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With a multitude of activities and a rich, mythological past, Laois is the place to be
From top music festivals to the seductive beauty of the Slieve Blooms, Laois is an inspiring county that has a quality all of its own.
The ever-changing landscape whispers of a rich history and is imbued with myth and legend, and over 1,000 heritage sites take you on a fascinating journey into Laois’s past.
For a holiday that transports you into an unspoiled natural wilderness then Laois is a perfect destination – among the county’s many activities are beautiful mountain walks in the Slieve Blooms, riding, golfing and barge-trips. Read More
Laois’s lands cover ancient and modern times, but its charm is evergreen. From breathtaking walks to peaceful gardens, ancient history to local brews, explore magical woodland trails and enchanting gardens in the O’Moore County.
Make time for a trip to the stunning Slieve Bloom Mountains. Discover the Glenbarrow Eco Walk and the panoramic views from the Ridge of Capard. Soak up the serenity and marvel at the stunning views. Rich in history, Laois has been home to the Vikings, Quakers, French Huguenots to name but a few. All have left their mark around the county making it a wonderful place to step back in time. Discover lavish country estates and woodlands, climb ancient castles and visit a round tower.
A county peppered with fascinating historical sites, set amongst beautiful scenery and some of Ireland’s most impressive gardens with rolling hills, blanket bogs, peaceful waterways, fascinating historical sites and gardens.
Offaly, a perfect base for discovering Ireland’s Ancient East, it’s so close to everything
By Plan
The nearest major airport to Laois is Dublin Airport just over an hour’s drive offering direct flights from over 100 destinations around Europe, the USA and Middle East. Shannon Airport and Ireland West Airport are also very accessible from Laois.
By Boat
The main ports of entry are Cork, Dublin, Rosslare and Belfast. Dublin Port is just over an hour drive from Laois and Rosslare is 90 minutes. Brittany Ferries operates a service between Cork-Roscoff (France). Rosslare and Dublin ports offer daily services between Ireland-UK and services to France and Northern Spain. The following companies offer ferry services into Ireland – Stena Line, Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries, Kintyre Express, and Isle of Man Steam Packet
By Bus
There are many Bus Éireann services operating in Laois connecting the county with Dublin, Westport, Galway, Belfast, Kerry, Cork and Waterford.
By Train
There are many daily train services between Laois and Dublin through Intercity or Commuter trains with direct access to Dublin, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Limerick, Galway and Westport. Check out Irish Rail for more information.
Emo Court House
Emo Court House is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parklands and dates back to the late 18th century. The estate features over 35 hectares of naturalistic landscaped grounds, with formal areas, woodland walks, statues and a 20 acre lake.
The landscape contains formal lawns, a lake and woodland walks with beautiful trees and shrubs. The extensive grounds, decorated with Greek sculptures, contain over 1000 different trees, including huge sequoias, the world’s largest single tree species and shrubs from across the globe. The Clucker contains rare specimen trees and glades of azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias, while The Grapery is an arboretum with a series of pathways, each opening to vistas of the Slieve Bloom Mountains and Emo Court House itself.
Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum
Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum is a unique place in County Laois which aims to tell the story of the families who lived and died within the famine workhouse walls before, during and after the Great Famine. As a result of the Great Famine era of 1845-1849 about 1,200 people, or 10% of the population of the area, was forced to seek refuge here.
The museum uses guided and self guided tours, combined with various exhibits, to explain the socioeconomic conditions which led to the establishment of this and other workhouses. On visiting Donaghmore you will see the authentically restored original dormitories, a kitchen and a waiting hall.
Heywood Gardens
Heywood Gardens were completed in 1912, and consist 50 acres of gardens, lakes, woodland and architectural features. The gardens have a spectacular setting on a hillside looking south-east over a sweep of undulating country which takes in seven counties. A walk lined with lime trees leads to a formal terrace overlooking the surrounding countryside.
The gardens are composed of four elements linked by a terrace that ran along the front of the house, which now no longer exists. In the sunken garden, circular terraces descend to an elongated pool, where small statues of turtles gaze inquisitively at the grand fountain. On the top level a loggia, roofed with red tiles, includes an inscription taken from the writings of Alexander Pope. Highlights include a rose called Natalie Naples and Johnston’s Blue geraniums, to name just a few.
The Rock of Dunamase
The Rock of Dunamase is an imposing and magnificent example of a Celtic fortification overlooking the valley of the O’Moores. Spectacular views of the surrounding countryside make the towering Rock of Dunamase a place of strategic importance.
The site of an early Christian settlement pillaged by the Vikings in 842, Dunamase became one of the most important Anglo-Norman strongholds in Laois. It was part of the dowry of Aoife, the daughter of Diarmuid Mac Murrough, King of Leinster, when she was given in marriage to the Norman conqueror Strongbow in 1170. When Isabel, the daughter of Strongbow and Aoife, wed William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, Dunamase was given as part of her marriage’s wedding gift. From 1325 until 1609, the castle belonged to the O’Moore family of Laois, before ownership passed to the Earl of Thomond. It was finally destroyed during the Cromwellian invasion in 1650. Despite the castle’s ruined state, visitors can get a sense of its former grandiosity and also have the opportunity to take in stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Yes, Laois is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat. With landscapes like the Slieve Bloom Mountains, forest walks, and open countryside, it offers excellent outdoor settings for camping.
While campsite listings may vary, areas around the Slieve Bloom Mountains often have camping options, especially near popular walking and cycling trails like the Glenbarrow Eco Walk and the Ridge of Capard.
Absolutely. County Laois offers family-friendly outdoor attractions including parks, gardens, castle ruins, and educational sites like the Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum.
Wild camping is not officially permitted on public land in Ireland, but it is sometimes tolerated in remote areas if you leave no trace and obtain landowner permission where possible. Always follow local guidelines.
Yes, Laois is well connected by road, train, and bus, with daily services from Dublin and other major cities. It’s centrally located and easily accessible for campers traveling by car or public transport.
Many rural campsites in Ireland are pet-friendly, but pet policies vary by site. Be sure to check with the individual campsite in advance before bringing a dog or other pet.
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