Ireland

Laois

Discover events, attractions and local deals in Laois.

74 listings

O’Gormans Bar and Restaurant

O’Gormans Bar and Restaurant located in Kilminchy Court, Portlaoise, offers visitors an excellent range of dishes in their carvery, and bar food. O’Gormans Bar and Restaurant, a previous winner of the prestigious Pub of the Year and Best Food Award caters for all tastes with an extensive menu. Choose from European dishes and top quality steaks, to exotic Thai cuisine. The restaurant only uses 100% Irish beef and local produce ensuring excellence and quality. O'Gormans Bar & Restaurant maintains the warm atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub and restaurant. There is ample room to accommodate everyone, from family gatherings to more intimate encounters. The restaurant can cater for up to 140 guests. Proprietor Donal and staff are excellent hosts and diners return again and again for superb quality, value and service. The carvery is open on Sundays between 12 noon and 2.00pm, outside of these hours you can avail of breakfast, bar food and dinner which is served every evening. The car park is free, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy some hassle free dining in a family friendly atmosphere. There is ample coach parking available to accommodate larger groups. O'Gormans Bar & Restaurant also specialise in off site catering, serving private parties throughout the year.

Kilminchy Court, Kilminchy, Portlaoise, Co. LaoisR32 DTW5

Stradbally Hall and Demesne

Stradbally Hall, as it appears today, dates from the middle of the 19th century. It is an enlargement in classical style of a Georgian House, which had been built in 1772 to replace a yet older residence. The foundations of this earlier house can still be traced a few hundred yards to the east of the present mansion. They lie among the trees that border the avenue leading from the southern entrance to the demesne. The north front, with its massive pillared entrance, faces a broad stretch of parkland. The south front, of which the most remarkable feature is a lofty pillared pavilion, overlooks the terraces and gardens. Stradbally Hall has been the seat of the Cosby family since the reign of Edward VI. The Irish Steam Preservation Society holds its steam rally here during the August bank holiday weekend. The railway runs on bank holidays and on request, except in winter. The Stradbally Hall narrow gauge railway is the longest established steam powered narrow gauge railway in Ireland. Stradbally Hall has hosted the award winning Electric Picnic arts and music festival each year in late August/early September since it began in 2004. Stradbally Hall hosts a wonderful Christmas market, not to be missed.

Stradbally, Co. Laois

Woofland Dog Park at Portlaoise

Woofland Dog Parks provide fully enclosed private hire off leash parks across Ireland. These are secure spaces where dogs of all temperaments can thrive. Spanning over 1.5 acres, each park features high fencing, double gated entry and handcrafted agility equipment made from recycled materials. The parks are stress free environments designed for freedom and fun. Enjoy a visit in rain or shine with sheltered seating and plenty of room to sniff and explore. Every visit is a tail wagging adventure. Woofland Dog Park is dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of dogs and their owners by promoting healthy, stress free outdoor experiences.

Morett, Old Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

The Heritage Spa

The The Heritage Spa resort offers 20 treatment rooms set in an oasis of calm, with a wonderful selection of spa treatments and packages that will allow guests to indulge in a truly world class spa experience. The Heritage Spa experience provides an unrivalled heat and cooling journey. Extensive relaxation areas will complete guest’s therapy as they melt into the surrounding Laois countryside. Through the use of the leading Pevonia Botanica product range, they are able to deliver the highest quality professional treatments tailored to individual needs. Spa Club membership is now available where members will receive discounts and offers.

The Heritage Killenard, Portarlington, Co. Laois

Maize Maze

Maize Maze invites visitors to navigate through towering maize plants in a fun and interactive challenge designed for all ages. Children can enjoy a playful, educational worksheet along the way, discovering fascinating facts about farming, crops and animals. A life sized dairy cow model with a working milking system offers hands on fun for budding young farmers. Classic outdoor games and open spaces invite families to relax and enjoy time together. Freshly brewed drinks and homemade bakes are available on site, and visitors are welcome to bring picnic treats to extend the experience.

Shanahoe, Co. LaoisR32 E654

MCT Irish Tours

As a national tour guide and tour coach driver Michael has travelled the country north, south, east and west. The more he travels the more interesting it becomes, his enthusiasm is still as healthy today as it was ten years ago when he started to drive, plan and guide tours. Michael aims to guide you to hotels, restaurants, sightseeing, shopping and entertainment on your journey around Ireland.

Tankardstown, Co. LaoisR14 PE89

Rock of Dunamase

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.

