Rock of Dunamase

You really have to be from around here to care and not much effort has been put into making it much more than it is. I’d pass.

Im amazed with this place, not only for the amazing view, but with the imponence of the place, who ever built it made great use of the rocks to first make a fort and then a castle. It is not very well sign posted but with google maps or any gps you can get there easily, i particularly love country side along the road which is a great plus on the trip

For the last number of years we have been passing the big brown sign for the Rock Of Dunamase on the Laois stretch of the M7. And finally, on St Patricks Day 2014, we decided to stop and take a look. The day before we had been to see the Rock of Cashel, it was a weekend of Rocks!
Firstly and not surprisingly, after you leave the M7 at junction 16, it is not signposted very well. If you follow the signs to Carlow via the N80, you should get there OK as the turn off for the Rock is then well sign posted from the N80 itself. At least this was the case when we were heading northbound on the M7, perhaps its better signposted from junction 16 if you are heading southbound.
You pull up to an Anglican Church, where you can park, but the first thing that catches our attention are all the signs warning you not to leave valuables in your car. This is obviously a favourite spot for thieves, to have so many signs telling you so. Heed their warnings and keep all valuables on your person.
Finally the Rock of Dunamase itself! It’s impressive to look upon. And even more impressive at the top, amongst the ruins. The views of the surrounding country side is fantastic (and this was on a dull day). It’s well worth a visit, imagine what it would be like on a clear day?
A few things of note: it’s free to enter. There are gravelled foot paths up to the top, which is not far at all, but parts are quite steep. You should wear sensible shoes and be somewhat sturdy on your feet to make it to the top.