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Located in the Midlands of Ireland and in the province of Leinster, County Laois sits at a point furthest away from the shores of the sea than any other county on the island. The economy and landscape are mostly agricultural…

The mission of the Donaghmore Museum is to educate its visitors by telling the story of how people lived at the workhouses of Ireland during the Famine Years. There are five buildings on the site, which functioned as a…

In Ireland, High Crosses began as a form of artistic worship that became popular in the early years of Irish Christianity, carrying onward into medieval times where they were often placed at monasteries. The early styles were made with…

Heywood Gardens are the most outstanding attraction of Ballinakill, a small town just south of Abbeyleix. The small Georgian village was the home of English Architect Sir Edward Lutyens, who designed the landscape to include formal gardens among the…

The small Georgian style town of Abbeyleix was built in the 1800’s to accommodate the servants associated with the nearby estate of Viscount de Vesci. It exudes the atmosphere of elegance befitting a manor house.
The tree-lined streets…

St. Mochua, who is said to have died in 657, began the monastic community at Timahoe. The 96 foot high round tower is the only surviving evidence of any religious community that operated on the site. It dates back…

Located in a former famine –era workhouse, the Stradbally Steam Museum brings together a collection of various types of steam engines and machinery. It sponsors a popular event each August, known as the Steam Rally.
As a workhouse…

The village of Mountmellick is located on the Owenass River. Historically, it was an important centre for woolen mills and sugar beet processing.
But Mountmellick is probably most well known for its lace, and its distinct style of…

Built in 1480 by the MacGillpatricks (Fitzpatricks) of Ossory, the castle was conveniently located on the Bealach Mor, or the road to Munster. It was attacked by the Cromwellians and severely ravaged in 1647.
Ownership of Ballaghmore Castle…

The largest town and county seat of County Laois, Portlaoise was formerly called Fort of Maryborough, and founded in 1556 by Queen Mary. The town’s name was officially changed to Portlaoise, which in Gaelic means “Fort of Laois,” in…