Abbeyleix —County Laois

A fine planned estate town designated one of Ireland's heritage towns which are notable for the quality of their preserved historic buildings. Established by Viscount de Vesci, it is well laid out with fine town houses, public buildings and vernacular houses dating to different periods from the mid-eighteenth century. Perhaps most notable are the Market House (1906), Hibernian Bank (c. 1900), Catholic church (Hague, 1895), Church of Ireland church (Wyatt, rebuilt 1865) and Abbeyleix National School. The award-winning Heritage House Interpretive Centre is worth a visit. The picturesque Sexton's Cottage is also worth a visit. South-east of the town is Heywood Gardens with its lakes, woodlands and architectural features. Its formal gardens were designed by the world-famous Sir Edwin Luytens and were probably landscaped by Gertrude Jekyll. Open to visitors year round.