Arrive as a guest ...leave as a friend a message from the County Manager

Located in the heart of the Midlands is the picturesque County of Laois. One of the least discovered counties in Ireland but yet one that has so much to offer including a range of activities to its visitors from excellent golf courses to horse riding and fishing. Laois is also blessed with two fine rivers, the River Nore and the , both providing superb angling. Hillwalking and cycling are two other favourite pastimes, not to mention the glorious . The newly established Laois Garden Trail showcases our beautiful gardens and the Laois Heritage Trail will guide you through the historic monuments and the fine heritage of . And so, to assist visitors and residents of the County, this brochure lists the many attractions in the county, things to do and places that you should on your visit be sure to see.

Please take time to explore all that is on offer in the County and we hope you’ll arrive as a guest and leave as a friend.

Mr Peter Carey, County Manager, Laois County Council, Chairman of Laois Tourism.

Credits Produced by the Tourism Section of Laois County Council with the assistance of Laois Tourism.

Graphic Design, Copywriting and Project Consultants: Creactive Studios - www.creactivestudios.com Print: Mochua Print - www.mochuaprint.ie All photographs: © Copyright of Tourism Officer Laois County Council/Laois Tourism 2013

2 2 A message from the County Manager

contents 4/5 Welcome to Laois Can we sum Laois up in a few words - let’s try.

6/7 Town and Country From the hustle and bustle of urban life to country living, the two live side by side and create magic.

8/9 Heritage Echoes of the past are evident everywhere, from an old castle ruin, a great tower or a stone carved door to another world.

10/11 Fresh Air Get out and stay out ... don’t mean to be rude but Laois can give you the best outdoor experience.

12/13 The Big Event From the Electric Picnic to the Gordon Bennett Rally - there is something for everyone in Laois.

14/15 The Good Life For music and the craic, good food and top class accommodation you’ve come to the right place.

16/17 Arts and Minds Whether music, theatre, art, dance or poetry. Culture is the very heartbeat of this county.

18/19 Greens with Envy A paradise for golfers with seven courses to choose from to suit everyones game.

20/21 This Sporting Life An arena in the heart of Ireland where a passion for sport beats from every corner of the county.

22/23 Resources Credits A map and some important information to make Produced by the Tourism Section of Laois County Council with the assistance of Laois Tourism. your stay run more smoothly.

Graphic Design, Copywriting and Project Consultants: Every care has been taken in the compilation of this guidebook to ensure accuracy at the time of publication. Creactive Studios - www.creactivestudios.com The publishers cannot accept responsibility for printed errors or Print: Mochua Print - www.mochuaprint.ie omissions, or alterations occurring after the guidebook has been All photographs: © Copyright of Tourism Officer Laois County Council/Laois Tourism 2013 published. Cover shots: The Rock of and .

3 welcome to Laois

Always on the go, leading busy lives, the stress of modern day living, the hustle and bustle, forever going from A to Z, but have you ever wondered what lies between.

The place over there as you glance out the window of your car. The place you drive through as you go on your way cutting through the countryside on our motorways. The place you don’t have to stop at. The place that lingers in your mind, that mysterious place over there.

But just stop and think for a minute, maybe you do need to stop off, maybe you deserve some downtime, a place to rewind, to relax, to get away from it all. A place to connect with nature, discover the past in the present, learn a different way of life.

Surprise yourself. Over there is a place called Laois. Give it a go, you will not be disappointed.

4 Some stats and facts about Laois

Laois is part of the Midlands Region and is also located in the Province of . Laois County Council is the local authority for the county. The population of the county is 80,559 according to the 2011 census - 20% higher than it was in the 2006 census which is the highest percentage population growth in the country.

The county’s total area is 1,720 sq km or 660 sq miles, making it the 23rd largest of Ireland’s 32 counties in area and also 23rd largest in terms of population. It is the seventh largest of Leinster’s 12 counties in size and tenth largest in terms of population.

Agricultural activities occupy about 70% of the land area of the county with the remaining area consisting of stretches of raised bog, and the Slieve Bloom mountains, which are partially covered by Ancient Celtic sites, serene country villages, monastic The visitor is offered a myriad of reasonably priced coniferous forest. The county has a small industrial base, with industrial parks at round towers, windswept valley landscapes, rugged places to stay, superb award-winning restaurants, , Portarlington and desolate bog lands, tumbling waterfalls - Laois is great entertainment, exhilarating outdoor adventure, . steeped in myth and legend. excellent shopping and welcoming people. All within an hour of Ireland’s capital. The main town is Portlaoise, situated just The captivating heritage of Laois is supported by north of the M7 and M8 junction, the country’s main artery routes connecting breath-taking landscapes where you can enjoy A county of rich contrast, Laois is a place for people to Limerick and Cork. peaceful moments of rejuvenation. Take a drive who want a different experience of Ireland. through the Slieve Bloom Mountains and its quaint A meeting point for ancient heritage and modern The county is landlocked and, uniquely, mountain villages, or visit the charming towns and culture, Laois calls out to people who want to does not border any other county which magnificent gardens around the county. You can experience something real, something authentic, touches the coast. It is surrounded by Offaly, Tipperary, , Carlow and choose from many picturesque riverside spots along something truly out of the ordinary. Kildare. the where fishing and water activities are popular. This diversity of landscape offers the With its central location and excellent road and rail The Gaelic for County Laois is Contae visitor a wide variety of activities from horse-riding infrastructure, Laois is the perfect place to stay and Laoise. Laois’ nickname is the O’Moore to fishing in any of our renowned rivers and lakes. discover attractions in other nearby counties like County. Under English rule the county was called The Queen’s County. Kilkenny, Carlow, Kildare, Offaly, Wicklow, Tipperary Take a barge on the Grand Canal or a horse-drawn and Dublin. We look forward to welcoming you to To find out more about Laois go to caravan holiday break, where you can view this Laois and we wish you an enjoyable visit. www.laois.ie magnificent scenery and so much more! Laois also offers some of the most competitive green fees in Ireland and easy access to many quality parkland golf courses.

