Laois Heritage Houses

Laois preserves some of Ireland's finest country houses and their designed landscapes. This route connects grand estates, gardens, and the historic towns that served them.

Why This Route?

Laois's heritage houses are exceptional:

• Emo Court - Perfect neoclassical mansion with gardens
• Heywood Gardens - Lutyens-designed masterpiece
• Historic towns - Abbeyleix, Durrow, Stradbally
• Garden heritage - Planned landscapes and rare plants
• Accessible - Close to Dublin, rarely crowded

Where to Stay

This 98km day loop connects Laois's country houses and heritage towns -- Portlaoise, Emo Court, Stradbally, Abbeyleix, Heywood Gardens, Timahoe, and the Rock of Dunamase. The entire route stays within County Laois and can be driven in a few hours. There are no large tourist towns on the circuit, but Kilkenny -- just 40 minutes south of Abbeyleix on the motorway -- provides the nearest base with a strong choice of hotels, restaurants, and evening attractions.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny's medieval streets and castle make it a rewarding overnight base in its own right. From here, Abbeyleix and Heywood Gardens are an easy drive north, and Portlaoise, Emo Court, and the Rock of Dunamase are reached within an hour. Morrissey's pub in Abbeyleix makes a good lunch stop midway through the loop before returning south to Kilkenny for the evening.

The Route

Starting from Portlaoise

The county town is central and well-connected.

Emo Court

The centrepiece - a magnificent neoclassical mansion:

• Designed by James Gandon (architect of Dublin's Custom House)
• Domed rotunda inspired by Rome's Pantheon
• Extensive parkland with lake
• Guided tours of house interior
• Free access to gardens and grounds

Coolbanagher Church

Nearby, also designed by Gandon - a perfect neoclassical church.

Stradbally

A estate village with:

• Steam rally (August Bank Holiday)
• Traditional character
• Access to Stradbally Hall (occasional events)

Abbeyleix

One of Ireland's finest heritage towns:

• Planned 18th-century streetscape
• De Vesci demesne (walks through parkland)
• Heritage House museum
• Carpet factory tradition
• Morrissey's pub (atmospheric Victorian interior)

Heywood Gardens

A Lutyens-designed garden attached to a now-demolished house:

• Formal terraces
• Oval garden with pavilions
• Pergola and viewing platform
• Free OPW site

Durrow

Another attractive heritage village with:

• Georgian streetscape
• Castle Durrow (now hotel)
• Book of Durrow associations

Timahoe

A detour worth taking for:

• Exceptional round tower (one of Ireland's finest)
• Romanesque doorway
• Atmospheric graveyard

Rock of Dunamase

Dramatic castle ruins on a rocky outcrop:

• Panoramic views
• Associated with Strongbow
• Free access (steep climb)

Garden Highlights

Emo Court Gardens

• 55 acres of parkland
• Lakeside walks
• Arboretum with rare trees
• Azaleas and rhododendrons

Heywood Gardens

• Formal Lutyens design
• Enclosed garden rooms
• Pergolas and terraces
• Best in summer

Historic Houses Context

Laois (then Queen's County) was planted in the 16th century. The great houses date from the Georgian era when landlord families built grand residences and "improved" their towns.

The Decline

Most Irish country houses declined or were destroyed in the 20th century. Emo survived; Heywood's house was demolished.

Conservation

OPW (Office of Public Works) maintains both properties - admission is free or low cost.

Practical Tips

1. Emo Court - Allow 2+ hours for house and gardens
2. Heywood - Peaceful but limited facilities
3. Abbeyleix - Best for lunch; Morrissey's pub a must-see
4. Rock of Dunamase - Steep but short climb
5. Timahoe - Small detour but worthwhile

Before You Drive This Route

At 98km the Laois Heritage Houses looks like a 2.5 hours drive on paper. Allow 1 day and you will actually see it. The Irish driving rules and road signs guide covers speed limits, signage and the penalty points system, which is worth ten minutes before you set off. For what a trip like this costs in 2026, from fuel to beds, see the budget guide. Most visitors hire at the airport; our guide to renting a car in Ireland covers deposits, excess and what to check before you drive off the lot. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Laois page, and the Slieve Bloom Mountains pairs naturally with this one.