County Laois, in Ireland’s midlands, offers a refreshing mix of historic landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural attractions for travellers seeking a peaceful getaway. With its rolling hills, ancient ruins, and welcoming towns, this county provides a diverse range of experiences. From grand castles to scenic gardens and tranquil trails, Laois invites visitors to uncover its treasures at their own pace.
Rock of Dunamase, a dramatic hilltop ruin near Portlaoise, showcases a 12th-century fortress with sweeping views over the countryside. Visitors can climb the rocky paths to explore crumbling walls and towers, with information boards detailing its Anglo-Norman history. The site’s open landscape and quiet setting make it a perfect stop for history enthusiasts and photographers.
Emo Court, a neoclassical mansion near Emo, is surrounded by 100 hectares of parkland and formal gardens. Managed by the Office of Public Works, the house offers guided tours of its elegant interiors, featuring domed ceilings and antique furnishings. Visitors can wander the arboretum, stroll along the lake, and enjoy a tearoom, blending history with serene surroundings.
Heywood Gardens, near Ballinakill, is a 20-hectare estate designed by Edwin Lutyens, featuring formal lawns and a sunken garden. Visitors can explore geometric flowerbeds, a pergola, and woodland trails, with views of the surrounding hills. The gardens’ tranquil paths and picnic spots make them ideal for a relaxing day out for families and nature lovers.
Abbeyleix, a historic town, offers a glimpse into Laois’s heritage with its Georgian architecture and tree-lined streets. The Heritage House museum showcases local history through artefacts and exhibits, while the nearby Morrissey’s Pub, dating to 1775, provides a cosy spot for a pint. Visitors can stroll the town’s sensory garden or explore nearby bog trails for a peaceful experience.
Slieve Bloom Mountains, straddling Laois and Offaly, offer a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Trails like the Slieve Bloom Way wind through heather-clad hills, forests, and waterfalls, with viewpoints such as the Cut offering panoramic vistas. Visitors can enjoy guided walks or explore independently, spotting wildlife like red squirrels in the quiet landscapes.
Timahoe Round Tower, a 12th-century monastic site, stands 30 metres tall with a carved Romanesque doorway. Visitors can explore the tower and nearby church ruins, set in a serene village, with interpretive signs sharing its history. The surrounding fields and river walks create a calm setting for those seeking a historical retreat.
Castle Durrow, a 1716 manor turned country house, opens its gardens and select rooms to visitors. The 20-hectare estate features formal flowerbeds, a walled garden, and woodland trails. Visitors can enjoy afternoon tea in the elegant dining room or stroll the grounds, soaking in the estate’s graceful atmosphere and rural beauty.
Stradbally, a quaint town, is home to the Stradbally Woodland Railway, a narrow-gauge train offering short rides through scenic parkland. Visitors can explore the town’s 18th-century architecture, visit the local steam museum with vintage machinery, or walk nearby trails in the Cosby estate, blending family-friendly fun with history.
Donaghmore Workhouse Museum, near Rathdowney, preserves a 19th-century famine-era building. Guided tours detail the harsh lives of its former residents, with exhibits of original furnishings and tools. Visitors can explore the restored rooms and peaceful grounds, gaining insight into Ireland’s social history in a thought-provoking setting.
The Laois Garden Trail, linking several private and public gardens, offers a scenic way to explore the county’s horticultural side. Visitors can wander through estates like Gash Gardens, with its riverside beds, or Ballintubbert House, featuring rose gardens and orchards. The trail’s mix of formal and wild landscapes appeals to garden enthusiasts and casual walkers alike.
County Laois’s blend of historic ruins, lush parklands, and cultural sites creates a rewarding destination. Whether climbing ancient fortifications, strolling elegant gardens, or uncovering local history, travellers will find plenty to enjoy in this inviting corner of Ireland.
County Laois:
Ireland’s county 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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Things to do
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