For more information on County Laois e.g. where to stay, eat etc., please see www.laoistourism.ie For specific queries, contact Laois Tourism Office tel: +353 (0)57 862 1178 email: [email protected]

5 town and country

Main St, Portlaoise

Head out across Laois and you can’t miss them - the towns and villages that dot the countryside. They are gems in the county’s tourist crown, honeypots beloved of day-trippers and tourists. From to , to Durrow, the picture-book towns and villages of Laois are famous for a reason. As the famous anthem of Laois testifies, Lovely Laois I hear you calling. portlaoise The Mountmellick Development Association Originally called Maryborough, after Queen Mary of commissioned the conversion of a grain mill which , it reverted to Portlaoise following independ- houses a Quaker Museum, where the focus is to ence. Due to its central location, recent years have conserve and display original pieces of Mountmellick Castletown seen this vibrant town transform into an exciting and Work and to protect the memory of its rich Quaker rapidly growing business hub, with fascinating local heritage and past. Mountmellick sources of crafts and food and the splendid Dunamaise Arts Centre. Within twenty minutes in any direction there are numerous golf clubs, Founded in 1628 by Charles Coote, it derives its equestrian centres and possibilities for trekking in name from the Irish “Móin Ratha”, meaning The Fort the Slieve Bloom Mountains. in the Bog. By 1750 the town was a thriving industrial centre with its own woollen and linen industries, portarlington ironworks, grain and rape mills and later, its own Founded in 1666, on a bend of the Barrow River by brewery and distillery. Mountrath was also an Sir Henry Bennett, Lord Arlington. After the Jacobite important market town with its beautiful market Wars, General Rouvigney, Earl of Galway established house dominating the square. The town is now a thriving colony of French Huguenots in the town mainly agricultural and an excellent base for and separate chapels and schools were built for the exploring the Slieve Bloom Mountains. English and French. Along with education, Portarlington became a centre for silversmiths and banking. Less than an hour from Dublin the town has A fine planned estate town and designated one of Georgian, Huguenot and Victorian ’s Heritage Towns, it is noted for the qual- exceptional quality. ity of its preserved historic buildings. Established by Abbeyleix Viscount de Vesci, it is well laid out with fine town mountmellick houses and public buildings dating to different Founded in the seventeenth century, Mountmellick periods from the mid-eighteenth century. has always been associated with great industry and Perhaps most notable are the Market House built prosperity and in the late eighteenth century became in 1906, The Hibernian Bank, Catholic Church, known as the ‘Manchester of Ireland’, due in part to Church of Ireland Church and Abbeyleix the enterprise of the Quaker Community. National School.

6 durrow Founded by the Anglo-Normans in the thirteenth century on The Erkina River. The town prospered, and early in the eighteenth century, Colonel William Flower acquired the estate and built . Later ennobled as the Viscounts Ashbrook, the family designed the village with fine eighteenth and nineteeth century houses, built around an open green and with the splendid gates of the castle opening onto it.

stradbally Stradbally comprises a long linear street bookmarked by The Market Square and The Courthouse Square. Dating back to the 6th century, Stradbally developed under the influence of the Cosby Family, owners of in the eighteenth century. The town is famous for its Steam Rally and the Electric Picnic Abbeyleix which are held every year in the grounds of the expansive Cosby Estate.

Cullahill Located in the south west of the county, a settlement has existed in the area since the 9th century. The town began to grow in the 1800s with the location Some stories of Laois, of The Perrys Brewery. 2001 saw the opening of the its people and places

first Designer Factory Outlet in Rathdowney, and The towns and villages of Laois are rich today the Meadow Meats processing plant provides in heritage, folklore, and not to mention, employment. The town is a centre for several out the odd famous person here and there. lying villages and is the focal point of a large agricultural hinterland. The Duke of Wellington, the British General who defeated Napoleon and was twice British Prime Minister, went unlaois your imagination to school in Portarlington and Winston Whatever direction you go in Laois you are never Churchill, another British Prime Minister, far from a beautiful little village in the most scenic of even spent summer holidays in the settings. Situated on the rolling foothills of the Slieve surroundings of Emo Court. Bloom mountains, Clonalsee and are the William Dargan, the most important gateway to a world of wonder. To the south is the figure in railway construction and who Vicarstown village of Castletown which was once an important built Ireland’s first railway line from Norman borough. Further south is the village of Dublin to Dún Laoighaire in 1833, was Durrow Donaghmore with its attractive riverside buildings, reared in Graiguecullen in South Laois. and further west and you will come to . Many films were shot in County Laois Relax by the banks of the Grand Canal in the including Into the West, written by Jim postcard picturesque beauty of Vicarstown or nip up Sheridan and directed by Mike Newell. the road to the little village of Emo situated at the It includes the scene of Tito and Ossie gates to Emo Court, one of the greatest houses and on horseback in Portarlington’s Savoy Cinema, a great memory of a golden era gardens in Ireland, designed by . for Irish cinema during the 90s. is the location of one of the finest round towers in Ireland, famous for its elaborate stone And meanwhile, over in Stradbally in carvings. Just south of Abbeyleix you will find 1160, in the of Oakvale, a bunch of monks were busy putting the , a seventeenth-century market town where finishing touches to The Book of Leinster, you can see the ruins of Ballinakill Castle and wonder a book that stands alongside The Book at the beauty of Heywood Gardens. of Kells as one of Ireland’s finest ancient Wherever you go there is magic everywhere. religious manuscripts.

