Places of Interest

Portlaoise

Portlaoise was known as Maryborough until independence in 1922. It was originally designed as an outpost for defence of the settlers, and it has played a significant role in the history of Ireland located on the N7 motorway from Dublin at the junction of the N7 and N8. Portlaoise is the principal town of County Laois.

Laois is an inland county to the southwest of County Kildare is one of Ireland's 12 land-locked counties In the northwest of the county, the Slieve Bloom Mountains rise to over 1,700 feet forming a magnificent landmark and challenge for the enthusiastic walker. County Laois has a central location and has good access to the capital city Dublin and to the major urban centres it provides an excellent base for touring Ireland.

The heritage of the County boasts one of the finest Celtic fortifications in Ireland - the Rock of Dunamase and numerous fine houses of architectural merit.

There are several gardens of note, angling, golf and equestrian facilities for every level, and for the outdoor walker both long and short walks on which one can escape the stresses and rigour of everyday life.

Portlaoise offers numerous Hotels and B & B's There are also many fine restaurants and pubs which should make your visit to Portlaoise a memorable one.

1. The Slieve Bloom Way

Portlaoise
Laois.

There are numerous walks and drives that one can take through the peaceful Slieve Blooms. The stark contrast of looming mountains rising suddenly from surrounding plain, gives this beautiful mountain range a lofty, imposing appearance which belies its modest 615m height. Blanket bog, lush green forests with picnic and amenity areas, sparkling, tumbling rivers, streams and waterfalls, deep spectacular glens and peaceful villages make this a delightful touring destination.

Situated in the centre of Ireland, this route takes the walker through the wild and mystifying Slieve Bloom Mountains The walker is taken on a enjoyable trip past amazing deep glens, rock out-crops, waterfalls, and lofty summits. Route Details: Glenbarrow, Monicknew, Glendine East, Forelacka, Glenkeen, Glenbarrow. Total Distance: 77km/48 miles. Longest Stage: Forelacka to Glenkeen - 19km/12 miles. Highest Point: Glendine Gap - 460m/1510ft.

Visitors can obtain a detailed Slieve Bloom Way Map Guide available from the Portlaoise Tourist Office, Tel:0502 21178.

Equestrian trails are being serviced by a number of operators including
Slieve Bloom Equestrian Centre, Borris-in-Ossory, Tel 0505 41298
Equestrian Activity Centre,
Mount Briscoe, Daingean, Co.Offaly, Tel 0506 53046.

2. Rock of Dunmaise

The Rock of Dunamase, a huge limestone outcrop soaring over the neighbouring flat countryside on the Stradbally Road out of Portlaoise was controlled of the 12th century King of Leinster Dermot MacMurrough

The Rock of Dunamase is one of the most historic sites in the country and contains a succession of ruins dating back thousands of years.

The rock stands 150 feet tall and was used as a defensive position with its view right up to the Slieve Bloom mountains. This fact was recognised by the Pre-Celtic bronze age settlers, who were probably the first to fortify it, followed by the Celts themselves, among them King Laois Ceann Mór, who gave his name to the county. The Vikings plundered it in 845, and in the 13th it passed to Strongbow the Norman as a gift from his new son-in-law Diarmuid Mac Murrough.

It's Mac Murrough's castle, which lies in ruins atop the rock today. This is one of Ireland's most famous landmarks and has a long and diverse history attached to it. Aoife, daughter of the King of Leinster received it as a part of her dowry on her marriage to Strongbow The O' Moore's renovated Mac Murrough's castle quite extensively in the 15th century, and they were successful in defending it for over a century until the arrival of the planters. Finally, the Darth Vader of Irish history, Oliver "the butcher" Cromwell sacked the castle in 1650, and when you visit the castle you can still see the trenches where his troops were based.

3. Timahoe Round Tower And Church

Timahoe
Laois.

Timahoe Round Tower - well preserved round tower from a 12th century monastery with a Romanesque doorway and carved heads, near the small village of Timahoe.

The only remnant of the early monastery founded by St. Mochua (died 657).

Located on the edge of the attractive village of Timahoe, the round Tower is 30m tall and 17m in circumference, it is the biggest tower in Ireland and is situated on the site of a Bronze Age settlement. It is unique in that it has a double Romanesque doorway with fine ornamentation including heads with intertwined hair. There is also a Romanesque window in the their floor. The dearths of monks in the old monastery are reported between 880 and 1007, and reference is made to a church in 1069. But the Round Tower probably dates to the 12th century.

4. Heywood Italian Gardens

Ballinakill, Co. Laois

Heywood Gardens These gardens lie in what was the popular demesne of Co Laois at the end of the 18th Century. Although the house was destroyed by fire in 1960, the stunning Italian Gardens can still be visited. The Gardens are one of four in Ireland designed by Edward Luytens, and are beautifully situated on a hillside. The centrepiece of the garden forms a fountain pool bordered by bronze turtles. A circular wall shelters a stunning flower display and has openings to allow views of the local countryside.

The gardens have a magnificent setting on a hillside looking southeast over the country that takes in seven counties. It is open to the public and is operated by the Office of Public Works.

5. Emo Court House

Located close to Portlaoise, Emo Court was designed by the architect, James Gandon in 1790 for the first Earl of Portalington, and is an outstanding illustration of neo-classical style. Owned throughout the middle of this century by the Jesuits, it was then acquired and extensively restored by Mr Chomely Harrison in the 1960s.

The domed rotunda at Emo Court, inspired by the Roman Pantheon, must surely be one of the most impressive rooms in Ireland. A lantern in the coffered dome, which rests on the gilded capitals and Sienna marble pilasters, lights the circular space.

Extensive parklands with formal lawns, a lake, surround the house and woodland walks.

The house and gardens were taken into State ownership in 1994.

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