Top Things to do in County Laois
Top 10 Things to do in County Laois, Province of Leinster
Discover the best top things to do in County Laois, Ireland including Mountmellick Museum, Timahoe Heritage Centre, Ballykilcavan Brewery, Glenbarrow, Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum, Emo Court, Rock of Dunamase, Dunamase Antiques, Heywood Gardens, O'Moore Park.
Restaurants in County Laois
1. Mountmellick Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Ppoupore
We were delighted with our reception and tour of the Mountmellick Museum featuring treasures of white on white stitchers. Our guide offered detailed explanations of the people and events behind the Mountmellick embroidery.
2. Timahoe Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Timahoe Heritage Centre situated in Timahoe is dedicated to showcasing the Monastic heritage of the Village. The centre is full of local heritage and information on the 12th century Round Tower on site. There is also a playground nearby and a coffee shop. We are well worth a visit!!
Reviewed By 334lilliand - Wexford, Ireland
We visited with our family of 12. Ranging in age from 8 years old to 75. Play area has everything and the information at the Heritage Centre is very informative. Great visual presentation. Outside are some fabulous old ruins and around tower. Could definitely spend 3-4 hours here and all for free. Well cared for and clean. Definitely recommend it.
3. Ballykilcavan Brewery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Tours available by appointment or on selected weekends. Please see our website for tour dates or to book a tour on a different date. The new Ballykilcavan craft brewery is set on a 380 year old farm that has been in the same family for 13 generations. A visit to the brewery includes a look at the original 18th century stone farmyard at Ballykilcavan, a walk through the brewery, an explanation of the brewing process, a chance to taste the raw ingredients and to sample some of the finished beers.
4. Glenbarrow
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By mariacasey - Standish, United Kingdom
During a recent trip to the area, we walked in Glenbarrow three times. We did the red trail (about 11km) once and the blue trail (about 5k) twice. Both walks were really enjoyable and very well maintained. There are wooden planks down for a large portion of the walk to walk on which is really nice. There are three trails (orange, red and blue) all different lengths. All three go past the waterfall. The orange and red trail goes through the bog and has some gorgeous views.
5. Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
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.
6. Emo Court
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
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.
7. Rock of Dunamase
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 479 reviews
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!!!
8. Dunamase Antiques
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Dunamase Antiques is a local antiques and curios shop located in a heart of Portlaoise town. Specializing in fine antiques, china, art and more.
9. Heywood Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
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
10. O'Moore Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By E7762UBmarkr - Dublin, Ireland
Love going to O'Moore Park. Nice ground with good views from stands and terraces alike. It's a pretty accessible venue from many areas of the country though it can be a little congested getting into the area on match days. If they open up some of the playing fields there's tons of parking. Playing surface is top notch & kept in great condition through the summer (nice for a little puc-about afterwards with the kids). My only problem with O'Moore Park is that I never seem to come away from it with the right match result :S
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