7 A county of rich contrast, Laois is a place for people who want a different experience of Ireland. A meeting point for ancient heritage and contemporary culture, for rural tranquillity and busy towns and villages, for sophisticated luxury and rustic simplicity, Laois calls out to people who want something authentic and truly out of the ordinary.

Many beautiful heritage sites have been restored for the public to enjoy such as Emo Court and Gardens, Timahoe Round Tower, Abbey and Heywood Gardens. Another real treasure is the Rock of Dunamase, which is one of the great monuments and fortresses of Ireland and offers breathtaking views of the county. There are reminders in Portarlington of its Huguenot past, in Mountmellick for its Quaker past and its Embroidery legacy while the estate towns of Abbeyleix and Durrow have their own unique character.

Rock of dunamase One of the great monuments and fortresses of Ireland, it towers over the Portlaoise to Stradbally road. Inspired by this great vantage point, people built fortresses here as early as140AD. In the mid-800s, heritage Vikings pillaged an early Christian settlement on this spot. A later fortress was part of the dowry of Aoife, daughter of the Leinster King Dermot McMurragh, when she was given in marriage to the Norman conqueror Strongbow in 1170. Today, the ruins on the Rock of Dunamase are managed by the State, with the Office of Public Works ensuring that the Rock of Dunamase will survive for further generations to explore.

8 Abbeyleix Heritage House Abbeyleix, Co Laois. Located in the old Patrician North School, this museum tells the history of County Laois, as well as Abbeyleix. Panels and artefacts address pre-Christian tribes, monastic Laois, plantation and the influence of landlords. tel: +353 (0)57 873 1653 email: [email protected] www.heritagehousemuseum.com

Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum Donaghmore, Rathdowney, Co Laois. A unique attraction which aims to tell the story of the families who lived and died in the Famine Workhouse walls before, during and after the . tel: +353 (0)86 829 6685 email: [email protected] www.donaghmoremuseum.com emo court monastic laois Durrow Courthouse and Emo Court is a country villa designed by architect Laois is rich in Monastic heritage and there are many Durrow Bygones Museum James Gandon, best known for fine sites to be seen throughout the county. Durrow, Co Laois. and the Four Courts in Dublin. The house is a Aghaboe Abbey, founded in the sixth century by Visit the Courthouse on Chapel Street or stroll over to the Bygones Museum magnificent example of the Neo-Classical style, St Canice, became a major centre of learning, attached to Bob’s Bar where you can reflecting the architecture of ancient Greece and commerce and agriculture. Today, a Church of delight in a collection of everyday objects Rome. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens Ireland, which dates from the 1700s, stands where representing over 100 years of social life. and parkland with many very fine trees and shrubs that priory once stood. The most striking and www.bobsbardurrow.com which were first laid out in the 18th century and colourful Romanesque doorway in Ireland can be Irish Fly Fishing and Game contain formal lawns, a lake and a variety of walking found at and in Timahoe, the round tower Shooting Museum routes through the woodlands. Today Emo Court with its beautiful carved doorway of heads, long Attanagh, Co Laois. and its gardens are owned and managed by the moustaches and twining hair is a must see. Home to one of Ireland’s most extensive Office of Public Works. collection of fishing and hunting wildlife of the slieve blooms memorabilia, a treat for anyone interested abbeyleix heritage town Rich in wildlife, anyone who loves the outdoors will in country life where you can learn the The original town of Abbeyleix grew up near the enjoy a visit to the Slieve Bloom Mountains. history of these ancient pursuits. Contact Walter Phelan on River Nore but after regular flooding the Viscounts More than 65 bird species have been sighted there, tel: +353 (0)57 873 6112 de Vesci moved the planned estate town to its including all the common birds but listen out for the email: [email protected] present location in the 1700s. Abbeyleix prospered in Jay in particular. its new location with farmers trading at the Market Fox, badger, red squirrel, rabbits, hares, wood mice, Mountmellick Museum House and business premises lining its crescent. hedgehogs and stoats are resident and it is not Irishtown, Mountmellick, Co Laois. A fascinating Museum where you can Over the next century the main industries included unusual to glimpse fallow deer or wild goats. At its learn all about Mountmellick Work, a flour mills, a brewery, and a factory that made most splendid in July and August, when the heather is unique form of embroidery from the carpets used all over the world and on The Titanic. in purple bloom, the hedges are full of bilberries, wild nineteenth century which can claim to be Today, Abbeyleix is one of Ireland’s prettiest towns, raspberries, and blackberries. Wild orchids and wild entirely Irish in origin and design. ( ) featuring interesting architecture, mature plantings strawberries abound as do woundwort, St John’s tel: +353 0 57 862 4525 email: [email protected] and five carefully restored fountains. wort and wild garlic. www.mountmellickdevelopment.com

Stradbally Steam Museum Did you know Stradbally, Co Laois. Celebrate the steam engines that once The Rock of Dunamase was once ruled Ireland’s railways, built its roads inhabited by the woolly mammoth, and worked its farms and take a ride on the narrow gauge heritage railway in the miniature horse and flying reptiles. grounds of Stradbally Hall. tel: +353 (0)57 864 1878 or +353 (0)86 389 0184 www.irishsteam.ie 9 fresh air fresh

