Things to do and to see in County Laois
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| County Laois |
Welcome to Co. Laois (pronounce "leash"), which uniquely does not border any county with a sea coast. I have to say until 2008 I hadn't been really impressed by Co. Laois. Indeed, it is not easy to convey a magical and enchanted image, knowing that on top of being a landlocked county, its main town, Portlaoise, owns a high-security jail. The Good News is that with a bit of research, it is possible to unearth some interesting spots, such as Emo Court, the Heywood Gardens and the beautiful Slieve Bloom Mountains. If you plan to go through this county, here's what I suggest you see, do or visit in Co. Laois. |
| 1. Go to the Heywood Gardens... [    ] Even if they are not as charming as Altamont Gardens in its neighbouring county (see Carlow), Heywood Gardens has some interesting features worth observing. The formal Gardens form the centrepiece of the property and were designed by the famous architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens and probably landscaped by Gertrude Jekyll. The Gardens are composed of 4 elements linked by a terrace that once ran along the front of the house, which now no longer exists. |
| 2. Climb on top of the Rock of Dunamase... [ ] The Rock of Dunamase towers majestically over the Laois countryside. If you climb it, you will find the remains of a former Celtic fortification. In history, the King of Leinster gave it to the Lord of Leinster, Richard de Clare (also called Strongbow), when he married his daughter, Aoife, in 1170. |
| 3. Visit Emo Court... [  ] Emo Court was designed by the architect James Gandon in 1790 for the Earls of Portarlington. It is a magnificent example of a monument with a neo-classical style. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland, which were first laid out in the 18th century. You will see formal French-style lawns, a lake and discovery walk pathways. |
| 4. Salute the lions of Emo Court... [ ]
2 lions, guardians of Emo Court entrance show us the flat but pretty landscape of Co. Laois countryside. |
| 5. Picnic near the Glenbarrow Waterfalls... [ ] The Glenbarrow Waterfalls in Co. Laois turned out to be a really genuine surprise, one not to be missed. However, bring a detailed map of the area before going there, as they are not that easy to find. The area is quiet off-season and can actually be an ideal place for a picnic with friends... |
 Photo 5. Glenbarrow Waterfalls. |
6. Have a stroll on the Slieve Bloom Mountains... [ ] Only a few kilometres from the waterfalls, you can ascend the Slieve Bloom mountains either by car or on foot and enjoy a superb view of Co. Laois and its neighbouring Co. Offaly. |
County Laois in pictures |
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 Photo 2. The Rock of Dunamase. |
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 Photo 3. Emo Court House. |
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 Photo 4. The lions of Emo Court. |
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 Photo 6. From the Slieve Bloom Mountains. |
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Legend:
Nice; Worth a visit; Well worth visiting
Please note that this grading system is only based on my interests and personal experience as a French expat in Ireland. Feel free to visit the same locations and share your experience 
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Free or Not Applicable Entrance fee ≤€5 ; €5<Entrance fee≤€10 ; €10<Entrance fee≤€15 and so on...
These price ranges are indicative only to help you plan your holiday budget and are subject to change. Discounts generally apply for families, groups, children, students and seniors citizens.
While the admission to this site is free, a parking fee may apply.
Heritage Site managed by the Office of Public Works. Most OPW sites are free of charge on the first Wednesday of every month during 2011. A Good tip: the Heritage Card entitles you unlimited admission for one year to all OPW sites (around €21).