Queen’s County in honour of the English queen, Mary Tudor. The queen also issued orders for the plantation of Laois with English settlers. After Cromwell’s death, Laois became a refuge for outcasts and political refugees.
What is County Laois known for?
In Laois, the fortress on the Rock of Dunamase was part of the dowry of the Irish princess Aoife, who was given in marriage in 1170 to the Norman warrior Strongbow. Advancing Normans surveyed the county from wooden towers built on top of earthen mounds, known as mottes.
What is Laois nickname?
Laois – O’Moore county (also queen’s county) The common nickname is in fact queen’s county, but this is not too popular with the locals these days, so let’s just go with O’Moore County.
What is Dunamase Castle in Ireland?
Dunamase Castle. The Rock of Dunamase in County Laois is a very prominent outcrop. Standing at over 45 metres in height, the outcrop with its castle ruins totally dominates the surrounding countryside. Although the rock is said to be drawn on a map by the greek cartographer Ptolemy under the name “Dunum” in the 2nd century,…
What is the rock of Dunamase Laois?
The Rock of Dunamase is the spectacular hill that the Castle of Dunamase sits atop and overlooks the Valley of the O’Moores just outside Portlaoise in County Laois. The Rock of Dunamase Laois stands over 45 metres high and the castle ruins are silhouetted against the sky. Xyuandbeyond is reader-supported.
Is the rock of Dunamase still open to the public?
The Rock of Dunamase is now maintained by the Office of Public Works and is open to the public year round. Well worth a visit, there are magnificent views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the castle. I thought I knew alot about Ireland until I came to you website!
What is the history of Dunamase?
The earliest historical reference to Dunamase is in the annals of the four masters where it states that Dun Masc was plundered by the vikings in 843ADand the abbot of Terryglass was killed. When the Normans arrived in Ireland during the 12th century the rock was refortified with the great hall and the earlier gate tower surviving from this period.