| County Laois
 Laois is an inland county to the south-west of County Kildare. It forms part of the central plain, though the Slieve Bloom Mountains (Highest point Arderin, 1,734 feet) are a prominent feature in the north-west of the county. There is much interest and beauty in the quiet by-ways of this area, away from the main roads that lead from Dublin to Limerick and Cork. Sporting attractions include fishing, hunting, shooting and golf.
Laois was constituted as Queen's County by act of parliament in 1556 during the reign of Queen Mary. In 1548 Maryborough port was established for defence reasons and in 1830 Portlaoise prison was built. Laois (pronounced LEASH) is another of Ireland's 12 land-locked counties. The center of Ireland is dominated by a flat plain, the lowest point of which is the Bog of Allen, and comprises most of the counties of Offaly and Laois. Bord-na-mona, or in English, "The Turf Board", have for the past 50 years harvested the bog, stripping the wet turf in thin layers, drying it and using the turf for the production of Briquettes, a modern day version of 'sods of turf', Ireland's prime source of fuel for fireplace/cooking/electricity generation, etc.
The heritage of the County includes one of the finest celtic fortificatoins in Ireland - the Rock of Dunamase and numerous fine houses of architectural merit. Visit the towns and villages associated with the Quakers and Huguenots or the waterfalls and valleys of the Slieve Bloom. There are several gardens of note, angling, golf and equestrian facilities for every level, and for the outdoor walker both long and short walks on which one can escape the stresses and rigour of everyday life. The good humour and hospitality offered by the people of Laois through the numerous places to stay, places to eat and pubs in which to enjoy the Irish traditional music and fun will ensure you will have a wonderful visit to the county.
Portlaoise and Portarlington are the two main towns, which though far from the sea, were actual ports for the barges that plied the Canals linking Dublin and the rest of Ireland, before the railways were built. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy; wheat, barley, and sugar beets are the main crops, and dairy cattle are also important.
Ballaghmore Castle
Ballaghmore, Laois
Ballaghmore Castle (1480) the Chief seat of the Mac Gillpatricks (Fitzpatricks) Lords of the Upper Ossory. Strategically placed on the Bealach Mor, the great road to Munster. Partially destroyed by Cromwellians in 1647 it came into possession of the Cootes who leased it to the Elys. Richard Ely, financed by a hoard of gold found on his land, partially restored it in the 1830s. Ely was murdered by a tenant, and the castle was neglected. It was bought by the present owners in 1990 and restored. It has many very interesting features including a rare devilish Sheila-na-gig on a quoin at the west angle, and outstanding views from the battlements. Visitors are given a guided tour, and are made very welcome. Nearby is a very small church, said to be a converted schoolhouse. It is open to the public all year. It is beautifully kept, with tiny galleries, and a sexton's house at the back. North of the castle on Kyle Hill is the legendary Brehon's Chair.
Dunamase Castle
Stradbally, Laois
Originally used as a fort in Early Christian times, this is one of the most superbly and strategically sited castles in the country; it is unfortunate that its state of preservation does not match its siting. On the arrival of the Normans, the site was in the hands of Dermot McMurrough Kavanagh. Through his marriage with Eva, it fell into the hands of his father-in-law Strongbow, and then through his daughter Isabella to William Marshall. The castle is first mentioned in 1215 when King John ordered Geoffrey Lutterel to hand it over to William. during the following centuries ownership changed hands between the English and the Irish O'Mores many times, until the castle was finally rendered harmless by the Cromwellians. In the 17th century Sir. John Parnell partially restored it as a residence, but his son allowed it to fall into its final decay. On approaching from the road, one passes first the banks and ditches forming the oldest and outermost defences. Then through the bailey one reaches the first gate, of uncertain date. It leads into a triangular area, which in turn leads through a gateway with double turrets in the curtain wall into the innermost area. Here, on top of the hill, stand the remains of a long rectangular tower of 13th century date. it is made of massive masonry and has a square tower on the west face. The door on the west face and the west, north and east windows are probably 15th century insertions.
Mainistir Laoise - Abbeyleix
Abbeyleix, Laois
One of the finest estate towns in the country with spacious tree lined streets, the only sensory gardens in Ireland, picturesque period houses and Heritage trails. The town was founded by the de Vesci family in the mid 18th century close to the site of the now vanished Abbey of Abbeyleix, or de Lego Dei, which was founded in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary for Cistercian Monks by Conor More, Lord of Leix. The surrounds encompass the last remnant of Ireland's primeval forest of Pendunculate Oak, which once covered the entire country. Nearby are the famous Lutyens designed Italianate gardens at Heywood, the Rock of Dunamase, Emo Court House and garden, Dunmore Caves and the majestic Slieve Bloom Mountains.
Aghaboe
Aghaboe, Laois
The site of St. Cannice's Monastery in the sixth-century. Plundered in 913, rebuilt in 1052, burnt I 1116, rebuilt in 1234, and again burnt in 1346. The nineteenth-century church on the site of the Augustinian Priory church retains thirteenth-century pieces and pieces from the nearby fourteenth-century Dominican Abbey. To the east is Aghaboe House (private), a recently restored early eighteenth-century house. In a field to the north is Adam de Hereford's square motte.
