County Laois
Travel Guide

County Laois

Le Rock of Dunamase - © Jason Busa

Explore County Laois

Tourist attractions

Castles 1Mottes in Ireland 1Rivers 1

Festivals

Festivals in County Laois 1
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County Laois : Must-See Attractions

Where to stay?

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County Laois

County Laois lies in the heart of Leinster, between the Midlands and the Slieve Bloom uplands. Long passed through rather than visited, it nevertheless offers a coherent mix of small towns, estates, monastic heritage and rural landscapes.

Understanding County Laois

Laois had a population of 91,877 in the 2022 census. Portlaoise is its main centre, while Abbeyleix, Durrow, Mountmellick and several villages shape the countryside.

Slieve Bloom Mountains

To the west, the Slieve Bloom extend between Laois and Offaly. Hills, forests, valleys and trails form the county’s main natural area.

Heritage and small towns

Historic estates, religious sites, gardens and small urban centres give the county a quiet yet varied heritage identity.

A central location

Laois’s position between Dublin, Kilkenny, Tipperary and the Midlands makes it an easy stop to include in a wider itinerary.

How should you plan a stay?

One to two days are enough to combine Portlaoise or Abbeyleix with an area of the Slieve Bloom. A car remains the most practical means of transport.