The Slieve Blooms More than 65 bird species have been sighted there, The Slieve Blooms are one of the most popular and it is not unusual to glimpse fallow deer or wild attractions for visitors, with the villages of Rosenallis goats. Picnic areas abound along the way. Particularly and Clonaslee being the most favoured starting and recommended are Monicknew, which has a nature finishing points for a great mountain walking trail, and Glenbarrow, source of the River Barrow, experience. which features the Glenbarrow Waterfall. The annual Walking Festival is popular among local people and Follow a mountain stream into a deep glen, trek visitors alike. The Slieve Bloom Mountains are also through a lush forest or explore the blanket bog that the home of storytelling, music, dance and song. covers a mountain summit. Anyone who loves the outdoors will enjoy a visit to the Slieve Bloom If you like the sound of walking in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, whether on foot, bicycle, horseback or Mountains then the Laois Walks Festival could be in the comfort of the family car. The mountains offer right up your street. This walking festival includes stunning views of the surrounding countryside. many great routes taking in the Ridge of Capard and On a clear day, you can see the highest points of Glenbarrow. For more info check out their Facebook each of Ireland’s four provinces. page at www.facebook.com/laoiswalksfestival.

10 Take a deep breath - you will need it! If you love nature, you’ll love Laois. Whether walking, hiking, drifting on a barge or having a family day out in one of our many garden or woodland trails it’s all to be discovered in the beautiful and peaceful countryside. If you want to see the landscape of County Laois, then grab a pack, make up some sandwiches and put on your walking boots. Let’s get out there!

Blaze A Trail If the grandeur of cultivated gardens is not your thing Walking is truly the best way to fully absorb the then the more rugged option is well catered for. beauty of the county. A network of quiet country The forest trails adjacent to Emo Court are a joy to roads and lanes will take you into the heart of Laois walk through as are the Garryhinch Woods outside where you are offered some of Ireland’s most Portarlington and if it is a test you are after then a stunning and extraordinary landscapes. A walker’s brisk walk around Oakvale just outside Stradbally on paradise that boasts a total of approximately 480 the Carlow Road is just what the doctor ordered. kilometres of off-road walking routes, encompassing areas of Slí Dala, Cullahill, Stradbally, Durrow, A Grand Day Out Timahoe, Whitehorse, Grantstown, Clonaslee, Even though Laois is a landlocked county you can Portarlington, Spink and Slieve Margy. There are experience the Irish countryside from a totally picturesque way-marked walks around the renowned different perspective as you drift away on one of its Grand Canal from either Fisherstown, Vicarstown many canal routes. or the Derries Wood and other beautiful sites such A days cruising may see you helping with swing as the Rathadaire Lake, the Vicarstown canals and bridges and locks or relaxing on-deck watching the Courtwood Bridge. world go by. Moor up, have lunch and a drink in one of the many hostelries along the banks. Return to the Forest and Garden Trails boat and continue the journey. You might even catch Laois is steeped in heritage and folklore and its many a glimpse of a Kingfisher or a Deer. Drifting on the historic buildings and gardens are testament to this. canal gives you time to look around and spot lovely Emo Court and Heywood Gardens and a host of things and meet new people. Life is never dull along other smaller gardens offer fantastic trails and walks the canal, you could get used to it. which stimulate creativity and imagination.

Links and resources Below are some useful resources and links that will help you The National Trails Office, part of the Irish Sports Council Did you know find out more about walking and trails in Laois. and set up in 2007 to coordinate and implement an Irish Trails Strategy, has a fantastic website. Just search for Laois Legend has it, that For local info and detailed maps, the Laois County Council on the site and you will get a comprehensive and detailed list Fionn MacCumhaill and Laois Tourism sites are a must. Check them out at of trails in the county. www.laois.ie/leisureandculture/sports/walking www.irishtrails.ie and the Fianna of old www.laoistourism.ie/what-to-do/walking.html dwelled in the Slieve For maps of all walking routes, a Laois Walks Pack is available The Ardara Hillwalking Club, aims to provide an enjoyable from Portlaoise Tourist Office at +353 (0)57 862 1178. Bloom Mountains walking experience, not just from their base in the www.laoistourism.ie towering over Slieve Blooms, but throughout the county. www.ardarahillwalking.com County Laois.

11 12 the big event Leaves Festival Literature November Halloween Howls Festival Festival Slieve BloomStorytelling October National PloughingChampionships Picnic The Electric September Laois NationalHeritage Week Mountmellick SummerFest National SteamRally August ScarecrowDurrow Festival Show Agricultural Ossory dePortarlington Festival Francais Laois Walks Festival July Gordon BennettClassicCarRally CarRally Laois Heartlands June Rose of Tralee RegionalFinalsFestival Slieve Bloom Walking Festival GolfChallenge Laois International Laois BealtaineFestival May and Festivals DaySt Patricks Parades March and whenthroughout theyear. you anat-a-glancelookatwhatison Here isacalendarofevents, togive for scarecrows. We kidyou not! place for you. There iseven afestival more your thing, thenLaoisisthe venues throughout thecounty, is Dunamaise CentreArt andother music, andexhibitions, art heldatthe steam enginesyou are afterorif If it’s fairs, country vintagecarsor Festivals events and It is the unique mix of festivals and events from storytelling and music to walking and heritage that makes Laois a superb place to visit. There are festivals throughout the year and the following are a taste of events that take place annually.

