Abbeyleix Heritage Centre – situated in the heritage
town of Abbeyleix, which grew up around a 12th century Cistercian
monastery, this excellent heritage centre details the history
of the local area and exhibits a range of Turkish-style carpets,
woven in the town from 1904 to 1913.
Ballyfin House – situated just north of Mountrath
is the beautiful Ballyfin House, completed in 1826 and one of
the most splendid buildings of its kind in Ireland. Some of its
interior features include its parquetry floors, vaulted ceilings,
marble columns and ornate plasterwork. Today, the house is in
the hands of the Patrician Brothers.
Donaghmore Workhouse and Agricultural Museum – situated
in the village of Donaghmore, southeast of the town of Portlaois,
the museum gives a fascinating insight into life during famine
times.
Emo Court
Emo Court and Gardens – work on this magnificent neoclassical
house began and 1790 but was left incomplete until 1860, when
William Caldbeck finally finished it. Purchased by Major Cholmeley-Harrison
in 1969, the house and estate was presented to the people of Ireland
in 1994. The beautiful gardens boast many trees and shrubs and
offer a variety of pleasant walks.
Portlaois Town – the principal town in the county
of Laois, Portlaois originally served as a military outpost for
the defence of settlers. Now a prosperous commercial centre, its
main building include St. Peter’s Church, the courthouse
and the late 19th century Gothic Methodist Church.
Steam Museum – located in the village of Stradbally,
the museum has a fine collection of fire engines, steam tractors
and steamrollers, restored to full working order by the Irish
Steam Preservation Society.
