Rock of Dunamase

This 12th-century castle ruin is set on a dramatic 150-foot-high limestone outcrop called the Rock of Dunamase. It was used as a military stronghold going back almost 2,000 years.

The view from here is spectacular.

Viking, Normans, Irish and English have fought over it in turn.

In the 12th-century, Diarmund MacMurrough, king of Leinster, built this castle.

Some of the thick walls still stand.

Herb Robert, a plant we also see in the Toronto area, was growing in many places in cracks in the stone.

This still used Church of Ireland church stands at the base of the hill.

Miles Hearn