The Castle is a lasting epically dramatic symbol of the strength and engraining skills of the Anglo-Norman lords who brutally Conquered vast areas of Ireland.
The magical Rock of Dunamase is a lasting and permanent reminder of the violence and ferocity that gripped Ireland’s past.
The Rock of Dunamase also brings the world of Medieval Romance to life, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of some of the medieval worlds most influential individuals.
This structure absorbs you and surrounds you in a world of history and brings the tales of past conquests and brutality to life engulfing you in the most violent and romantic tales of Ireland’s past, playing a central role in one of the Medieval worlds most epic love stories.
In our native language As Gailage (In Irish) Dunamase translates to Dun Masc, meaning the Fort of Masc.
The Rock of Dunamase is a legendary fortress strategically located high on a rugged and intimidating outcrop in the lush green heartland of Ireland in the county of Laois.
With panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, this was a perfectly positioned fortress protected by natural defensive features.
This magnificent structure would have been initially a native Irish hillfort and would have belonged to someone of extremely high status.
It’s position and development are attached to some of Ireland’s most significant historical legends. This legendary sight was also used as an Irish early Christian community.
It was a functional Ecclesial site for centuries and it would have been a prime target for raiding parties that were invading Ireland bringing this legendary site into a time of bloodshed and fear, subjected to the Viking invasions of Ireland.
The Rock of Dunamase was raided and plundered by the notorious Vikings in 842.
This was recorded by the monks who bore witness to the savage attacks that they were subjected to at this violent time in Ireland’s history. The Vikings had traveled from their seasonal settlement in Dublin and raided the well-protected Rock of Dunamase in 845AD.
The famous Abbot known as Terryglass, was murdered during these vicious raids by the feared and ruthless Vikings.
They would have plundered and killed all who crossed their paths, removing all forms of portable wealth from Christian sites.
The dawning of 10th and 11thCenturies saw the Rock of Dunamase intertwined with the legends of Ireland associated with the Kings of Ireland.
The most famous association with the Rock of Dunmase is dated to the 12th century and to the deposed King of Leiinster, and bringing or the Norman Conquest of Ireland.
Dermot McMurrough whose life choices affected an entire nations history and development for nearly 800 years.
Dermot is a controversial character from our past and made choices that would shape the history of Ireland. In his youth Dermot made many enemies.
He made enemies of some of Ireland’s most powerful provincial kings and eventually the High Kings of Ireland would turn on Dermot. Rory O’Connor would become the High King of Ireland and he deposed Dermot for a wrong he committed against his close friend and allies, Tiernan O’Rourke, King of the Kingdom of Breifne.
Dermot had kidnapped of run away with the wife of O’Rourke, taking with them her substantial dowry. The Rock of Dunamase was where Dermot and Dervogilla took refuge. This event is immortalized in the outstanding Ros Tapestry in the epic panel The Abduction of Dervogilla.
This event which lead to Dermot losing his Kingdom would lead Dermot to the Court of King Henry II of England asking for help to regain his lost lands, this help would come in the form of the Norman Marcher Lords from Wales, lead by the infamous Norman Lord, Richard De Clare, who is more commonly known as Strongbow.
The first Norman to start improvements to this site was Meiler Fitzhenry and later fell into the hands of the Earls of Thoumand. He led a short-lived resistance against the rule of William Marshal, who was the new Lord of Leinster. The Rock of Dunamase was a part of William Marshal’s massive defensive building projects that were carried out in Ireland.
Dermot McMurrough placed The Rock of Dunamase as part of the deal made with the Norman Lord Srongbow. Another part of this deal to help regain his lost lands was the hand of Dermot’s daughter Aoife in marriage to Strongbow.
This marriage took place in Waterford and when Dermot died Strongbow became Lord of Leinster and one of the most powerful Normans in Europe at this time.
Strongbow and Aoife went on to have 2 children but their daughter Isabel was the only child to survive. She went on to marry The Greatest Knight that ever lived William Marshal.
The Medieval Worlds most infamous knight lead a life that is like something from a movie, all his achievements reading like the lines of a Medieval Historical Fiction romance Novel.
William the 4thson of a minor noble made his name famous on the medieval tournament fields of Europe. He was famous for always keeping his word and maintaining a steadfast loyalty to those that he served.
From his beginnings as a tournament knight he went on to serve 4 Kings, as well as a King in waiting Henry the Younger.
The Marshal would become Regent of England in the Minority of King Henry III
King Henry II promised him the hand of Isabel De Clare and this promise was upheld by Richard the Lionheart.
William Married Isabel in London and despite their considerable age difference, they had a happy marriage and went on to have ten children together.
As part of their marriage The Marshal now became the Lord of Leinster and with his title so came The Rock of Dunamase The Marshal made a massive improvement to Dunamase, The remains of the defensive works that we see today can all be attributed to The Marshal.
Using the latest in Norman defensive building technology, The Rock of Dunamase became the most impenetrable fortress in Munster.
The Marshal performed massive building works wherever he went, and other sites include Kilkenny Castle and town walls Carlow Castle, Tintern Abbey, Hook Head Lighthouse and the establishment of the town of New Ross, County Wexford.
Upon his death in 1219 all lands were divided among the sons of Marshal. However none of the Marshal and Isabel’s sons had any children and all died young, hence all the Marshal lands and fortunes were deviled among their 5 daughters who carried on the Marshal line.
Dunamase went to Eva Marshal then passed on to her daughter Maud who was married to Roger Mortimer and the fortress stayed in their capable hands, until 1330 when a decedent of the original Mortimers was executed for Treason.
By the time the family were back in the favor of the crown, Dunamase had fallen into extreme disrepair.
The Rock of Dunamase was the property of the O’Mara family by the 16th Centaury.
The Castle played no part in The Cromwellian Wars.
In 1650 the Rock of Dunamase was brutally slighted, this was to prevent it from being used as a defensive structure ever again, leaving this former powerful structure a shadow of its former glory, however no matter how much damage was done the presence of The Marshals structure could still strike fear and awe into the hearts of all those who see it.
Sir John Parnell took possession of Dunamase in the 18th Century and ordered the construction of the magnificent and lavish banqueting hall within the heart of the ruins of this dramatic medieval structure.
An area so scared in Legends that when you visit this magnificent structure, you are overwhelmed with the sights and sounds. The past whispers thought the ruins and ancient stones that arranged together form this dramatic structure.
As you walk thought the ancient entrance, you cannot help but think and imagine that The Marshal and Isabel actually walked on the same ground that somehow you are in their presence.
This remarkable collection of ruins is still formidable. Its deep epic association with the medieval worlds most historic characters inspires you to learn more about their lives.
A blood soaked history that has survived the ravages of time and has survived throughout the ages against all the odds.
Image Credit – Rob Hurson