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TOP THINGS TO DO in LAOIS and nearby counties
TOP THINGS TO DO in LAOIS and nearby counties
Clonminam Business Park, Portlaoise, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 867 0005 Email: [email protected] Web: www.bowlingireland.com
Computerised state-of-the-art ten pin bowling featuring pinball wizard for children, bowling balls and shoes for all ages, cosmic glow in the dark lanes, pool, air hockey and video games available upstairs in games room. Outdoor Mini-golf also available with putters and balls provided.
Soft Play Centre comprising of three areas over three levels, catering for toddlers and children up to 12 years. There are ball pools, slides, twisters, punch bags, aerial runways, scramble nets, stepping stones and lots more. Parties are held in our Rain Forest Area. Meals for groups can be provided on request. There are activities for all ages at Roll ‘n Bowl.
OPEn: 11.00am – 10.00pm; 7 days a week, Monday – SundayRaTEs: Reasonable rates | Group packages available
Roll ‘n Bowl EntERtainmEnt CEntRE
Timahoe, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 873 6527 Mobile: 087 231 6591Email: [email protected] Web: www.fosseymountainsprings.com
Western riding, trail rides, riding lessons, natural horsemanship. American-bred horses. Trails across scenic wooded landscape at Fossey Mountain – all trails off-road. Suitable for all levels.
OPEn: 9.00am – 9.00pm; 7 days a week, Monday – Sunday
RaTEs: 25 per person per hour. Group rates & packages on request.
FossEy mountain spRings RanCh
Vicarstown, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 862 5189 Email: [email protected] Web: www.barrowline.com
A friendly family owned and operated cruiser hire company based on the Grand Canal, Vicarstown, Co. Laois. Our well equipped base is ideally located to allow you explore the full extent of both the Grand Canal and River Barrow.
RaTEs: Varies according to barge capacity
CREan’s BaRgE hiRE
Tullibards stud, Coolrain, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 873 5178 Email: [email protected] Web: www.horsedrawncaravans.com
Award-winning horse drawn caravan holidays give you the opportunity to step outside of the everyday bustle. Travel from place to place (farms, pubs, etc.) in your own cosy caravan with your new best friend – your horse! No experience required. Activities include pet-zoo, pony-riding, trekking in the Slieve Blooms, carriage tours and castle banquets.
OPEn: Open April 2006 - All year RaTEs: Available on request
Kilvahan hoRsE DRawn CaRavans
attanagh, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 873 6112 Email: [email protected] Web: www.irishflycraft.com
The only fishing and hunting museum of its kind in Europe. Over four thousand exhibits with many rare artefacts tracing the development of hunting, shooting and fishing through the ages.
OPEn: Normal Business hours (outside these hours by arrangement)
Please ring in advance
RaTEs: Adults 5 (Concessions Seniors, Children & Groups)
iRish Fly-Fishing & gamE shooting musEum
Dove House, abbeyleix, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 873 1325 Email: [email protected]
A garden designed to appeal to your five senses – touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell. A garden of peace and tranquillity. We supply a large range of concrete garden furniture and accessories.
OPEn: All year; Mon – Fri, 9.00am – 4.00pm from June – Sept Weekends 2.00pm – 6.00pm; Bank Holidays 2.00pm – 6.00pmRaTEs: By donation
thE sEnsoRy gaRDEns
The Heritage, Killenard, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 864 2320 Email: [email protected] Web: www.theheritage.com
All ages catered for (children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult). Overshoes and bowls provided. Tuition will be given prior to play. Company and group outings are our speciality. Come and join our Wednesday ‘FuN NIGHT’.
OPEn: Open to the public 7 days a week from 12 noon to 10pm RaTEs: 6 per hour per person
hERitagE Bowls staDium/outDooR gREEn
Church street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 866 3355 Email: [email protected] Web: www.dunamaise.ie
Arts Centre and theatre which presents the best in local, national and international performing and visual arts, including theatre, music and children’s events.
OPEn: Office opening hours 10.00am – 5.30pm
RaTEs: Rates available from box office
DunamaisE aRts CEntRE
Donaghmore, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 864 6315 Mobile: 086 829 6685 / 087 917 2008 Email: [email protected] Web:www.donaghmoremuseum.com
The Workhouse Museum, a unique attraction in Ireland, aims to tell the story of the families who lived and died here before, during and after the Great Famine. Visitors can walk through the virtually unchanged rooms of a 19th Century workhouse.
OPEn: July & August; 7 days; 2pm – 5pm Groups all year by arrangement
RaTEs: 5 Adults | 4 Group rates | 3 School tours
DonaghmoRE FaminE woRKhousE & musEum
Mondello Park Ltd., Donore, naas, Co. Kildare Tel: (045) 860 200 Email: [email protected]: www.mondellopark.ie
Mondello Park offers a wide range of events and activities including Motor Racing courses, corporate entertainment and conferencing, car and bike track days, early drive and more. For more information visit www.mondellopark.ie
OPEn: 9.00am – 5.30pmRaTEs: Available on request
monDEllo paRK
Tinnecarrig, Borris, Co. CarlowTel: (059) 972 4624 Mobile: (087) 227 0466Email: [email protected] Web: www.countryquads.com
Quad bike trekking over 100 acres of scenic livestock farm. We can cater for ages 8 years upwards. Groups of up to 10/12 at a time. Clay pigeon shooting also available.
