Clan Rising
Rock of Dunamase today

Ireland · Ruin

Rock of Dunamase

Dunamase, or the Rock of Dunamase, is a rocky outcrop in County Laois topped by the medieval ruins of Dunamase Castle, a Hiberno-Norman defensive stronghold. The site commands a wide view across the surrounding plain toward the Slieve Bloom Mountains and today survives as an evocative ruined summit.

Photograph via Wikimedia Commons

Its prime

1200

Today

Ruin

As it stood in 1200

The shape it held in its prime.

Perched on a 46-metre rocky outcrop above a flat plain, the castle occupies the narrow summit as a compact sequence of grey limestone curtain walls, towers and linked enclosures following the ridge. In prime condition the masonry rose as continuous walls with regularly spaced narrow openings and larger arched passages, with terraced earthworks on the slopes below; timber roofs and battlements would have capped the towers and keep, the whole set against the plain and distant Slieve Bloom hills.

Step inside

7 places to explore in 1200.

The record describes 7 distinct spots at Rock of Dunamase — including 1 interior: inner courtyard on the summit. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and walk through every one — more scenes means more photos, more angles and more rooms of the immersive experience.

Approach from the plain (N80 roadside view)Lower terraces and slope pathsMain arched entrance through the curtainSummit battlements and wall-walkCentral ridge tower with large arched openingsInner courtyard on the summitView toward the Slieve Bloom Mountains

Create History

See Rock of Dunamase with the fires lit.

The artist rebuilds it as it stood in 1200 — a photoreal walk that belongs to you alone. Pay with coins, no subscription needed.

Recreate Castle to Explore →
All castles of Ireland · Castles of Europe · walk the finished reconstructions.