Attractions

What to do in County Laois?

• Great value for rounds of golf - 3 courses within 5 miles
• Emo Court and lakeside gardens in village


• Emo Court
• Forest walks & walking in the Slieve Bloom Mountains


• Fishing in lakes and rivers
• The Heritage Golf & Country Club
• Visit some of the historical sites
• The Dunamaise Theatre
• 'Roll & Bowl' - tenpin bowling


• Equestrian Centres
• Irish Music in local pubs


• The Gardens of Laois
• Geneological research in Laois
• Places to eat .......... and much more!

Emo Court

Visit Emo Court, designed by 'Georgian' architect James Gandon, and its Lakeside Gardens (seen above) which are in the village of Emo. The house (see below) is open for visitors during summer months - (entrance fee). The gardens provide a wonderful place for your daily walk or run, at no charge. There are many interesting trees to be seen. Spoil yourself and stop in delightful 'Tea Rooms' - open 10am - 5pm.

Golf and activities

There are many golf courses within easy reach. The Heath Golf Club is a mile away while Portarlington Golf Club, at Garryhinch, is just 3 miles away ... as is the new 'Heritage Golf & Country Club', which has an 'International Indoor Bowls Stadium and Lawn Bowls' plus driving range.

Pamper yourself with a visit to the 'Health Spa' at The Heritage.

'Ten Pin Bowling' and 'Ice-skating' in the Roll 'n Bowl, Portlaoise.

Angling and Equestrian activities can be easily arranged to take advantage of the local watercourses and bridleways, along with excellent walking routes locally & in the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

Great days out from the Old Rectory

The 'Gardens of Laois' make a great 'day out'.
Explore the monastic settlements in Co. Laois or some of the local historical sites - such as 'The Rock of Dunamaise' or 'Aghaboe Abbey'.

Further afield there are many interesting 'days out' to be enjoyed.

Kilkenny & Cashel - visit Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny Design Centre, St. Canices Cathedral and wander the streets of the town or explore some of the many interesting 'Arts & Crafts' in the area ..... and then on to The Rock of Cashel.

Birr Castle and Gardens - stopping for lunch en route in Kinnitty Castle?

Belvedere House and gardens, just outside Mullingar is well worth a visit.

Drive through the Wicklow Mountains to Blessington, 'the Sally Gap', and onto Glendalough. Perhaps have afternoon tea at Laragh. Or you could visit 'The Meeting of the Waters' and Avoca (Ballykissangel in the TV series)

Killaloe/Balllina are also just over an hour away on Lough Derg - stop to visit Garrykennedy en route.
Visit The Steam Museum in Stradbally and then drive over the 'Windy Gap' and onto Altamount Gardens - a little bit of heaven!

Take a drive to 'Newgrange' and Co. Meath.
Shop at the Kildare Village Shopping Outlet.

Excellent Irish Music and Song can be enjoyed in the local 'pubs'.

Go horse racing at the Curragh, Punchestown or Kilbeggan.
Go Greyhound racing at Shelbourne Park, Newbridge or Mullingar.

Visit Newbridge Cutlery and have lunch in the fine restaurant there.

Dine at Castle Durrow, 'The Lemon Tree' or 'Les Olives' - for that romantic evening out!

Have lunch at one of the good restaurants in Portlaoise - 'Egan's Hostelry', 'Jim's Country Kitchen', 'The Midway', 'The Heritage' in Portlaoise & Killenard, 'The Kingfisher' - for excellent Indian cuisine and many more in the area. Portarlington also has many good restaurants....Chinese, Italian and good 'pub grub'.

'The Dunamaise Theatre' - check their web site for a great evening out.