Dunamaise, Aghnahily, Co. Laois

Emo Court Gardens

The gardens and parklands of Emo Court House were first laid out in the 18th century and are a glorious example of Irish formal gardens at their best. The estate features over 35 hectares of naturalistic landscaped grounds, with formal areas, woodland walks, statues and a 20 acre lake, making it the perfect spot for a family picnic. 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. Visit Emo Court House and Gardens to see the two main areas of the gardens: 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. Located in County Laois, Emo Court House was designed by the architect James Gandon in 1790 for the Earls of Portarlington. A neo-classical mansion in County Laois, it’s located just 2.5km from Emo village and 7km from Portarlington Railway Station. Emo Court House was acquired by the Jesuits in the middle of the 20th century. Functional renovations were made to the estate before it was sold to Major Cholmeley Harrison, a former London stockbroker, in the 1960s. Today the popular house and gardens have been restored to their former glory and attract visitors from across Ireland and beyond. Access to house by guided tour only. Guided tours available hourly. Maximum number: 25. Duration: 40 - 45 minutes Tours of garden available by prior booking. The gardens are open all year.

Emo, Portarlington, Co. Laois

Fruitlawn Garden

Created by garden designer Arthur Shackleton, Fruitlawn Garden in County Laois covers approximately 1 acre within a walled setting. The garden has a formal layout with paths, hedges, and a hornbeam tunnel dividing it across the middle. The different spaces within the garden include large perennial borders, which display a mass of changing colour and texture throughout the summer. There is also an oak copse under planted with lots of spring bulbs, and a fruit and vegetable garden which includes more unusual plants like seakale, asparagus, blue potatoes and wine berries. A small orchard is set in a wildflower meadow. A small, formal pool, a yew hedged recreation space, and many unusual and beautiful plants complete the picture. The plants in the garden include many rare and special varieties collected over the years from some of Ireland's best gardens. Many of these are for sale. Visit the website for details of upcoming open days, or to arrange a private viewing appointment.

Boley, Co. LaoisR32 W5W7

The Heath Golf Club Portlaoise

Often described as an inland links course, the Heath Golf Club in Portlaoise, County Laois offers a unique challenge to all levels of golfers. The 18 hole, 71 par golf course is laid out on open heath land, incorporating two natural lakes. Furze features prominently on many holes and the course is a blaze of yellow from early spring onwards. Facilities available include a 10 bay driving range, a lakeside putting green and a magnificent clubhouse.

The Heath Golf Club, The Heath, Greatheath, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

The Heritage Golf Parkland

The luxury five star Heritage Golf and Spa Resort is situated in the quaint village of Killenard, near Portlaoise, in the heart of Ireland. This unique resort comprises a luxury, five star, 98-bedroomed hotel, conference and event facilities, the Seve Ballesteros and Jeff Howes co-designed 18 hole championship golf course, combined with the Seve Ballesteros “natural“ golf school. The resort also has a luxury spa, which features Pevonia Botanica spa products, with 20 treatment rooms and more than 70 treatments to choose from, a floodlit walking and jogging track, a health club and a variety of restaurants and bars.

Killenard, Co. Laois

Laois Angling Centre

Located at Coolrain, less than 3 miles from the N7, the Laois Angling Centre combines the peace and tranquillity of the Irish countryside with exceptional game and coarse fishing. The four large spring fed lakes, surrounded by mature woodlands, Clonoghil House and farmlands provide the perfect natural conditions for both the fish and fisherman. The lakes are stocked regularly with brown and rainbow trout, carp and bream ensuring a varied and interesting experience. The modern facilities include large parking area, wheelchair access, tackle hire and light refreshments with picnic and barbeque areas ideal for family and corporate events. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, the Laois Angling Centre provides the complete fishing experience. There is a fishing lodge, equipment rental, refreshments, picnic and barbeque areas, full day, half day, evening and child rates. School tours welcome. There is also a nature trail, corporate events, facilities for motor homes, wheelchair access, parking and toilets.

Laois Angling Centre, Clonoghill, Coolrain, Co. LaoisR32 NF80

Emo Court

Emo Court House is a neo-classical mansion in County Laois that attracts visitors from all over the country and beyond. Designed by noted architect James Gandon, it features magnificent gardens and is located just 2.5 km from Emo village and 7 km from Portarlington Railway Station. Designed in 1790 for the Earls of Portarlington, Emo Court House is a magnificent example of the neo-classical style. After some periods of lying empty, it was acquired by the Jesuits in the middle of the 20th century. Functional renovations were made to the estate before it was sold to Major Cholmeley Harrison, a former London stockbroker, in the 1960s. Cholmeley Harrison’s vision was to restore Emo Court House to its former glory and today the results of his efforts are obvious. Leading London architect Sir Albert Richardson was commissioned to take on the restoration of the house which remained a private residence, though the public were encouraged to enjoy the gardens for a small entrance fee. In 1994 Cholmeley Harrison presented Emo Court House to the people of Ireland, continuing to live there in private apartments until his death in 2008. Staff of the Office of Public Works (OPW) now care for the estate and preserve its stately elegance for modern visitors. Visit Emo Court House to enjoy the beautiful gardens and parklands which were first laid out in the 18th century, containing formal lawns and a lake. Walks through the woodland are a popular way to explore the beautiful grounds. Access to house by guided tour only. Tours of garden available by prior booking.

