Vacation Guide

Ireland golf vacation guide : To do and see

LAOIS

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 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.