Laois
With a multitude of activities and a rich, mythological past, Laois is the place to be.
Activities
Try your hand at bowls or swing out on one of Laois’s seven golf courses
Bowls Green Stadium, Heritage Golf and Country Club, Killenard
The Heritage boasts the only indoor bowls stadium in the Republic of Ireland.
Cruising
Both the Grand Canal and the River Barrow make Laois an ideal place to cruise the waters.
Golf
Golfers will be spoiled for choice in Laois as there are seven golf courses to choose from, and all are within a short drive of each other.
See more highlightsHeywood Gardens, Ballinakill
These lovely gardens were completed in 1912 and encompass lakes, woodland and architectural features as well as beautiful formal gardens, which form the centerpiece.
Walking
County Laois has a whopping 480km of “off road” walking routes making it an ideal place to enjoy a walking holiday whether you’re after a short stroll or a longer hike. The Laois Walks Festival is a great way to try out different routes in the company of like-minded folk! The Slieve Bloom Walking Festival is also a highlight of the year.
Children
From ghost stories to learning the art of Western-style horse riding.
Roll ‘n’ Bowl, Portlaoise
As well as state-of-the-art 10-pin bowling, this entertainment center has a Farmyard Soft Play Area for toddlers and a Pirates Adventure Land for five-to-12-year-olds.
Slieve Bloom Storytelling Festival
Rediscover the delight of storytelling with this festival that celebrates the Slieve Blooms’ rich oral tradition with tales of invasions, plantations, rebellion, fairy lore and ghost stories.
Western Style Ranch, Timahoe
Learn the art of Western-style horse riding, or trek through the scenic Fossey Mountain area.
Culture & Festivals
Hip festivals and smooth tunes throughout the year
Electric Picnic, Stradbally Estate
A “boutique music festival” with acts from all over the world, comedians and a chilled-out vibe
Smithwicks Erkina Festival, Rathdowney
There are 32 events held over five days with lots of children’s entertainment and fun, two outdoor heritage pageants, and a six-hour open-air concert.
Eating, Drinking & Luxury
Chill out in one of Ireland’s best-loved pubs and kick back in a chic country house.
Castle Durrow, Durrow, Laois
This beautiful 18th century house has been beautifully restored by its owners Peter and Shelly Stokes, and now offers luxurious accommodation and excellent cuisine.
Ivyleigh House, Portlaoise, County Laois
This superb hotel has been recently refurbished and is widely regarded for its ambience, luxury and unique home-cooked breakfasts.
Morrisey’s, Abbeyleix
Adored by those in desperate need of a break in the drive from Dublin to Cork, or vice versa, Morrisey’s is more than just a place to grab a sandwich mid-journey. It’s one of the best pubs in Ireland and definitely deserves more than a quick stop.
Shopping
Shop for discount designer gear and quality Irish crafts.
Brand Central Rathdowney
This huge designer outlet stocks top brand names like Reebok, Pringle, Suits You, Lee Cooper, Design House and Kurt Muller, and has a 300-seater restaurant to give you sustenance after all that shopping.
Mountmellick Museum, Mountmellick
Pottery, ceramics, traditional and contemporary art, woollen hats and woodcarvings.
Old Millrace Gallery, Stradbally
A fabulous selection of Irish crafts.
Sightseeing
Uncover the history of Laois with a visit to one of the county’s top historical attractions.
Emo Court House & Gardens, Portlaoise, County Laois
Located close to Portlaoise, Emo Court was designed by the architect James Gandon in 1790 for the first Earl of Portarlington, and is a magnificent example of neo-classical style.
Workhouse Museum, Donaghmore, County Laois
This museum relates the stories of the families who lived and died in the workhouse after the Great Famine and land war.
