'Unique' Self-catering Holiday Homes in Ireland - Vacation Houses - Holiday Apartment Rentals

Two 4 Star 'Coach-houses' and 3 Star 'Dawson House' - holiday house accommodation in Ireland. Registered with the Irish Tourist Board (Failte Ireland) and Laois Tourism.

Welcome to The Old Rectory Irish Self-catering Houses/Rentals, in County Laois, situated just 20 minutes from Kildare and only one hour from Dublin, Kilkenny and Cashel - an ideal place for your holiday in Ireland.

Our self-catering accommodation is open all the year. Contact The Old Rectory BOOKINGS to arrange that 'Summer Holiday in Ireland' ..... or perhaps to visit family or friends in Co. Laois, Kildare, Offaly or Kilkenny. Book early for Christmas 2011.


The Old Rectory holiday house rentals nestle in the beautiful heart of the Irish countryside, in the village of Emo, Co Laois, Ireland. They are located just 2 kilometres off the M7 and just an hour from Dublin, Kilkenny and Cashel. 'The Old Rectory' was constructed in 1785, for the Hon. Rev William Dawson (son of Lord Carlow), and has been the home of the Deverell family since the 1950's. The Courtyard has now two luxury coach houses (vacation rentals) and Dawson House. Each has it's own unique charm and offer reasonably priced 'stress free breaks' away from the hustle, bustle and stresses of modern life.




These 'family run' self catering apartments and holiday house are part of a working farm. 'The Old Rectory' is the ideal base, for a holiday in Ireland, from which to explore the beauty and peace of the Midlands. This is also the ideal 'place to stay' for touring, for day trips and to visit many parts of Ireland - Dublin, Kilkenny, Cashel, Birr and Kinnitty Castles, Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains, Killaloe and Lough Derg, The Cliffs of Moher or Galway City. Ingrid & Wilfred will be happy to help you plan out 'days excursions' and to advise you about interesting places to see and things to do in the locality.


Photo: Andrea Deverell


What is 'Self-catering Accommodation'?

A holiday house in Ireland with all the comforts of home - where you can cook meals for yourself, when you want. Bed linen and towels are supplied. In France it is called 'Gite', in Spain 'Apartamentos el alquiler', in America 'Holiday Rental' or 'Condo', in New Zealand 'Motel' - we would love to know what the term is in other countries?? Please email us: enquiries@oldrectoryemo.com

An Irish Blessing (from 'Andiesisle') which was sent to us for St. Patrick's Day. We hope that you might enjoy it as much as we have.

Attractions in County Laois

The area abounds with interesting attractions.

• The bluebells in Emo Woods are worth a visit - end of April and beginning of May. Not to be missed! (See photo below in our gallery)
  
  
  • Visit 'Georgian' Emo Court, designed by James Gandon, and its Lakeside Gardens (seen above) which are in the village of Emo. The house (see below) will be open again at Easter for visitors - (entrance fee). The gardens are open all the year and provide a wonderful place for your daily walk or run, at no charge. Emo Court details. There are many interesting trees to be seen. Spoil yourself and stop in delightful 'Tea Rooms' - open 10am - 5pm daily.
  • Take a walk around the 'The Rock of Dunamaise', count how many counties you can see?
  
  
  
  A picture of Shadow our 11 year old golden retriever - who loves the company of guests.
  
  
  TIPS OF THE MONTH!!
  
  
  • Visit EMO COURT and the woodland gardens in picturesque village of Emo. The Gandon designed house is now open for tours (entrance fee)- no charge to visit the gardens.
    
    
    
  • Altamount Gardens, near Tullow, Co. Carlow - a lakeside garden. A sight to see!
    
    
  • Visit 'The Fisherman's Thatched Inn' in Fisherstown - one of the oldest 'pubs' in Ireland (circa 16th century) and on 'The Whiskey Trail of Ireland'. http:www.irelandwhiskeytrail.com Sean Ward must be one of Ireland's most welcoming landlords!
    
    
  • Visit the Georgian Coolbanagher Church designed by James Gandon which celebrated its' 225th Anniversary in May. Email coolbanagher@gmail.com for information on 'Baptisms' and 'Burials' from 1810.
    
    
  • Visit Moneygal, Co. Offaly, where Barak Obama's ancestors were born.
    
    
  • Try Sowan's Organic award winning bread 'mixes' Sowans Organics
    
    
  • For those interested in Irish Genealogy or searching for ancestors in Co. Laois log onto: Laois Genealogy
    
    
  • Interested in Irish Heritage visit Abbeyliex Heritage Centre.
    
    
  • Interested in gardens, then visit GASH GARDENS in picturesque Castletown.
    
    
  • Coarse or game fishing..... then visit the Laois Angling Centre at Coolrain, just 3 miles off the N7. The four lakes are stocked regularly with brown & rainbow trout, carp and bream ensuring a varied and interesting experience.
    Laois Angling Centre
    
    
    
  • Visit The Mountmellick Work Museum. The museum has many old and new pieces of Mountmellick Work - sometimes called Mountmellick Lace or Embroidery. The museum is found in The Old Quaker town of Mountmellick. Day courses can be arranged. Email: themuse@mdasiltd.ie
    http://www.mountmellickdevelopment.com