OPEn: 10.00am – 6.00pm RaTEs: 8-12yrs 28 | 13-15yrs 30 | 16-18yrs 32 | 18+ 35
CountRy QuaDs
Mountmellick Museum, Irishtown, Mountmellick, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 862 4525 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mountmellickdevelopment.ie
Mountmellick museum tells the story of Mountmellick’s rich Quaker and industrial history. It showcases Mountmellick Work, the only form of embroidery in the nineteenth century which can claim to be entirely Irish in origin and design.
OPEn: July/ Aug 2.00pm – 5.00pm; Other times on requestRaTEs: 3 | FREE to children under 16
mountmElliCK musEum
Ballyhyland, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 862 7200 Email: [email protected]
Panoramic views of countryside, trekking, cross-country course, tuition, livery, tack available on-site. Only 10 minutes from main town of Portlaoise. Canteen & toilets facilities. Child-friendly, group discounts, ongoing one day events.
OPEn: All year round; 7 days a week. RaTEs: Rates available by contacting Ballyhyland directly
BallyhylanD X CountRy EQuEstRian CEntRE
Birr, Co. Offaly Tel: (057) 912 0336 Fax: (057) 912 1583Email: [email protected] Web: www.birrcastle.com
The Demesne has become world famous for its exotic tree and plant collections, rivers and lakes. The great Telescope & Science Centre will ensure any visit is memorable for the whole family.
OPEn: Open every day 9.00am – 6.00pm
RaTEs: 5 Child | 9 Adult | 6.50 Group | 7.50 Senior/Student24 Family | Children under 8 FREE
BiRR CastlE DEmEnsE & histoRiC sCiEnCE CEntRE
Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath Tel: (057) 933 2134 Email: [email protected] Web: www.lockesdistillerymuseum.com
The tour of Lockes is the complete step back in time experience. Your guided tour follows the process from the grinding of the grain to the casking of the whiskey. Your groups are then treated to a complimentary tasting of Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey.
OPEn: Daily; Nov to Mar, 10am – 4pm; April to Oct, 9am - 6pm RaTEs: 3 Child | 5 Adult | 4.75 Group of 10 or more
loCKEs DistillERy
Cork Road, stradbally, Co. LaoisTel: (086) 377 7499
Five action-packed game areas set in beautiful mature Irish woodland. Supershot has the most up-to-date facilities in Irish paintball. Ideal for corporate outings, schools, colleges, families and stag & hen parties.
OPEn: 9.30am – 1.00pm (Morning); 1.30pm – 5.00pm (Afternoon) 6.30pm until dark (Summer only)
RaTEs: Available on request
supERshot paintBalling
abbeyleix, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 873 1653 Email: [email protected] Web: www.heritagehousemuseum.com
Heritage House Museum captures the turbulent history of ancient Laois, early Christianity, the Normans, and tells the unique story of the landlord town of Abbeyleix, a Heritage Town of Ireland.
OPEn: All year, Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm; May - Sept, Saturday / Sunday 1.00pm – 5.00pm RaTEs: 3 adults | (Concessions: Seniors, Students, Children & Groups)
hERitagE housE musEum & hERitagE CEntRE
Ballaghmore
Durrow
MountrathPORTLAOISE
Clonaslee
M7
N80
N9
M9
N100N78N77
M62
N62
N6
N6
N62
N52
M52
M52
N78
N9
N78
Rosenallis Mountmellick
Abbeyleix
Timahoe
Stradbally
Emo
Roscrea
Birr
Attanagh
Tullamore
Kilbeggan
Kinnegad
Edenderry
Rathdowney
Donaghmore
Athy
Rathdangan
KildareCurragh
Baltinglass
Carlow
Tullow
Kilkenny
Templemore
Thurles
Newbridge Naas
Grand C
anal
Borris in Ossory
Portarlington
N7
N7
N8
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SLIEVE BLOOMMOUNTAINS
KILKENNYCARLOW
OFFALY
KILDARE
WICKLOW
WESTMEATHMEATH
TIPPERARY
LAOIS
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Vicarstown
LAOIS
Monastrevin
Abbeyleix Golf Club
Abbeyleix Heritage House Museum and Heritage Centre
Abbeyleix Sensory Gardens
Birr Castle Demense and Historic Science Centre
Birr Outdoor Education Centre
Ballyhyland X Country Equestrian Centre
Country Quads
Crean’s Barge Hire
Curragh Racecourse
Donaghmore Famine Workhouse and Museum
Dunamaise Arts Centre
Emo Court and Gardens
Fossey Mountain Springs Ranch
Heath Golf Club
Heritage Bowls Stadium/Outdoor Green
The Heritage Golf and Country Club
Heywood Gardens
Irish Fly-Fishing and Game Shooting Museum
Kilvahan Horse Drawn Caravans
Lockes Distillery
Mondello Park
Mountmellick Museum
Mountrath Golf Club
Portarlington Golf Club
Rathdowney Golf Club
Roll ‘n Bowl Entertainment Centre
Supershot Paintballing
Tearaways
Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre
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The publishers gratefully acknowledge photographic contributions primarily by Kevin Byrne. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions but where such are brought to our attention future publications will be amended accordingly.
