Rock of Dunamase
The Rock of Dunamase is a spectacular fortress ruin set on a hilltop midway between Portlaoise and Stradbally and just off the N80. There are plenty of smaller regional roads to use to cycle to it and avoid the N80 altogether.
The views from the top on a clear day are nothing short of spectacular with undulating hillocks and green fields and pastures as far as the eye can see. Entry if free and it is open to visit all year round. You may find that you have the entire hilltop all to yourself at times such is the sparsity of visitors particularly over winter.
It is recorded as a fortification in the 9th century (Dún Másc) and what remains today of the structure probably dates from the 12th century with modifications to it over the intervening period. It was destroyed in 1650 and later partially restored by subsequent inhabitants before finally falling into the impressive ruin that stands on the site today.
The fortress was part of the dowry of Aoife on her marriage to Strongbow (Richard de Clare). It then became an important Anglo Norman fortification. The actions of Aoife's father precipitated the subsequent Anglo Norman invasion of Ireland.
If you are cycling in the area it would be a shame to pass this antiquity without stopping to take in the views, it really is that impressive.
On a quiet day if no one is around it almost feels like stepping back in time.
There is a legend which tells of two Giants having a stone throwing contest on the Rock of Dunamase. The first Giants stone landed near Athy and as the second Giant hurled his stone he was laughing so much at his rivals puny effort that he dropped his stone mid throw and only got it as far as nearby Clopook where it rests today.
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