March August St Patrick’s Day Festival Stradbally Steam Rally Celebrate our Patron Saints Day with fun for all the This rally takes place annually every August Bank family. Various parades are held annually across the Holiday weekend in the scenic Stradbally Hall county. For further information on parades and times Estate in Stradbally. see www.laoistourism.ie. www.irishsteam.ie

May Laois National Heritage Week International Golf Challenge A host of events all over the county for young and A four-day event played over seven courses with the old, celebrating and exploring our rich built, natural best accumulated scores over the first three days and cultural heritage. entered into the final at the Seve Ballesteros www.heritageweek.ie designed Heritage Golf Course at . www.golfirelandmidlands.com September The Electric Picnic Rose of Tralee Regional Finals A truly unique music festival, set amid the rolling Six lucky Irish girls are selected to represent Ireland lawns of Stradbally Hall, Co Laois, just 50 mins from at the Rose of Tralee. During the five-day event, there Dublin. An eclectic mix of great music, art, theatre, is lots to see and do, with two selection nights, a comedy, pantomime, food and holistic health. vintage car parade, entertainment in local venues and www.electricpicnic.ie chances to meet the Roses around town. The James Fintan www.roseoftralee.com October Lalor School Storytelling Festival September June The Slieve Blooms, a landscape of mountains, valleys, Gordon Bennett International Classic Car Rally glens, waterfalls, ancient raths and medieval castles, James Fintan Lalor was born at This rally for classic vehicles takes place every year rich in music and folklore, is an ideal setting for this Tinnakill House in Raheen near taking in the original 1903 motor circuit through festival of oral storytelling, music, dance and song. Portlaoise in 1807. He was a Laois, Carlow & Kildare. www.slievebloom.ie patriot, land agitator and political www.gordonbennett.ie activist, and he made an enormous Halloween Howls Comedy Festival contribution to national July An annual four-day comedy festival held over the independence through his writings Laois Walks Festival October Bank Holiday Weekend in Portlaoise. until a congenital spinal disease This annual walking festival is a feast of guided walks www.halloweenhowls.ie caused him chronic ill-health and on scenic way-marked routes featuring woodland, an untimely death in 1849. mountain, bog, canal and road trails. For further information and an up-to-date list of www.facebook.com/laoiswalksfestival events throughout the year view our website at The School is a fitting tribute to www.laoistourism.ie. a significant national figure who Festival Francais de Portarlington engaged directly with the political The festival is a weekend-long event celebrating the climate of his time, fighting for land French Heritage of the town with a wide range of rights on behalf of the oppressed entertainment to suit all interests, including music, Irish farming community and the dance, sport, history, food and more. working classes. Some of Irelands www.frenchfestivalportarlington.com finest minds from political life, the press, academia and the arts give Durrow Scarecrow Festival talks in what is an inspiring event. The Durrow Scarecrow Festival is growing in poularity with the highlight being the All-Ireland For more information on the Scarecrow Championships in which scarecrows from James Fintan Lalor School all over Ireland compete for the top prize. check out www.durrowscarecrowfestival.com www.jamesfintanlalor.ie

13 the good life

14 When the sun goes down in Laois, the moon will ACCOMODATION Hotels in Laois guide you to the most fun, fashionable and popular With all that food and drink inside of you its time to There is no shortage of fine places to spots for enjoying the night, whether to have a lay your head down for the night and in this respect, stay when you visit Laois. The following is a list of the main hotels in the county. drink, dine or just to retire for the night. Laois is certainly not lacking. From the modern day luxury of the Heritage Hotel and Spa in Killenard to The Heritage Golf & Spa Resort PUBS the old world charm of Castle Durrow, Laois has a Killenard, Co Laois. There are pubs for everyone, where you can dine huge range of hotels on offer at all standards and www.theheritage.com and converse in a rural thatched public house to a prices. more vibrant experience where the music pounds Abbeyleix Manor Hotel For those looking for a romantic retreat, there are Cork Road, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois. the soul. Laois is home to one of the oldest pubs in also luxurious country estates and there’s a hotel www.abbeyleixmanorhotel.com Ireland, Morrissey’s, in the heritage town of Abbeyleix. to suit every purpose whether you’re looking for Many of these pubs are situated in very scenic overnight accommodation for a staff party or maybe The Gandon Inn settings, by the Grand Canal in Fisherstown or you’re after a family-friendly hotel. Whatever your Emo, Co Laois. www.gandoninn.com Vicarstown or in the villages of Clonaslee and requirements, Laois has a hotel to fit your needs. Coolrain near the Slieve Bloom Mountains. An excellent range of self-catering houses and The Portlaoise Heritage Hotel cottages are available which range from the quaint Town Centre, Portlaoise, Co Laois. EATING OUT thatched cottage to the more modern self-catering www.theheritagehotel.com Food and drink in Laois isn’t what it used to be. It’s house. Renowned for being welcoming, warm and better. Much better. If you’ve worked up an appetite Castle Durrow Country House Hotel friendly, B&Bs are located in beautiful areas, both in Durrow, Co Laois. you will be never too far away from a hearty meal. the town and in the most peaceful parts of rural www.castledurrow.com There is a wide range of restaurants in Laois to Laois, offering a unique experience and providing a tempt even the most discerning of palates. traditional full Irish Breakfast, which is guaranteed to The Maldron Hotel Portlaoise Midway, Abbeyleix Road, A five-course dinner, a filling bar meal in a pub, or a set you up for a day. simple cup of coffee, you won’t be going hungry! Portlaoise, Co Laois. www.maldronhotelportlaoise.com. Some of the restaurants offer cookery classes so you can learn about the local delicacies and try them out The Killeshin Hotel when you get home. Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Co Laois. www.thekilleshin.com

Did you know O’Loughlins Hotel Main Street, Portlaoise, Co Laois. The Fisherman’s Inn is located on an www.oloughlinshotel.ie ancient crossroads on what was once Castle Arms Hotel the main highway between Tara and Durrow, Co Laois. Cashel. www.castlearmshotel.ie

15 arts and minds

The Celtic love of the arts is alive and kicking in Laois, where a taste for theatre, music, art, dance and literature are key to the cultural identity of the county. So join us and rekindle your connection with the arts.

the arthouse and library Based in Stradbally, this building is an important resource, adding to the strong arts programme under the direction of Laois County Council. The facilities at the Arthouse include four studios, two apartments, an exhibition gallery, a music rehearsal space, a kiln, a garden space, digital facilities and a library. A one-year residency is offered to a graduate artist who in turn delivers art programmes in the community for the public to enjoy and learn.

