Some of the ruins at the Rock of Dunamase
We were way ahead of schedule on our drive. Portlaoise was just a few miles away and it was only 5 p.m. So, I started hearing the cries of "Isn't there anything else to see?" "Why, in fact there is.", I said. "According to the book, there is..." "Hey, what's that!?", my driver cried. He pointed to a huge ruined structure at the top of a hill. "Let's check it out!" After a quick u-turn and a drive up a narrow road, we arrived at the base of the Rock of Dunamase.
It's a short hike up the hill from the parking lot to the ruins themselves. There is a good trail leading up to the ruins. However, the ruins are surrounded with weeds. Hidden in the weeds are strands of barbed wire that was used to block off sections of the castle for archeological excavation. The wire has been trampled, so be careful when exploring.
There's not much left of the castle, however, the site is still very impressive. It's on one of the few hills in the area, so one can get very clear views of the surrounding countryside. Standing in the ruins while looking out across the fields gave me a sense of isolation that people who resided in the castle must have felt.
There's no charge to visit the ruins and they appear to be open at all times. They are also very few people there, probably because it's a difficult site to find. So, if you can find the way to it, you will be rewarded with interesting ruins and spectacular views.
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