Camping in Laois is limited and mostly small-scale or integrated with glamping, with few dedicated caravan parks. Options focus on rural tranquility, often on farms or near natural areas, with basic facilities for tents and caravans.
- Glenbarrow in the Slieve Bloom Mountains provides a rugged, remote spot for wilder camping or tent pitching near the River Barrow source, with looped walks and eco-friendly appeal in a scenic, less-developed area popular for hikers.
- Glamping Under the Stars near Cullenagh (close to Portlaoise) is the most prominent and award-winning site, offering a magical boutique experience with bell tents, wood cabins, shepherds’ huts, and quirky handcrafted lodges like the Sunset Lodge, set in wildflower meadows with campfires, BBQs, gardens, and family or hen party appeal (full site bookings for groups).
- The Ranch Cabin on farmland near the Laois-Kilkenny-Tipperary borders features a luxury cabin with hot tub, BBQ hut, and peaceful countryside walks, providing a serene, self-catering retreat.
- Making Tracks in Ballybrophy offers unique rustic cabins and horse-drawn wagon-style accommodations, blending charm with countryside immersion.
- Other notable options include various shepherds’ huts, pods, or cabins in rural settings, often highlighted for their peaceful locations near historic sites and mountains. There are smaller rural sites or tolerated wild camping in remote upland spots (with landowner permission advised), though no large-scale caravan parks dominate as in other counties.
Laois:
Laois offers a serene blend of historic sites and natural landscapes, with the Rock of Dunamase providing panoramic views from its ancient castle ruins. Emo Court’s elegant Georgian mansion and gardens offer a peaceful retreat, while the Slieve Bloom Mountains provide hiking trails through rolling hills. Laois is Ireland’s ninth smallest county by size (1,719 square km) and tenth smallest by population (91,877). Population peaked at 153,930 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 44,595 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Laois is Ireland’s 27th most visited tourist county with around 52,000 international visitors per year.
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