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 highlights

Heywood 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 centrepiece.

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, Laois has it all

Roll ‘n’ Bowl, Portlaoise

As well as state-of-the-art 10-pin bowling, this entertainment centre 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 spooky 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.