The Arthouse and Library Stradbally, Co Laois. tel: +353 (0)57 864 1740 and (0)57 867 4344 email: [email protected] www.arthouse.ie

Mountmellick Library and Art Gallery Opened in 2010, this innovative new library also houses a gallery space that offers an exciting opportunity for local, national and international artists to bring their work to a new audience. Submissions are welcome from all artists.

Mountmellick Library and Art Gallery O’Moore Street, Mountmellick, Co Laois. tel: +353 (0)57 864 4572 www.mountmellickgallery.ie

16 The Library Service A vital part of the social structure, meeting the needs and aspirations of the people of Laois. Providing information for the community and a wide range of facilities and resources as well as hosting arts and minds exhibitions, readings and shows which add to the cultural fabric of the county.

Below is a full list of the libraries in Laois and for more info go to abbeyleix Library Laois School of Music www.laois.ie/leisureandculture/libraries and Art Gallery Providing quality music tuition to the people of This beautifully refurbished public library includes Laois, the school has developed from a zero base Abbeyleix Library Market House, Market Square, an art gallery offering a great opportunity for to its present position of 320 students, 18 part-time Abbeyleix, Co Laois. artists, photographers and sculptors to showcase specialised music teachers and a full-time tel: +353 (0)57 873 0020 their work. Submissions are welcome from all artists. co-ordinator. In providing quality tuition in piano, guitar, strings, woodwind, percussion, kindermusic, Library Abbeyleix Library and Art Gallery and a well established orchestral programme, the Ballylinan, Co Laois. tel: +353 (0)57 86 74315 Market Square, Abbeyleix, Co Laois. LSM has become a recognised centre of excellence. ( ) tel: +353 0 57 873 0020 Borris-in-Ossory Library Laois School of Music Borris-in-Ossory, Co Laois. the dunamaise arts centre Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co Laois. tel: +353 (0)57 86 74315 Situated in the centre of Portlaoise, this multi-arts tel: +353 (0)57 866 4127 venue provides a year round programme of both email: [email protected] Durrow Library Chapel Street, Durrow, Co Laois. local and touring arts. The centre is regarded as one tel: +353 (0)57 873 6090 of the leading regional arts centres in the country and boasts a visual arts gallery, a 240 seat theatre Mountmellick Library and workshop spaces. O’Moore Street, Mountmellick, Co Laois. tel: +353 (0)57 862 4733 Dunamaise Arts Centre Church Street, Portlaoise, Co Laois. Music Generation Laois Mountrath Library Shannon Road, Mountrath, Co Laois. tel: +353 (0)57 866 3355 A fantastic initiative that delivers access to music tel: +353 (0)57 875 6378 email: [email protected] education for young people in Laois, increasing access www.dunamaise.ie to instruments, professional tutors and performers Portlaoise Library and delivering a range of innovative and inclusive Dunamaise House, Portlaoise, Co Laois. ( ) Mountmellick Arts Centre vocal, instrumental and multi-genre programmes at tel: +353 0 57 862 2333 Mountmellick Arts Centre comprises of a 450 seat local level. Projects include School of Rock, The Music Portarlington Library theatre on the ground floor and upstairs, The Balcony Box, Choral Development, Stampede Drumming, Main Street, Portarlington, Co Laois. Theatre, an intimate 138 seat space. The venue hosts Pipe Up, Harp and Brass Ensemble Tuition. tel: +353 (0)57 864 3751 a varied programme of drama, music and film events. Music Generation Laois Rathdowney Library Mountmellick Arts Centre Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co Laois. Mill Street, Rathdowney, Co Laois. tel: +353 (0)50 54 6852 Sarsfield Street, Mountmellick, Co Laois. tel: +353 (0)57 866 4370 tel: +353 (0)57 869 7600 [email protected] Stradbally Library www.mountmellickartscentre.ie www.musicgenerationlaois.ie Court Square, Main Street, Stradbally, Co Laois. tel: +353 (0)57 862 5005 The Laois Arts Office The Laois Arts Office provides a quality arts service for the people of the county and visitors. Services include the Laois School of Music, Artists Studios, Laois Youth Theatre, Artists in Residence, Artists in Schools, Scholarships, Grants and Awards, Leaves Literary Festival, Exhibitions, Bealtaine Festival, Midland Masterclasses, Midland Arts Magazine, Summer Arts Programme and Percent for Art Projects.

The Laois Arts Office, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co Laois. tel: +353 (0)57 866 4003 email: [email protected] www.laois.ie/leisureandculture/arts

17 greens with envy

18 Did you know The fantastic golf course at the Heritage Golf and Spa Resort was designed by Seve Ballesteros.

The O’Moore County is a golfers paradise with internationally renowned courses and hidden gems. The combination of value for money, great countryside, superb courses with uncrowded fairways and friendly staff, make Laois a must visit for golfing enthusiasts. If you like variety and challenge in the game of golf then you are spoilt for choice, with seven quality parkland golf courses which suit all levels. No more than an hour and a halfs drive from Dublin, Cork or Shannon, golf in Laois is the answer. The only stress will be choosing which of the fantastic courses to play.

