- The O’Moores of Leix: The ancient ruling family of Laois traced their descent from Conall Cearnach, the famous Ulster hero of the Red Branch Knights; Laoigheach Ceann Mór, a descendant, gave his name to the territory, with his brave son Lisagh continuing the lineage of valour.
- The Grey Horse of the Monasteries: In old times, an ancient grey horse named the Garrán Bán carried daily messages between the great monasteries of Aghaboe in Laois and Mona Incha in nearby Tipperary, serving the monks faithfully across the miles.
- Saint Fintan’s Choice of Clonenagh: Saint Fintan selected the site for his monastery at Clonenagh in Laois through divine guidance, establishing a renowned centre of learning and asceticism that drew scholars from across Ireland.
- The Fort of Laois and Its Name: Portlaoise derives its name from the massive fort built by the English in 1556, known as the Fort of Leix (or Laoighise), marking the plantation era in the region once ruled by the O’Moores.
- Saint Aengus the Culdee: Tradition in areas like Emo recounts the life of Saint Aengus the Culdee, a holy figure linked to early Christian sites in Laois, celebrated for his piety and contributions to monastic life.
Folklore
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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