- Ballinakill: A charming village near the River Nore, Ballinakill features Mass Lough and proximity to Heywood Demesne’s landscaped gardens. Its outdoor swimming pool and archaeological heritage, including a historic mart, offer scenic and cultural appeal, ideal for angling and Ireland’s Ancient East tourism.
- Clonaslee: Located at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Clonaslee is a picturesque village along the Clodiagh and Gorragh Rivers. Its wide Main Street, historic cut-stone buildings, and proximity to Brittas Forest and Castlecuffe ruins provide stunning mountain views and hiking opportunities.
- Ballyroan: The youngest village in Laois (average age 34.1 years), Ballyroan lies in rolling countryside near Portlaoise. Its scenic heritage trail to Timahoe’s 12th-century Round Tower and proximity to the River Nore offer a tranquil setting for exploring Laois’s pastoral beauty.
- Timahoe: Known for its iconic 12th-century Round Tower and 7th-century monastic site, Timahoe is a serene village surrounded by lush farmland. Its proximity to the River Bauteogue and Slieve Bloom Mountains provides scenic walks and a glimpse into early Christian Ireland.
- Camross: A quaint village at the Slieve Bloom Mountains’ base, Camross features the restored Poet’s Cottage, a famine-era gem. Its scenic trails, Glenbarrow Waterfall, and mountain views make it a peaceful retreat for hikers and those seeking Ireland’s Ancient East heritage.
- Durrow: A Tidy Towns winner on the River Erkina, Durrow is surrounded by leafy woodlands and the Castle Durrow estate. Its Georgian charm, river walks, and proximity to the River Nore offer scenic beauty, with festivals like the Scarecrow Festival adding vibrancy.
- Emo: Home to the grand Emo Court and Gardens, Emo is a tranquil village near the Grand Canal. Its lush parklands, lake, and woodland walks provide a scenic escape, with the Slieve Bloom Mountains as a backdrop for heritage and nature lovers.
- Rathdowney: A historic market village near the River Erkina, Rathdowney offers scenic countryside and access to the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Its 18-hole golf course, traditional pubs, and proximity to Donaghmore’s Workhouse Museum add to its rural charm.
- Borris-in-Ossory: A rural village with a historic courthouse and Church of Ireland, Borris-in-Ossory sits near the N7, offering scenic views of the Slieve Bloom foothills. Its compact core and proximity to Monamonry’s Bronze Age stone circle make it a heritage-rich stop.
- Ballyfin: A hidden gem near the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Ballyfin is known for the luxurious Ballyfin Demesne estate. Its rolling hills, serene lake, and ancient woodlands offer breathtaking scenery, perfect for tranquil walks and exploring Laois’s natural beauty.
Villages
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
Towns
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
Awards
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.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
