Big archeological dig at Rock of Dunamase starting ahead of new carpark

A large scale archeologicial survey is about to start on the Rock of Dunamaise in Laois, before a new visitor carpark and toilets are built for tourists later in 2025.

Archeological treasures could be about to be uncovered at the foot of the hilltop fortified castle ruins which date back to the medieval period. 

There is "high potential" for important finds at the site.  The Rock is believed to have been part of the dowry when Strongbow married Aoife, part of a famous painting in the National Gallery.  It is off the main road between Portlaoise and Stradbally.

Laois County Council has given a timeline, showing that the work could be all complete by the end of 2025.

Drawing of the carpark plan at the Rock of Dunamase.

"A Consultant Archaeologist has been appointed and will be undertaking extensive, detailed site excavation and investigations at the car park site, under license from the National Monuments Service over the Summer months.

"Construction of the car park will commence immediately after archaeological excavations have been completed and are expected to take approximately 4 months to complete.

"Funding of €1,797,894 has been approved under the EU Just Transition Fund for Laois County Council to construct a new car and bus park adjacent to the Rock of Dunamase.

"The project includes a new car park two bus parking bays, 40 car parking spaces and one disabled parking space. 

There will be "regularisation of parking" at the nearby Church of Ireland chapel, incl two disabled parking spaces.

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The local public road network will be enhanced. There will be interpretative signs for the Rock of Dunamase and accessible toilet facilities. 

The small carpark at the foot of the Rock of Dunamase was the scene of a road fatality of an American tourist in 2022, with a local man later convicted and imprisoned.