Welcome to Laois!
Laois is an inland county to the south-west of County Kildare. It forms part of the central plain of Ireland, though the Slieve Bloom Mountains (Highest point Arderin, 1,734 feet) are a prominent feature in the north-west of the county.
There is much interest and beauty in the quiet by-ways of this area, away from the main roads that lead from Dublin to Limerick and Cork.
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Information Laois Ireland
Laois is number 24 on the list of Ireland’s 32 counties both in area and population. It is therefore a small county, but there is plenty to do in Laois, and it has a surprisingly diverse and eclectic history in terms of the origins of the people who make up its populace.
It became a shire in 1556 under Queen Mary to become called Queen's County, only to have the name Laois bestowed on it following Ireland’s break from the UK in the early 1920s. Similarly, Mary gave Offaly the name King’s County (after her husband, Philip I of Spain) during the plantation of both counties. The county town of Maryborough, meanwhile, is today called Portlaoise. English settlers were not the only inhabitants that the native populace felt uncomfortable with. The O’Moores, a native clan of the area stripped of lands during the plantation by English settlers, made attacks on the garrisons and homesteads of the new arrivals. The plantations were not a success due in part to a shortage of tenants for the new landowners. French Huguenots settled in Laois in the 1690s. The Huguenots had served William of Orange in his successful endeavours to take the British throne. The county also had a large Quaker population, settling in Mountmellick and developing the area.
Some of the architecture of Laois pre-dates the history outlined above. Among the monasteries and other medieval Christian settlements you will find the Abbey at Aghaboe. Among its residents were St. Virgilius, known as Feargal or Farrell, and also known as “The Geometer”. He led a less than cloistered life, travelling widely. He is responsible for the building of the Cathedral at Salzburg, Austria, in 774 A.D and was made a saint in 1233.
Going back even earlier, the limestone structure of the Rock of Dunamase in the east of County Laois is worth a visit. In an account by Egyptian scientist Ptolemy, he may have been referring to the manmade fortification as long ago as 2,500 years ago. The fortification itself was built on an ideal piece of elevated land in purely defensive terms, whenever it was first created.
The Slieve Bloom Mountains in County Laois rise from the grasses to heathery summits, and the view from the top is something to behold.
Attractions Laois Ireland
Laois Tourist Attractions
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Ballaghmore Castle - Ballaghmore
Built in 1480 by the Gaelic Chieftain, MacGiollaphadraig, the castle was partially destroyed by the forces of Oliver Cromwell, during the times of the famous Laois-Offaly Plantations in 1647. In 1836 a Mr. Ely restored it, but he never lived in the castle. The castle, in its state of disuse after the death of Ely, was used as a granary. An interesting feature of the castle is the 'Sile-na-Gig' carved into one of the outside walls. It was used as a fertility symbol and also to ward off evil in Pagan times.
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Ballyfin House - Mountrath
Located six miles from Mountrath, Ballyfin House is a magnificent example of the type of architecture that went into some of the greatest houses in Ireland during the 1800's. It is also said to be the finest sandstone neo-classical house to be found in Ireland dating from that period. An architect, to the name of William Morrison, was involved in the designing of the original house in the late 1700's. When Sir Charles Coote bought the house and estate in 1812 he took to redesign and rebuild the original house with the architect, Richard Morrison.
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Donaghmore Museum - Portaloise
Located close to Portlaoise, Donaghmore museum is housed in a restored Workhouse originally built in the early 1850s. As a result of the great famine of 1845-1849, about 1200 people, or 10 percent of the population of the area, was forced to seek refuge here. The building acquired a new lease of life in 1924 when the Donaghmore Co-operative Society began operations. The original dormitories, a kitchen and a waiting hall are all authentically restored in the museum.
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Gash Gardens - Castletown
Located at Gash, Castletown, Portlaoise, this four acre garden provides a decorative home for many interesting and unusual plants. It incorporates a large rock garden with rare alpines, a heath garden, splendidly colourful herbaceous borders, rhododendrons and a collection of choice trees and shrubs. There is a moon house, small pools, waterfalls, meandering streams and a secret passage leading to a riverside walk. The Nursery and Plant Centre are open all year
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Slieve Bloom Environmental Mountain Park - Birr
In contrast with the surrounding plain, this modest 615m high mountain range appears imposing. Blanket bog, green forest with picnic and amenity areas, waterfalls, deep glens and peaceful villages make the area's 155,400 hectares an altogether delightful touring destination.
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The Abbey Leix Carpet Works - Abbeyleix
Re-live the story of Ireland's unique and world famous carpet factory at the Abbeyleix Heritage Centre where you can experience the authentic recreation of the factory's interior in the early 1900's. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll to the site of the old factory, on Main Street, Abbeyleix. (Bramley's Motor Works) The factory opened in 1904, employing local women and girls to make turkey knot carpets and rugs by the unique latch hook needle and workbench system.
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The Sensory Gardens - Abbeyleix
Located at Abbeyleix, The Sensory Gardens will appeal to everybody by the stimulation of the senses - vision, smell, touch, taste and sound. Set in the walled gardens of the Brigidine Convent, Abbey Sense Garden is the first of its kind in Ireland whose aim is to create a nursery specialising in fragrant plants. The garden provides a peaceful haven of spiritual and sensory nourishment and ultimately contemplation for the visito
Heritage Sites
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Emo Court House - Portaloise
Located close to Portlaoise, Emo Court was designed by the architect, James Gandon in 1790 for the first Earl of Portalington, and is a magnificent example of neo-classical style. Owned throughout the middle of this century by the Jesuits, it was then acquired and extensively restored by Mr Chomely Harrison in the 1960s. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland, first laid out in formal style in the 18th century. The house and gardens were taken into State ownership in 1994.
The Golf Courses Laois Ireland
Abbeyleix Golf Club
Heath Golf Club
Heritage Club
Mountrath Golf Club
Rathdowney Golf Club
