County Laois

County Laois (pronounced "Leesh") is one of Ireland's least-visited counties - which means uncrowded heritage houses, beautiful gardens, and the peaceful Slieve Bloom Mountains.

Why Visit Laois?

Heritage, gardens, and mountain walks:

• Emo Court - Perfect neoclassical mansion and gardens
• Heywood Gardens - Lutyens-designed garden masterpiece
• Slieve Bloom Mountains - Gentle walking and cycling
• Heritage towns - Abbeyleix and Durrow
• Ancient fortress - Rock of Dunamase

Top Attractions

Emo Court

James Gandon's neoclassical masterpiece with domed rotunda, set in 55 acres of parkland with lake and gardens.

Heywood Gardens

A Lutyens-designed garden attached to a now-vanished house. Formal terraces, oval garden, and pergolas.

Slieve Bloom Mountains

Ireland's most accessible uplands with marked walking trails, cycling routes, and ecotrails. Gentle rather than dramatic.

Rock of Dunamase

A dramatic fortress ruin on a rocky outcrop with panoramic views. Associated with Strongbow.

Abbeyleix

One of Ireland's best-preserved heritage towns with Georgian streetscape and the legendary Morrissey's pub.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May): Gardens at their best Summer (June-August): Longest days for walking Autumn (September-October): Slieve Bloom colors, harvest time Winter (November-February): Houses open year-round

Getting Around

Laois is compact and easily toured by car. Portlaoise is central but Abbeyleix has more character.

Local Tips

• Emo Court gardens are free - the house tour is worth paying for
• Morrissey's pub in Abbeyleix is an unchanged Victorian gem
• Slieve Bloom Way is a long-distance trail but has day-walk sections
• Combine with the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary