Rock of Dunamase

The name Dunamase originates from the Irish Dún Másc, meaning the Fort of Masc. It was once the fort of the Irish Kings of Laois. In 845 the dún was attacked by Vikings, however Dunamase became one of the most important Anglo-Norman fortifications in Ireland. In 1170, when Aoife, daughter of the King of Leinster Diarmuid Mac Murrough, married Strongbow, Dunamase was part of Aoife’s dowry. The ...