Venues like the The Heritage Golf Resort, designed by Seve Ballesteros and Jeff Howes Golf Design is set in the beautiful rolling countryside with the Slieve Bloom Mountains as a backdrop or the Abbeyleix Golf Club, designed by the well known Golf Architect Mel Flannigan, is fast developing a reputation as one of the best courses in the midlands. The Heath Golf Club, often described as an “inland links”, is laid out Golf has been played in Laois since the 1890s so on open heathland. With other courses like they know a thing or two about the game round Mountrath, Portarlington, Portlaoise and Rathdowney, here and will make you feel at home from the first the choice is huge, but wherever you decide to play, Laois International swing to a deserved drink in the clubhouse. your Laois golf break is certain to be memorable. Golf Challenge Golf Courses in Laois Each year the Laois International Golf Challenge takes place in May, Abbeyleix Golf Club The Heritage Golf & Spa Resort Portarlington Golf Club Rathdowney Golf Club Rathmoyle, Killenard, Portarlington, Coolnaboul West, a competition that is played over Abbeyleix, Co Laois. Co Laois. Rathdowney, seven courses over three days Co Laois. tel: +353 (0)57 864 5500 tel: +353 (0)57 862 3115 Co Laois. with the final being played at the tel: +353 (0)57 873 1450 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] tel: +353 (0)505 46170 email: [email protected] www.theheritage.com www.portarlingtongolfclub.com email: [email protected] impressive Heritage Golf and Spa www.abbeyleixgolfclub.ie www.rathdowneygolfclub.com Resort in Killenard. Mountrath Golf Club Portlaoise Golf Club Heath Golf Club Knockanina, Portlaoise, The Heath, Mountrath, Co Laois. You can find more information Portlaoise, Co Laois. tel: +353 (0)57 866 1557 at www.golfirelandmidlands.com Co Laois. tel: +353 (0)57 873 2558 email: [email protected] or contact the Tourism Officer, tel: +353 (0)57 864 5633 email: [email protected] www.portlaoisegolfclub.com email: [email protected] www.mountrathgolfclub.ie tel: +353 (0)57 866 4218 www.theheathgc.ie email: [email protected]

19 this sporting life

Take a deep breath - you will need it! Whether fishing, riding, cycling, running or off-roading through the Laois countryside you can view nature at its seasonal best. Whether on your own or taking part with a group, you can revel in the lively, friendly atmosphere of the towns and villages. Whichever activity you choose, you will be rewarded with a sense of achievement and perhaps even a close-up view of local life. One visit simply won’t be enough! fishing Durrow, a noted dry-fly fishery with good stocks of Laois boasts hushed pockets of excellent fishing brown trout thriving in fast flowing shallows, over brimming with tench, bream, roach and rudd that weirs and speeding through long deep glides. have never seen a fisherman’s hook. These quiet unspoilt waters are especially appealing to those who Lake Fishing don’t mind getting up a bit earlier, or fishing into the There are over 10 lakes in Laois situated in the most evening, to enjoy the best sport. scenic of surroundings. Grantstown Lake near , Rathadaire Lake near Vicarstown, Ballinakill Two of the main rivers in Ireland run through Laois, Lake on the Laois/Kilkenny border and Stradbally the Nore and the Barrow as well as the Grand Canal. Lake to name but a few. Little Bog Lake is situated at Laois Angling Centre The Barrow is well known as a game and coarse The Heath, one of the most historic sites in Ireland. Clonoghil House, Coolrain, angling river for salmon, brown trout, roach, rudd, The angler will enjoy excellent fishing at the very Portlaois, Co Laois. perch and tench. The river Nore has good pike and picturesque locations of Vicarstown and Fisherstown, tel: +353 (0)57 873 5091 salmon stocks. Coarse anglers are spoilt for choice situated on the Grand Canal. One can also enjoy mobile: +353 (0)87 996 2864 between canals, rivers and a vast number of scenic some refreshment in the local pubs nearby! email: [email protected] lakes. Permits can be obtained locally, in shops and www.laoisanglingcentre.ie pubs or by contacting your accommodation provider. Located at Coolrain, less than 3 miles from the N7, There is an abundance of local or regular visiting the Laois Angling Centre combines the peace and Irish Fly Fishing & Game fellow devotees to advise on the best places to fish tranquility of the Irish countryside with exceptional Shooting Museum in Laois. game and coarse fishing. The four large spring-fed Attanagh, Co Laois. lakes, surrounded by mature woodlands, Clonoghil Home to one of Ireland’s most Game Fishing House and farmlands provide the perfect natural extensive collection of fishing and Brown trout fishing is the dominant feature of the conditions for both the fish and fisherman. hunting memorabilia, a treat for River Barrow and Salmon fishing is available depend- anyone interested in country life ing on flood levels, though the most rewarding is on A fully comprehensive guide to Angling in Laois, with where you can learn the history the lower river reaches with a fair run of spring fish. detailed sections on Lake, River, Canal, Game and Fly Fishing, of these ancient pursuits. Grilse appear in June with the main run in July, and is available from the Portlaoise Tourist Office. Contact Walter Phelan on Salmon join them until the end of September. Contact them at +353 (0)57 862 1178 or find out more tel: +353 (0)57 873 6112 The River Nore and its tributaries are a delight to online at www.laoistourism.ie email: [email protected] fish, flowing east through Castletown and on to