main The Demesne, Emo Park, Emo, Co. LaoisR32 C44V

Stradbally Fayre

Stradbally Fayre is a family run café/restaurant in the village of Stradbally, County Laois. It offers a full breakfast and lunch menu with food made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients where possible. It is family and wheelchair friendly and has outdoor seating under a large canopy. Some of the dishes that Stradbally Fayre serves are based on Irish and European cuisine. Popular items include roast beef, bacon and cabbage, mixed grill, and classic Irish food. The restaurant also has gluten free and vegetarian options.

Main St, Stradbally, Co. Laois

Ballintubbert Gardens & House

Charmingly framed within a picturesque valley between the village of Stradbally and the town of Athy, Ballintubbert has a rich history in the heart of County Laois with wonderful literary and theatrical associations. Through private experiences and workshops (subject to minimum numbers and pre-bookings), visitors get to explore the 19th century Garden Rooms that have evolved following the arts and crafts tradition. The garden is set out as a series of living garden rooms that create an ever-changing journey through the grounds. The experiences of garden tours, foraging workshops and herbal medicine workshops have been created around the ethos of health and wellbeing which is at the core of Ballintubbert, the place of the wells and historical pilgrimage site. Described as an enchanting work of art, intimate and extraordinarily peaceful, highlights include the Lutyens Sunken garden, the Secret Garden, the Beech Wood and the Herb Garden originally created by former house resident, Darth Vader actor, Sebastian Shaw. Currently in the process of becoming the first Ornamental Garden in Ireland to be organically certified, this unique property has a firm grip on its history while walking easily into the future.

Ballintubbert House, Ballintubbert, Stradbally, Co. LaoisR14 E954

Abbeyleix Golf Club

Remodelled and extended to 18 holes in 2000, Abbeyleix Golf Club in County Laois now boasts an attractive layout on this par 72 course. When not engrossed in your golf challenge, the natural beauty, peaceful surroundings, and spectacular views can transport you to another world in seconds. The enthusiastic staff offer a warm welcome and quality sustenance in the intimate clubhouse. Located just 1km from the heritage town of Abbeyleix, the course is a gem just waiting to be discovered.

Rathmoyle Lodge, Ballyroan Rd, Rathmoyle, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois

Portlaoise Farmers Market

Portlaoise Farmers Market takes place every Friday from 10am-3pm in Potlaoise, County Laois. Shoppers will be able to buy fresh local produce and goods such as fruit and vegetables, cakes, cheese and jams directly from the growers, farmers and producers.

Market Square, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Barrowline Cruisers

Barrowline Cruisers have newly constructed cruisers which are simple to operate. Passengers can choose from a 5/7 berth widebeam barge or a 3/5 berth narrowboat. Designed and constructed by master craftsmen to combine the traditional charm of the past with modern day convenience. Aboard all cruisers passengers will find a fully equipped galley with a full size sink, fridge and oven/hob, hot and cold running water, full set of crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils, all bed linen and duvets, radio, toilet, shower, wash handbasin, separate cabins, central heating, first aid kit and comprehensive navigation charts. Barrowline Cruisers is located in Vicarstown, County Laois, a traditional Irish village with beautiful stone canal stores and a school dating back to 1868. From here passengers can cruise north along the Barrowline section of the Grand Canal. This links with the Grand Canal main line at Lowtown where passengers can travel east towards Dublin or west to the mighty Shannon and beyond. An ideal haven for the novice, simply relax and enjoy the passing countryside as its tranquil waters gently guide you on your way. Cruising to the south from Vicarstown passengers enter the river Barrow at Athy. The scenery here is much different and the waters more lively. In choosing to cruise these waters your every sense will be rewarded as the unspoilt beauty of the Barrow valley grows with each and every passing mile. The beautiful Barrow Navigation waters provide a haven for both the novice and experienced angler. Game anglers will find trout and salmon fishing, while their course fishing friends will enjoy bream, tench, rudd and pike fishing throughout the season. Permits are required to fish for salmon and trout. These are available from the local angling clubs or tackle shops. There is a Heritage Trail in Vicarstown in an area strewn with historical buildings which can be enjoyed before or after a cruise.

Portaloise, Vicarstown, Co. Laois

Gash Gardens

Noel Keenan was a dairy farmer with a passion for horticulture. In the mid 1980s he set about transforming four acres of grazing farmland into a garden alongside the River Nore, near the picturesque village of Castletown and 20 minutes from Portlaoise. Gash Gardens offers the visitor borders packed with a blend of vibrant and unusual planting amid still ponds, meandering streams and a riverside walk. Managed by Noel’s daughter Mary with her husband Ross, Gash Gardens is suited to garden lovers, plant enthusiasts, keen photographers or individuals seeking a peaceful day surrounded by beauty and nature at the foot of the Slieve Blooms.

