BOOKINGS

See & Do in Laois

Some of our favourite things to see and do in County Laois. If you need any further information or would like the local insight on where to eat or what’s on we are happy to help.

The Midlands of Ireland, supported by the EU Just Transition Fund and Fáilte Ireland, is a territory dedicated to promoting regenerative tourism, helping local communities affected by the shift to a climate-neutral economy.

This area is thriving with sustainable tourism development, thanks to numerous innovative initiatives and tourism projects. Visitors will enjoy the benefits of a diversified regional economy, the preservation of stunning natural habitats and biodiversity, and local communities offering a unique and enriching experience for all who visit.

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Historical / Heritage & Culture

Ruins of a hilltop stone castle surrounded by green fields and under a cloudy sky.
Ruins of an old stone building on a grassy hillside under a clear blue sky.
Ancient stone ruins with an arched doorway, surrounded by grass and trees under a blue sky.
Round stone tower and old church surrounded by trees and a black metal fence on a grassy lawn.
  • Aghaboe Abbey — historic abbey in Laois.
  • Rock of Dunamase — impressive medieval fortress ruins with great countryside views.
  • Emo Court & Gardens — neoclassical house, expansive grounds, lake, and woodland walks.
  • Timahoe Round Tower & Heritage Centre — round tower, visitor centre, picnic and playground.
  • Abbeyleix Heritage Town & Bog — charming town with heritage centre and bog walkways.
  • Donaghmore Workhouse & Agricultural Museum – a Great Famine workhouse

Walks

Circular garden with a central fountain, surrounded by flowers, greenery, and stone paths.
Wooden walkway through a sunlit forest with tall trees and green foliage.
A woman climbing a rope net.
  • Grantstown Lake — family-friendly, flat walking route nearest to Making Tracks.
  • Leafy Loop Durrow — forest and riverside walk.
  • Abbeyleix Bog Project Walk — family-friendly board walk on reclaimed peat lands.
  • Heywood Gardens — Historic formal gardens and lake walk
  • Sliebh Bloom Mountain walks — excellent for hiking and scenic drives.
  • Castlecomer Discovery Park — Treetop walks, boating lake, fairy village and zipline

Things to do with the kids

Four people walk along a lakeside path surrounded by green trees on a sunny day.
Smiling girl in a purple jacket holds onto a green rope at a playground.
Two alpacas standing close together, one white and gray, one brown and white, facing forward.
  • Rathdowney playground
  • Lisduff adventure farm
  • Castleview farm
  • Ballinakill Outdoor Pool

Cycle route close to site

Two people wearing helmets ride bikes on a path surrounded by greenery and bushes.
Person riding a bicycle in the background, with rocks and yellow flowers in the foreground.
  • South Laois Touring and Rathdowney Loop
  • Portlaoise – Borris-in-Ossory route
  • Glendine – Camross route
  • Slieve Bloom Laois (Baunreagh)

Festivals and events

An older man and woman joyfully dance in a lively street surrounded by a crowd.
Four young musicians playing traditional instruments in a cozy pub with brick walls.
Crowd at a concert, cheering enthusiastically with an Irish flag visible in the background.
  • Electric picnic
  • Ploughing championships

Both only 30 minute drive away for Making Tracks

  • Portlaoise Trad Fest
  • Timahoe Heritage Festival
  • Forest Fest Music & Arts Festival in Emo

Great spots to eat and drink

Overhead view of burgers, fries, salad, and beers on a rustic wooden table.
  • Bowe’s Foodhall & Café Durrow – lovely spot with really good quality food 
  • Hogan pub / restaurant  Coolrain – thatch pub with hearty meals.
  • Morrissey’s Abbeyleix – charming old building with great pints.
  • Bob’s Bar Durrow –  quirky pub by the river 
  • The square cup coffee trailer Rathdowney – Great for quick coffee.