20 On your bike Leisure centres The South Laois Cycle Trail offers cyclists the Portlaoise Leisure Centre up to 48km of trails taking in the towns and villages This state-of-the-art facility includes an award of Cullahill, Ballacolla, Ballinakill, Attanagh and Durrow. winning 25m pool, learner pool, sauna, steam room, The trails can be also be taken as shorter stages synthetic soccer pitches, health club and studio. this sporting life Playgrounds, MUGAs and and you can also ride a vintage High Nelly bicycle. www.portlaoiseleisurecentre.ie Amenity Areas in Co Laois www.southlaois.com Portarlington Leisure Centre Mountmellick Amenity Area Equestrian A community based public Leisure Centre with Irishtown, Mountmellick. All Ages Negotiate the rugged wilderness of Laois on horse- state of the art gym, 25m pool, learner pool, aerobic back with experienced instructors available to guide rooms, sports hall and two astro pitches. Gort Na nÓg Playground and MUGA enthusiasts, whether experienced or just novices. www.portarlingtonleisurecentre.ie St Fergal’s College, Rathdowney. In addition to top class equestrian centres you can 1-12yrs Ballinakill Outdoor Heated Pool do something different, tour in a horse drawn Páirc Spraoi na hAbhann caravan or learn to ride western style, yeehaw! Located in Ballinakill, near Abbeyleix, this unique Playground and MUGA outdoor heated swimming pool is open from June to People’s Park, Portarlington. 1-14yrs Check out these AIRE approved riding and September and is fully supervised. trekking centres below; Solas na Gréine Junior Playground Timahoe Rd, Portlaoise. 1-8yrs Ballyhyland Cross Country Equestrian Centre Sult na Mara Playground Timahoe, Portlaoise, Co Laois. Heritage House, Abbeyleix. tel: +353 (0)57 862 7200 1-12yrs

Kilvahan Horse Drawn Caravans Sli na bPáistí Amenity Park Mountrath. 1-12yrs Tullibards Stud Coolrain, Co Laois. tel: +353 (0)57 873 5178 Full Steam Ahead Playground and Outdoor Gym www.horsedrawncaravans.com The Green, Stradbally. 1-12yrs Castlewood Equestrian Centre Tír na Spraoi Playground Castlewood, Durrow, Co Laois. Bellair, Clonaslee. tel: +353 (0)57 863 6551 1-12yrs gaa Dún Spraoi Fossey Mountain Springs Ranch Laois is a big Gaelic games county with many big Playground and Outdoor Gym Timahoe, Co Laois. inter-county matches played in O’Moore Park. Portlaoise Leisure Centre, Portlaoise. 1-12yrs tel: +353 (0)57 862 7320 It could be your county! www.laoisgaa.ie www.fosseymountainsprings.com Darú na nÓg rugby Playground and MUGA Kilkenny Rd, Durrow. canoeing Portlaoise has a very proud tradition in rugby and 1-12yrs you can catch many big Leinster League clashes in Irish Canoe Trails aim to create a safe and fun Tír Shúgartha environment for training and instruction within the their Togher pitch. www.portlaoiserfc.ie Playground and MUGA sport of canoeing. It is a great way to see the sights Killeen Community Centre, Killeen. soccer 1-12yrs and sounds of the county and with organised trips Catch up on the local soccer scene at Rossleighan along the Grand Canal and the River Barrow, you can Croí na nÓg Park where Portlaoise AFC play their games. Playground and MUGA get to places that are otherwise unreachable and see www.portlaoiseafc.ie Kiln Lane, Mountrath. the world from a different angle. 1-12yrs

www.irishcanoetrails.ie Ríocht na nÓg Playground Old Boy’s School, Castletown. 1-12yrs Laois Sports Partnership Uiseann Park Playground Working closely with Statutory Agencies, Community & Voluntary Rossmore, Killeshin. 1-12yrs Groups and local sports groups they aim to inform, educate and implement, market and promote local programmes to maximise the Gort an Ghreasaí Playground Ballylinan. impact and benefit of sport and physical activity at a local level. 1-12yrs www.laoissports.ie Clos Cloigthí Playground Timahoe. 1-12yrs 21 22 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Portlaoise Tourist Information Office James Fintan Lalor Avenue, Portlaoise, Co Laois. Arrive as a guest tel: +353 (0)57 862 1178 ...leave as a friend email: [email protected] USEFUL WEBSITES

For further visitor information go to www.laoistourism.ie www.laois.ie/leisureandculture www.dunamaise.ie www.discoverireland.ie www.midirelandtourism.ie www.southlaois.com www.laoisgardens.ie

For further information on walking, fishing, sport and golf go to www.slievebloom.ie www.laoisanglingcentre.ie www.laoissports.ie www.golfirelandmidlands.com

GETTING TO LAOIS

Laois has good bus and train connections with direct links to and from major cities and towns. Trains run daily from Portlaoise and Portarlington to Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway. Journey time to Dublin is approx 60 minutes.

Regular daily bus services operate to most major towns in the county.

For more information visit www.buseireann.ie and www.irishrail.ie.

The county of Laois is one of the most strategically See the above guides for located counties in Ireland, with Portlaoise located at further information the junction of National Primary Routes M7, N7 and N8, and the National Secondary Route N80. Pick up copies of the Laois is located less than one hour from Dublin’s accompanying guides, suburbs, 45 minutes from Kilkenny, 45 minutes pictured above from top. from the and 30 minutes from Thatch, a booklet on the horse-racing at the Curragh. traditional houses of County Laois, the Laois Garden Trail and Overall Laois has a superb road, rail and bus the Laois Heritage Trail. infrastructure - one of the best in the country so it is Great guides to make your stay in easy access to most towns and cities in Ireland and even more informative and is in easy access from Northern Ireland. enjoyable.

23 For information on tourism contact the Laois Tourism Officer tel: +353 (0)57 866 4218 email: [email protected] www.laoistourism.ie www.facebook.com/laoistourism

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