Gash, Castletown, Co. LaoisR32 K068

Monicknew Woods

Monicknew Woods is set in a valley typical of the deeply incised glens of Slieve Bloom, in County Laois. The Monicknew bridge, known locally as the glen bridge, dominates the valley. It was constructed in 1840 in the style of a Roman arch. A variety of hardwood trees and shrubs typical of the semi-natural cover of such valleys can be seen here. Native species comprising oak, ash, birch, elm and holly predominate. In the poorer soils sitka spruce, Japanese larch and lodgepole pine are found. The ground flora includes ferns, woodbrush, bilberry and hyacinth. Slieve Bloom is a place of rest where one may mend the troubled spirit agitated by the bustling modern world. A few hours, or better still a few days, walking or exploring the healthy moors or shadowy glens will refresh any visitor. For the less energetic there are many viewing points along the high roads. A nature trail for Monicknew Woods is available as are maps and guides to the Slieve Bloom. Guided tours are provided on a limited basis to primary schools only.

Monicknew, Mountrath, Co. Laois

Kelly's Steakhouse at Midlands Park Hotel

When choosing where to dine in Portlaoise, County Laois, look no further than the renowned and award winning Kelly's Steakhouse at Midlands Park Hotel. This sophisticated and urban restaurant prides itself in delivering excellence in customer service, standards and quality. Kelly's Steakhouse at Midlands Park Hotel is just a stroll from Portlaoise Town centre, close to an eclectic choice of boutiques, shops and bars, and in a prime location to hold any event, whether it's a birthday, anniversary or just a night out. Kelly's Steakhouse at Midlands Park Hotel is very accessible with excellent motorway links via the M7, linking Dublin/Cork/Limerick, and direct rail access. The train station is located adjacent to the hotel.

Kellys Steakhouse, Jessop Street, Moneyballytyrrell, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Clonohill Gardens

Clonohill Gardens are set at the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. The gardens have been designed and developed to enhance the existing landscape, with many mature trees providing a shady home for woodland treasures. Located at Laois Angling Centre, Coolrain, Co. Laois the gardens are close to the Dublin/Limerick motorway. The looped trail begins at the woodland area where collections of trilliums, helleborus and galanthus thrive. From there the path leads on to Jacobs Walk which provides a colourful surprise for the visitor with its meandering gravel pathway framed by sandstone stables constructed by Enda's grandfather, the late Jacob Thompson. Varieties of polemonium (Jacobs Ladder) flourish in this area together with groups of Achillea King Alfred and the small ligularia 'cafe noir'. Residing comfortably along the gravel pathway are many miniature hostas. Heuchera varieties provide foliage colour and strong contrast with sedums, veronicas and candleabra primulas. Occasional evergreen planting of ilex crenata and diplarrhena moraea are notable plants during the winter months. An archway frames the entrance to the North Garden where one is greeted by an attractive cytisus battandieri. In this area mature trees provide a decorative home for a vast collection of interesting ferns and leads on to an extensive open lawn area with its curving paths and many colourful herbaceous borders. A secret area and popular with children is the 'red squirrels den' with its majestic sitka spruce trees. The sheltered walled garden overlooking the lake is a plant collectors paradise where ramonda myconi, roscoea and celmissia's thrive alongside star performers Paeonia mlokosewitschii, mecanopsis grandis and cardiocrinum giganteum.

Clonohill, Coolrain, Mountrath, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Bowe's Foodhall & Café

Award winning Bowe’s Foodhall & Café is situated in a 250 year old building on The Square in Durrow, County Laois. The old world charm of the restored building and walled gardens provide a perfect backdrop to a healthy and creative menu. The recently restored kitchen garden is used extensively throughout the year, complementing the locally sourced fresh produce. The staff creates a vibrant atmosphere, making Bowe’s a special destination.

The Square, Durrow, Co. Laois

Gardens at Castle Durrow

Found in Durrow, County Laois, Castle Durrow is one of Ireland’s most luxurious country house hotels. The estate was built by Captain William Flower (later to become Viscount Ashbrook) in 1716 as his family home in the midlands. Its pre-palladian design and formal gardens were the height of fashion in their day and the grey/blue cut stone contrasts with the breathtaking views of the landscape. The gardens provide many ingredients for the quality cuisine prepared in the on-site restaurant and also offer river, parkland and forest walks, as well as cycling. Additionally, the castle provides large and bright reception areas, dining rooms and bedrooms. It is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway or a beautiful castle wedding.

Castleview, Durrow, Co. LaoisR32 EA02