Located west of Dublin and north of Kilkenny, County Laois often gets passed over as visitors head for holiday rentals in Ireland’s better known beauty spots. However, County Laois is the location of two of Ireland’s finest gardens – Emo Court and Heywood - and the charming county town of Portlaoise is well worth a visit. The area’s long history is seen at the natural fortress of Dunamase. Visitors can enjoy the scenic hills and peaceful river valleys. County Laois is the perfect area to discover the “real” Eire.
County Laois offers a beautiful landscape with gentle rolling hills and winding lanes which are made for exploring on foot, bicycle, horseback or by car. Part of the pleasure of a holiday rental in County Laois is exploring the local villages and pubs where excellent food and a pint of Guinness is accompanied by Irish music and the occasional impromptu singsong at the piano. Visit the gardens and stately homes or go sightseeing in Dublin, which is just an hour’s drive away.
Every tourist staying at a holiday cottage in County Laois should enjoy at least one of the county’s most lovely gardens. The Abbey Sense Gardens at Abbeyleix have a stunning herbaceous border, rose covered pergola and a fernery. Emo Court offers a tour of the fine stately home designed by James Gandon, who also built the Custom House and Four Courts in Dublin. Gash Gardens and Heywood Gardens also offer a tranquil day out surrounded by natural beauty. All the family will enjoy a trip to the 15th century Ballaghmore Castle between Roscrea and Borris-in-Ossory. Castle Durrow is one of the great stately homes of Ireland, built for the Flower family in the 18trh century. It is now a country house hotel with lovely walled gardens, an orchard and a walk to the “Leafy Loops”. The county town of Portlaoise is worth a visit. Just outside is the 1100 year old Dunamase Castle, the 12th century Round Tower in Timahoe and the Slieve Bloom Mountains and Forest Park. Make sure you allow time to explore Dublin as part of your visit to this beautiful country with its parliament buildings, literary connections, fine pubs and shopping along the River Liffey.
Like much of Ireland, which is nicknamed the Emerald Isle for its lush greenery, County Laois has plenty of rain showers at any time of year. Summer temperatures reach an average 19°C (66°F) and winters are mild at around 8°C (46°F).
Holiday rentals in the County Laois area are served by Dublin International (DUB) Airport which has regular flights from all over Europe, including low cost flights with Ryanair. The airport is 12km (& miles) north of the city centre.
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