Trip Planner:   Europe  /  Ireland  /  Province of Leinster  /  County Laois  /  Portlaoise  /  Rock of Dunamase

Rock of Dunamase, Portlaoise

4.8
#1 of 8 in Things to do in Portlaoise
Geologic Formation Nature / Park
Storm the castle at Rock of Dunamase, a fortress dating back to the 12th century and once pillaged by Vikings. The rock itself stands above a flat plain, which holds the castle ruins and offers picturesque views of the countryside. The structure has passed through many hands, including the Normans and local Irish lords, and local tradition says it was besieged and blown up by the Cromwellian generals in 1651. While there are no records of these events, it is probably the best explanation for the ruins you can explore today. Take care when navigating the castle, as some parts can be dangerous. Add Rock of Dunamase to your Portlaoise travel itinerary, and discover new vacation ideas by using our Portlaoise trip planning tool .
Create an itinerary including Rock of Dunamase
map
Rock of Dunamase Reviews
Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
342 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • August 16, 2017
    This spot is stunning - the views are incredible and the history is palpable. We went at sunset and it was beautiful and peaceful.  more »
  • August 16, 2017
    This ruined castle is a fantastic spot to visit, with amazing views of the surrounding areas and make for a wonderful set of ruins to explore. It could do with a bit more information - there is just o...  more »
  • August 16, 2017
    As you walk around this ruin, you can just imagine what it looked like in all its glory. Build on top of a high rock with only one side easily acessible, at one time it must have been easy to defend. ...  more »
View more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • June 9, 2017
    Great for young children. Short walk from carpark. Thankfully undeveloped. Nothing​commercial. Great views across Co Laois for such a low hill.
  • May 29, 2017
    Amazing and under appreciated We were just about the only people there, crazy as it's fantastic. Great history and great to walk amongst the ruins, like a movie scene
  • April 19, 2017
    Google the history of this castle. Off the tourist path- remarkable story tracing back to the last time Ireland was independent. Great picture spots.
  • June 12, 2017
    A very cool and unique experience to be able to explore the ruins of an ancient castle and it's free!
  • June 15, 2017
    Great slice of history in the midlands..worth the trek to the top for the fantastic view of the land.
View more on Google »

Plan your trip to Portlaoise

  • Get a personalized plan

    A complete day-by-day itinerary
    based on your preferences

  • Customize it

    Refine your plan. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules

  • Book it

    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off

  • Manage it

    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Best things to do in Portlaoise

©
Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum
Portlaoise
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Irish Fly Fishing And Game Shooting Museumu
Portlaoise
Visit for: 2​h
Midway Ireland Tours
Portlaoise
Visit for: 3​h
©
Kavanaghs Bar & Venue
Portlaoise
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
sally gardens
Portlaoise
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
Sheeran's The Village Inn
Portlaoise
Visit for: 2​h 30​min

Side trips from Portlaoise

©
Bru na Boinne
Donore
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
©
Wicklow Mountains National Park
Glendalough Village
Visit for: 8​h
©
Glendalough Monastic Settlement
Vale of Glendalough
Visit for: 4​h
©
Rock of Cashel
Cashel
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Trim Castle
Trim
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Castlecomer Discovery Park
Castlecomer
Visit for: 4​h
Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Where to stay in Portlaoise

©
Browse hotels, guesthouses, and unique homes and book your stay on the world's leading accommodation sites.
Live like a local, find unique places to stay
Millions of travel reviews on TripAdvisor

Plans in Portlaoise by other users

9 days in Ireland BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES January, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, historic sites, museums, slow & easy, hidden gems PREFERENCES: January, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Slow & easy 1 day in Portlaoise BY A USER FROM IRELAND August, hidden gems PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 1 day in Portlaoise BY A USER FROM IRELAND October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 3 days in Portlaoise BY A USER FROM IRELAND August, popular PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 1 day in Portlaoise BY A USER FROM IRELAND October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 29 days in Ireland BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES September, popular PREFERENCES: September ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 13 days in Ireland BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES September, popular PREFERENCES: September ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 18 days in Ireland BY A USER FROM QATAR August, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, popular PREFERENCES: August, outdoors, relaxing, beaches ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 12 days in Ireland BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES September, culture, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, museums, popular PREFERENCES: September, culture, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 3 days in Portlaoise BY A USER FROM SPAIN September, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, shopping, popular PREFERENCES: September, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 1 day in Portlaoise BY A USER FROM BELGIUM August, popular PREFERENCES: August ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 8 days in United Kingdom & Ireland BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA January, popular PREFERENCES: January ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium
View more plans