The Rock of Dunamase

The Rock of Dunamase was founded in the 12^th century on the site of an earlier 9^th century fort.  It passed into Anglo Norman possession upon the marriage of Aoife to Strongbow.  The Marshal family held it in the first half of the 13^th century, and then it passed to the Mortimers who held it into the mid 14^th century.  It then passed back into the Irish O’Moores and then fell into disuse shortly after.  The castle was slighted during the Cromwellian period and was partially restored at the end of the 18^th century.  The castle is approached through an outer barbican surrounded by rock cut ditches.  The arched outer gate leads into the inner barbican.  A barbican is the outer fortification of a city or castle.  Above this are the main gatehouse and the curtain wall, which surrounded the crown of the hill.  The curtain incorporates an early gate tower and a postern gate on the west side. The top of the hill is dominated by a massive hall. 

-According to a sign posted outside of the ruined area