The 6 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in County Laois, Province of Leinster

July 18, 2021 Kiesha Cripe

Discover the best top things to do in County Laois, Ireland including The Fisherman's Thatched Inn, Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum, Emo Court, Rock of Dunamase, Bobs Bar Durrow, Heywood Gardens.
Restaurants in County Laois

1. The Fisherman's Thatched Inn

Fisherstown, Ballybrittas Ireland Ireland +353 57 862 6488 https://thefishermansthatchedinn.business.site/
Excellent
99%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 90 reviews

The Fisherman's Thatched Inn

Reviewed By Q698PAconorm

Thanks a million for your hospitality!! My Australian friends thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the pub and history lesson of the area !! Always a pleasure thanks Sean !!!

2. Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum

Donaghmore Donaghmore, Rathdowney, Co.Laois, Portlaoise R32 PC58 Ireland +353 86 829 6685 http://www.donaghmoremuseum.ie
Excellent
57%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 51 reviews

Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum

Reviewed By amI4150LM

Everyone visiting Ireland should make a commitment to stop and learn about the Famine that shaped so much of Irish history and immigration impact, etc. We stopped at this one to break up the drive back from the Cliffs to Wicklow area. I highly recommend the museum. We learned a lot about the Famine through the short video, building, and the guide. It was an unexpected last minute added stop for our trip and one of the most memorable things we did. It is a cheap entrance fee and not a lot of people stop or at least didn't when we were there - so it wasn't busy --- which was nice for our visit so we could take it all in, but sort of sad at the same time --- hope it was just a slow time when we went and more tourists do stop! P.S. The folks there are full of info and recommendations for other things to do if you are looking for advice too -- We actually added one additional stop to our trip due to advice provided while here too....which also was well worth it. Depending how quickly you go through it you could do this in less than an hour...I THINK we stayed about an hour.

3. Emo Court

Emo Ireland +353 502 26573 [email protected] http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/MidlandsEastCoast/EmoCourt/
Excellent
58%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 226 reviews

Emo Court

Reviewed By 368kristinek

Free walk and parking. Great amenity in Laois. Lots of space for roaming around and a picnic is ideal. We did not go to the cafe, so can't comment on that.

4. Rock of Dunamase

Seven kilometres east of Portlaoise, Portlaoise Ireland http://www.triskelle.eu/attractions/rockofdunamase.php
Excellent
68%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 479 reviews

Rock of Dunamase

Reviewed By 882AnneC - Boston, United States

Was so excited to visit this hilltop fort. Absolutely gorgeous views in every direction!! So many areas to explore and get different views of the beautiful surroundings! Park at church below, wonderful hidden gem, worth going out of the way to find!!!

5. Bobs Bar Durrow

The Brdge, Durrow Ireland +353 87 616 5484 [email protected] http://www.bobsbardurrow.com
Excellent
73%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

Bobs Bar Durrow

Family run pub in the heart of the Ireland. Weekly entertainment. Multiple museums & snugs. Home of the High Nelly cycling club

Reviewed By Coastal39920

fantastic place , its very authentic ,my American friends loved it they hae place is very old dates back to the 17's unbelievable .. lovely river runs to the rear , if weather is good ,,loads of seating out back by the river

6. Heywood Gardens

Ballinakill, Abbeyleix Ireland +353 57 873 3563 [email protected] http://www.laoisgardens.ie/gardens/heywood
Excellent
72%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 68 reviews

Heywood Gardens

Reviewed By Martin1982_12 - Province of Leinster, Ireland

I only live 30km from this gem and had been here about 30 years as a young boy. My word, they are just gorgeous! So well maintained, it’s only such a shame the house was demolished in the 50s. It’s a pity more isn’t made of the gardens from a marketing and tourism point of view. Like a nice coffee shop. Well worth a visit if visiting Kilkenny Laois area- this needs to be integrated into a proper itinerary as it would be a lovely day trip from Kilkenny city coupled with the Discovery park, Abbeyleix and the Slieve blooms- we are hopeless at marketing in this country, we should be shouting from the rooftops about gems like these

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