About us
Making Tracks is our family-run tourism business that officially opened doors to the public in 2024. The Hyland family wants you to experience getting back to basics, stripping the complexity of modern-day life.
Our History
The house is estimated to be built in the 1860s and has been many things throughout its history. A farm, a pub, a hardware store, a petrol station and now a guesthouse.
We even found mass cards, indicating that the house was used for social gatherings and may have been a guesthouse before in the distant past. Located in the small village of Ballybrophy, this house sits proudly at the junction to the train station and beside the railway bridge.
The house fell into dereliction in the early 2010s. We bought the property in 2020 in hope to turn it into something new. With the help of our family, friends and the EU Just Transition fund we were able to develop the place into a sustainable holiday destination.
The House
With a lot of work and determination, this place has transformed from a derelict building and forgotten field into a glamping site and farmhouse that also offers horse and wagon tours.
The Hyland Name
Hyland’s name has been in Laois for many generations, and we are very passionate about keeping Ireland’s old ways of life alive.
Most people visiting Ireland rush to the west, and the heart of Ireland gets forgotten. We may not have long beaches or rugged mountains here, but we have the untouched rural lanes ideal for plodding along with horse and wagon, gathering in our farmhouse or relaxing in one of our cabins. With a friendly face around every bend and lots of things to see and do, Laois is the place to enjoy slow-paced travel and soak in nature.
