The Rock of Dunamase or it can also be called Dunamase Castle is situated between Carlow and Portlaoise on the N80 road or between Dublin and Limerick on the M7 road. If you find yourself on the either of these roads and you have time to kill, the Rock of Dunmase is perfectly situated to give you an opportunity to stop and stretch the legs.

We were driving down to walk the Glenbarrow Loop and waterfall in the Slieve Bloom mountains and we drove past the Rock of Dunamase. We both looked up at the ruins of the castle as we were passing and instantaneously decided that we were also going to visit one of the ancient easts historical sites. We quickly did a U-turn and drove down the side road off the N-80 and parked the car beside the small church opposite the Castle.

Admission and parking at the Rock of Dunamase

Admission to the Rock of Dunamase is free but car parking is limited and the car park space is more of a roadside than carpark. We arrived early on a Sunday morning and we were the only car there but after exploring for 1 hour, we came back and there were only a few car parking spaces left, so come early.

Our initial view while driving up the small lane to the castle was of this dominating hilltop Castle, which dates back to the 12th century. At the start of the Dunamase Rock walk, there was an information board with a plan of the castle in its former glory and loads information about the castle’s history.

Paths and walks around Dunamase

The ruins of the castle have a gravel path leading up through the middle of the external walled entrance gate. The path leads up toward the main castle which has loads of small alcoves and windows to explore. The Castle was built on top of a hill so there are 360-degree views when you reach the top (if the weather is good that is).

The Rock of Dunamase was a welcome distraction from our road trip to our weekend hiking destination. Try to get to the Dunamase castle early, we arrived at 10 am on a Sunday morning and we were the only people visiting the castle at the time.

Rock of Dunamase how to get there

Ireland uses an Eircode system to identify houses or buildings, there is a church beside the rock of Dunamase and its Eircode is R32E170. If you put the 6 digit code into google maps it will bring you straight to the church that sits right beside Dunamase Castle.

The Rock of Dunamase walk

If your looking for a long hike this is not the place for it. There is a nice casual looped walk around the ground of Dunamase Castle which could easily be done in 15-20 minutes. The walk around the rock does provide some great opportunities for some pictures and views of the Midlands landscape.

Would we recommend The rock of Dunamase?

We would highly recommend visiting the rock of Dunamase if you are passing, as it is steeped in history and is a very nice place off the beaten track.

Fun fact of Dunamase Castle

Also, here is a fun fact about the castle: Parts of Darby O Gill and the little people and Leap Year were filmed here.

Our visit to the castle ruins gave us a great start to our day of hiking around County Laois.

Other hikes and walks in Laois

The Glenbarrow Waterfall hike

Abbeyleix Bog Walk

Monicknew Forest Walk

Arderin Slieve Blooms

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Cahore Beach Cliff Walk location

Cahore is about 20 minutes south of Courtown. The village of Cahore is best known as a fishing and holiday destination.

The starting point of the Cahore walk

We started the cliff walk at the pier here. There was lots of parking when we arrived but it was a cold windy December day.

As we parked at the pier and we brought a buggy with us (there are steps at the start) we walked back up the road to the strand Cahore restaurant and started our walk beside the coffee shop.

About the Wexford Cliff Walk

• Very Good path over 2 meters wide and perfect for a buggy.

• The walk is 2.5km out and back

• There are Great views of the coast filled with wildlife, beach and Cahore beach

• No large drops, it’s relatively safe for small kids

• Food is available at the start/end. The kids loved being able to get hot chocolate at the end of the walk. We were too early for the Pizza :(

• Lots of parking on the pier and the Strand restaurant

• Beach section optional- You can walk down to the beach at the turn around point

• Loop walk option is also available

• Buggy Friendly- One of our children is 2 years old and is out of her hiking bag and the buggy but the buggy is still being used.

Would we recommend the Cahore Cliff walk?

Yes, this cliff walk is perfect for families, our children are 4 & 2 years old at the minute and they loved this walk. At the end of the walk, you can walk down to Cahore Beach or just return the way you came.

Our Instagram Reel of our Cliff walk

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