Main Tourist Attractions Include :
Slieve
Bloom Environmental Mountain Park
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.
The Abbey Leix
Carpet Works
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.
The Sensory
Gardens
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 visitor.
Ballaghmore
Castle
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.
Gash Gardens
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
Ballyfin House
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.
Donaghmore Museum
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.
Heritage Sites
Emo Court House
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.
Interesting Tourist Shops
Abbey Leix Titanic
Carpets
Now you can
commission a rug or carpet in the only authentic
designs of the
once lost
Abbey Leix Titanic Carpets , under
the TIE~TANIC T label.
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. Sporting attractions
include fishing, hunting, shooting and golf.
The heritage of the County includes
one of the finest celtic fortificatoins in Ireland
- the Rock of Dunamase and numerous fine houses
of architectural merit. Visit the towns and villages
associated with the Quakers and Huguenots or
the waterfalls and valleys of the Slieve Bloom.
There are several gardens of note, angling, golf
and equestrian facilities for every level, and
for the outdoor walker both long and short walks
on which one can escape the stresses and rigour
of everyday life. The good humour and hospitality
offered by the people of Laois through the numerous
places to stay, places to eat and pubs in which
to enjoy the Irish traditional music and fun
will ensure you will have a wonderful visit to
the county.
