Rock
of Dunamaise
Location: Rock
of Dunamase, Co. Laois
Rock
of Dunamase / Dun Masg |
| A dramatic 150ft rock
outcrop crowded by the ruined walls of Masg Castle or (Dun Masg)
soars above the low Laois countryside. Before the arrival of St.
Patrick in 432 AD, the rock and the surrounding land were th property
of the O'Moore clan chieftain Laois Ceannmor, who gave his name
to the area. One of the most ancient sites in Ireland, it was shown
by the greek geographer Ptolemy in his map of 140 AD. |
| The rock, veteran of
many battles, was an important fortification throught much of Ireland's
history. It was plundered by the Vikings in the 9th century, became
a norman stronghold in the 13th, was rebuilt by the O'Moore's in
the 15th and was finally destroyed by Cromwell's guns from the east
in the 17th century. |
| It is a short walk up
the hill to the stronghold, which is easily reached frm the rear.
The Castle remains are considerable, partly due to the thickness
of the walls. |
|