Laois Towns and Villages - Ireland

Abbeyleix Heritage Town was planned and created in the 18th century by the landlord Viscount de                                                Vesci Today visitors can explore its district heritage and attractions such as
                                            the award winning library. Abbeyleix Heritage House with its wonderful
                                             collection of the 19th century furniture and domestic equipment. The
                                             Abbey Sense Garden ( sensory garden) occupies the old walled garden of
                                             the Brigidine Convent, founded in 1842. A bowls court has been set out
                                             in the gardens, one of very few places in Ireland where this French game
                                             can be enjoyed.

Ballinakill is an example of a 17th century market town that can boast an outdoor swimming pool for
                  summer use. The town's entrance from Abbeyleix is marked by two trees known astoll                         trees where a toll is paid by visitors to the town.  Close by are the impressive Heywood
                  gardens.

Cullahill has an impressive early fifteenth - century tower house, the principal stronghold of
               MacGillapatricks of Upper Ossory.  The 'castle' has an interesting Shella-na-Gig, and a                        medieval church.

Donaghmore has attractive buildings and overlooks a river and an old bridge. A former famine
                      workhouse is open to the public all year.  During the Great Famin, some 10 per cent
                      of the local population sought refuge here.  Now restored, visitors can see the

Durrow is a charming village: the name comes from the Irish "doire" , meaning an oak wood, and
              is a reminder of the great oak forests that covered much of Ireland in the past. Early in the
              18th century, Colonel William Flower acquired the estate and built Castle Durrow, a
              magnificent classical mansion that is now a country club hotel.

Emo  boasts the impressive Emo Court which was designed in 1790 by architect James Gandon. The
          house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland that date from the 18th century and
          contain formal lawns, a lake and forest walks.

Kelleshin  village is located in the Rossmore Hills from which it is said that ten counties can be seen.
                  Near the village are the ruins of Killeshin Church, one of the most important medieval
                  monastic centres in Ireland today.  The monastery was founded here in 545 AD

Mountmellick  is a bustling colourful town originally by the Quaker community.  An old grain mill                              has been renovated and houses a Quaker museum. The main focus is to conserve and
                         display original pieces of Mountmelick embroidery of industrial past. It is an                                        attractive town with a fine square, architecturally impressive houses, shops and
                         ecclesiastical buildings.

Portarlington was developed from a 17th century Hugauenot colony, it is a  charming riverside town
                       with an interesting assortment of architecture.  One of its most treasured possessions is
                       the church register with entries from 1694 to 1816. The park is presided over by the
                       colossal granite sculpture of a 'reclining bather by Dick Joynt which celebrates
                       'the universality of women and the triumph of the human spirit'

Portlaoise  the capital of Laois, is a vibrant town with interesting shops and good restaurants and
                  nightlife. There is an easy access to a wide range of places to visit and things to do,
                  including many festivals to keep visitors entertained.

Rosenallis  is a village situated on the northeast end of Capard Ridge in the Slieve Bloom Mountains
                   Several viewing points in the vicinity provide a wonderful vista of the Irish Green
                   central plain of Ireland.  It is said that you can see sic countries from the' Stoney Man'
                   on the ridge of Capard.

Stradbally's  name translates as 'the village on the street' - which describes it very well. Stradbally                            Hall hosts a steam rally during the August bank holiday, also in the grounds is the
                     Stadbally Hall Narrow Gauge Railway.  The popular "Electric Picnic" music event is
                     held in Stadbally annually.

Vicarstown  is an attractive village on the Grand Canal Buildings of interest include the 1860's
                    Grattan School and Grattan Lodge (built in 1882 by Henry Grattan's  grand-daughter
                    Lady Pauline Grattan Bellow)  Vicarstown is a good base to visit Fisherstown where
                    one of the oldest pubs in Ireland is located.

For more information on Laois towns and villages visit

                www.discoverireland.ie