Laois is pronounced "leash". Created in 1556 by Mary I of England as Queen's County, Laois received its present Irish language name following the War of Irish Independence in 1922. The Fort Dunamare derives from Dun Masg, “the fort of Masg” which was granted to Strongbow in 1170 by Diarmait Mac Murchada, the King of Leinster as part of his daughter Aoife’s dowry.