County Laois Ireland

County Laois

Set in the midst of the rural tranquility of the Irish midlands, County Laois offers the visitor a myriad of places to visit and things to do. Visit Emo Court & Demesne to the northeast of Portlaoise - built in 1790, the house is open to the public during the summer and its grounds have attractive lakeside walks.

Make sure to visit the towns and villages associated with the Quakers and Huguenots, the heritage town of Abbeyliex and the waterfalls and valleys of the Slieve Bloom mountains. Laois boasts several gardens of note as well as excellent angling, golf and equestrian facilities.

Portlaoise, County Laois

Portlaoise was originally established as the Fort of Maryborough in 1556 under the reign of Queen Mary, and many elements of its garrison past are still evident throughout the town. The old jail in Portlaoise town centre has been recently restored to create a multi-purpose arts centre, which regularly hosts a variety of cultural delights.

Just outside Portlaoise lies the Rock of Dunamaise, an ancient Celtic fortification that is reputed to have been mapped by Ptolemy in the 8th century. The view from the summit is spectacular and well worth the climb.

All towns in County Laois | Map of County Laois

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