- Day 1: Start in Portlaoise, visiting the Laois County Museum. Have lunch with soda bread and soup. Explore the Rock of Dunamase in the afternoon.
- Day 2: Take a morning trip to Emo Court for a tour of its gardens and house. Spend the afternoon at the Slieve Bloom Mountains for a short hike.
- Day 3: Visit the Abbeyleix Heritage House for a morning tour. Explore the Donaghmore Workhouse Museum in the afternoon.
Couple
A couple might plan their three days around stately homes and serene gardens. On the first day, visit Emo Court to tour the neo-classical house and stroll the parklands with open lawns and lake views in peaceful surroundings.
The second day could include Heywood Gardens for a walk through the formal terraces, sunken garden, and lime tree avenues, followed by quiet time by the water features.
The third day, head to the Rock of Dunamase to explore the castle ruins and take in the wide views across the plains in calm conditions.
Family
A family can structure three days to suit everyone. The first day starts in the Slieve Bloom Mountains for family trails and open spaces that engage the children and appeal to the father’s outdoor preferences, with picnic spots and nearby cafés for the mother.
The second day heads to Timahoe Round Tower and surrounding areas for easy exploration of the ancient site and grounds that suit outdoor interests and provide play space for the children, plus village stops for the mother to sample local food and browse shops.
The third day includes the Grand Canal for gentle walks along the towpath or narrowboat options that keep the family active, with halts in Portarlington or nearby towns for the mother to enjoy regional treats and local stores.
Solo Traveller
A solo traveller can enjoy a calm three-day visit focused on personal pace and reflection. On the first day, begin at Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum to view the exhibits and grounds at leisure.
The second day follows to Aghaboe Abbey for a self-guided look at the monastic ruins in quiet surroundings.
The third day takes in Stradbally or similar areas for a drive to enjoy heritage sites and peaceful paths, perhaps combined with time at Ballintubbert Gardens for solitary garden exploration in serene conditions.
Itineraries
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
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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