The Slieve Bloom Way
Portlaoise, Laois
Situated close to the geographical centre of Ireland, this circular route takes the walker through the wild and mysterious Slieve Bloom Mountains - an area unknown to many visitors and almost so to many Irish people. The walker is taken on a pleasurable trip past remarkable deep glens, rock out-crops, waterfalls, and lofty summits which have a strange brooding personality of their own. On some days it is possible to see the highest points of each of Ireland's four provinces. Route Details: Glenbarrow, Monicknew, Glendine East, Forelacka, Glenkeen, Glenbarrow. Total Distance: 77km/48 miles. Longst Stage: Forelacka to Glenkeen - 19km/12 miles. Highest Point: Glendine Gap - 460m/1510ft.
Abbeyleix:
Abbeyleix, 9 miles (14 km) south of Portlaoise, takes it name from a Cistercian abbey founded here in 1183 by Conor O' More. Today it is an attractive town with tree-lined streets. Golf (9), tennis, game fishing. In the grounds of the de Vesci demsne (which is not open to the public) is the tomb of a Laois chieftain, Malachi O' More.
Ballickmoyler:
Located just outside Carlow town and on the N80 road to Portlaoise is Ballickmoyler. The river Barrow and nearby forest walks provide distractions for the nature lover.
Ballyfin:
As part of the Slieve Bloom Drive, Ballyfin is a much visited little village. Nearing the village the mid-nineteenth century tower faces you, this is part of Ballyfin House, the grounds of which may be visited.
Borris-in-ossory:
Originally a cluster around the ruined fifteenth-century Fitzpatrick castle, the village grew along the eighteenth-century coach road and depended on the woollen trade. North of the village is Kyle or Cluain Ferta Molua, the site of a monastery founded by St. Lugaid or Molua who came from Limerick and died in 609. It was an important centre of learning in the seventh-century and home of Laidcend mac Baith-Bannaig whose works on biblical commentaries survive in manuscripts all over Europe
Durrow:
Originally a Norman borough town. In the seventeenth century the Ormonds made it part of Killkenny. It was returned to the county in 1846 by Act of Parliament. It is a planned estate village, developed under the patronage of the Viscounts Ashbrook. Perhaps its finest feature is the suite of buildings around the Green under the gates and tastefully designed modern primary school and the important "castle" (1713-32) one of the last large pre-Palladian houses to be built in Ireland, and which was designed by its owner William Flower.
Mountmellick:
Founded in the seventeenth century within a loop of the Owenass River. From the start a town of great industry and prosperity dominated by the enterprise of the Quaker community and later served by the Grand canal. Its enterprise is still exemplified by the Mountmellick Development Association which commissioned the conversion of a grain mill into a Business Park/Enterprise Centre for industry wishing to locate in the town. The centre also houses a Quaker museum, and exhibitons. A pleasing town with a fine square, architecturally impressive houses, shops and ecclesiastical buildings.
Mountrath:
At the foot of the mountains is the town of Mountrath, which also offers fishing and golf (9). At Borris-in-ossory are the ruins of a castle built to defend the main highway into Munster (Ballaghmore Castle is now open to the public) and at Aghaboe are the ruins of a fourteenth-century Dominican abbey.
Portlaoise:
The principal town of County Laois, Portlaoise was known as Maryborough until independence in 1922. It was originally designed as an outpost for defence of the settlers, and it has played a significant role in the history of Ireland. You can see evidence of the town's long history in the remains of the old town walls and a circular tower. Notable buildings range from St Peter's Church, which was partly designed by James Gandon, to the modern County Hall, purpose built as the headquarters of Laois County Council.
Timahoe:
A village skirting a goosegreen. It takes its name from teach mo-Chua Mochua's House. St. Mochua established a monastery here in the seventh century. Burned in 1142, it was re-founded by the O'Mores. The twelfth century Round Tower with its impressively decorated romanesque doorways is all that remains of the original monastic foundation. (It was climbed and safely descended on the outside in 1827 for a large wager by a Daniel Keane without any assistance). It came under the control of the Normans (Ballinclough motte and bailey nearby was built by Hugh de Lacy). There was a monastic community here as late as 1650 when the friars were murdered by Colonel Hewson's troops at a spot known locally as "Boher a wurther" or the murdering road.
Vicarstown:
An attractive port on the Grand Canal, a useful base for walking, cycling, boating and fishing. Buildings of interest include the 1860s Grattan School and Grattan Lodge (built in 1882 by Henry Grattan's Grand-daughter Lady Pauline Grattan Bellew).
Egans
Mr John Egan, Portlaoise, Laois
In the busy town of Portlaoise this family run Pub/Restaurant is renowned for its good wholesome food. It has a reputation for having the best steaks in the Midlands. Bar food available all day and there are 2 separate restaurants on the premises. This extensive Pub also has a night club. Musical entertainment on Friday and Sunday nights. A special feature of this Pub are the paintings on the wall done by Naomi Heather similar to those burned in the fire in Castletown House. Accessible to wheelchair user , Group Bookings, Music Venue Pubs, Pubs With Food.
O' Donoghues
Mr Seamus O' Donoghue, Market Square, Portlaoise, Laois
The excellence of this Pub is borne out by the fact that it has won the Black & White Award 8 times. Run by the O'Donoghue family for the past 50 years the attention to detail and the absolute comfort and atmosphere of this Pub makes it an ideal spot for a relaxing drink or a snack. They specialise in soups, sandwiches and rolls and they welcome groups. |