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It is a quirk of Ireland that we give majestic monuments unassuming names. Rising from a jagged misshapen outcrop, towering over fields of green that unfurl towards the horizon, the Rock of Dunamse in County Laois is one such place.
This is no ordinary rock. Pillaged by Vikings in 845, fought over by warriors and gifted by the King of Leinster, Diarmuid Mac Murrough, to the Norman chief Strongbow in 1170 as part of a dowry for his daughter Aoife, the Rock of Dunamase is a spectacular ruined fortress that has stood the test of time.
Today, this hidden gem – abandoned in the 14th century – is one of the most compelling places to visit in Ireland’s Ancient East. Walk the paths around the ruined fortress, be wowed by the commanding views over the low-lying fields of County Laois, and uncover the fort’s many stories and secrets.
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Rock of Dunamase, County Laois
Need to know
The Rock of Dunamase is open all year round and is free to enter.
There are paths around the Rock of Dunamase but the terrain can be rocky in places, and some of the paths are steep.
Limited parking is available at the site.
Emo Court
Emo Court House is an Irish historic house near Emo Village in County Laois. A long and colourful history has seen the house adapted and renovated; today the popular attraction has been restored to its former glory as a large neo-classical mansion.
Laois
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Abbeyleix Manor
One of the midland's leading hotels, the three star Great National Abbeyleix Manor Hotel offers a restful retreat and an ideal base to explore the hidden beauties of County Laois and central Ireland.
Laois
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Ballykilcavan Brewery
Find Ballykilcavan Brewery on a 13th-generation family farm. Take a guided tour around this lively Laois brewery and see how the ingredients are sourced from the land.
Laois
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Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum
This evocative museum is housed in a restored workhouse originally built in the midlands during the early 1850s. It is situated in Donaghmore, near Portlaoise off the M7.
Laois
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Stradbally Fayre
A hidden gem in the O'Moore County serving local food.
Laois
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Ballintubbert Gardens & House
Capture pure magic at Ballintubbert Gardens in County Laois through private experiences and expert workshops within a series of serenely beautiful Garden Rooms that have been developed since the 1850s to frame the main Georgian manor house.
Laois
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Abbeyleix Golf Club
Abbeyleix Golf Club in County Laoise boasts one of the most attractive layouts in the midlands. The par 72 course embodies all that the golfer requires for a satisfying, yet challenging round.
Laois
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Solas Eco Garden Centre
Solas Eco Garden Centre in Portarlington, County Laois, is Ireland's first eco garden centre. This eco friendly garden centre has a green ethos at its core and recycling is to be found all the way through, from its location through to the choice of materials it has used in its design and build.
Laois
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