FoR FuRthER inFoRmation Contact Laois Tourism Officer tel: (057) 866 4132 or log on to our website www.laoistourism.ie
Laois County Council
Laois Tourism East Coast & Midlands Tourism
Design by Penhouse Design www.penhouse.ie
guiDE to thE symBols
Picnic Area
Guided Tour
Pitch & Putt
Historic House
Internet Access
On-siteCoffee Shop
Playground
Gardens
Walks
Information
Gift/Craft Shop
Restaurant
Coach Parking
Suitable for all Levels
Adult Activity
Educational Attraction
Disabled Facilities
Suitable for Children
Ballaghmore
Durrow
MountrathPORTLAOISE
Clonaslee
M7
N80
N9
M9
N100N78N77
M62
N62
N6
N6
N62
N52
M52
M52
N78
N9
N78
Rosenallis Mountmellick
Abbeyleix
Timahoe
Stradbally
Emo
Roscrea
Birr
Attanagh
Tullamore
Kilbeggan
Kinnegad
Edenderry
Rathdowney
Donaghmore
Athy
Rathdangan
KildareCurragh
Baltinglass
Carlow
Tullow
Kilkenny
Templemore
Thurles
Newbridge Naas
Grand C
anal
Borris in Ossory
Portarlington
N7
N7
N8
N8
SLIEVE BLOOMMOUNTAINS
KILKENNYCARLOW
OFFALY
KILDARE
WICKLOW
WESTMEATHMEATH
TIPPERARY
LAOIS
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Vicarstown
LAOIS
Monastrevin
Abbeyleix Golf Club
Abbeyleix Heritage House Museum and Heritage Centre
Abbeyleix Sensory Gardens
Birr Castle Demense and Historic Science Centre
Birr Outdoor Education Centre
Ballyhyland X Country Equestrian Centre
Country Quads
Crean’s Barge Hire
Curragh Racecourse
Donaghmore Famine Workhouse and Museum
Dunamaise Arts Centre
Emo Court and Gardens
Fossey Mountain Springs Ranch
Heath Golf Club
Heritage Bowls Stadium/Outdoor Green
The Heritage Golf and Country Club
Heywood Gardens
Irish Fly-Fishing and Game Shooting Museum
Kilvahan Horse Drawn Caravans
Lockes Distillery
Mondello Park
Mountmellick Museum
Mountrath Golf Club
Portarlington Golf Club
Rathdowney Golf Club
Roll ‘n Bowl Entertainment Centre
Supershot Paintballing
Tearaways
Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre
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Roscrea Road, Birr, Co. OffalyTel: (057) 912 0029 Email: [email protected] Web: www.offalyvec.ie
Canoeing and hill walking, rock climbing, abseiling and kayaking, orienteering and camping, gorge walking, raft building, archery, ropes course and body surfing.
OPEn: Office hours: 9.30am - 5.30pm RaTEs: Available on request
BiRR outDooR EDuCation CEntRE
Bury Quay, Tullamore, Co. OffalyTel: (057) 932 5015 Email: [email protected] Web: www.tullamore-dew.org
Visit the birthplace of Tullamore Dew Whiskey and Irish Mist Liqueur. Audio-visual in different languages, self-guided tours and complimentary tasting.
OPEn: All year round, 7 days a week RaTEs: 6 Adult | 3.20 Child | 7 Guided tours | 6.80 Seniors 4.80 Student | 15.50 Family | Group rates available
tullamoRE DEw hERitagE CEntRE
Emo, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 862 6573 Web: www.heritageireland.ie
One of the finest stately houses in Ireland, Emo Court was designed by James Gandon in 1790 for the Earls of Portarlington. It is a magnificent example of neo-classical style. Guided tours of the house are available. House open June-September and by appointment. Gardens open all year round.
OPEn: Early June - SeptemberRaTEs: 2.90 Adults | 2.10 Seniors | 1.30 Students | 7.40 Family
Emo CouRt anD gaRDEns
golF
Rathdowney Designer Outlet, Co. Laois Tel: 1850 386 386 (for bookings) Email: [email protected] Web: www.tearaways.ie
One of the largest indoor children’s play centres in the country. Catering for children 0-9 yrs (5ft height restriction applies). Ideal for children’s parties. Equipment safety inspected and certified by ILAM.
OPEn: 10am – 6pm, Mon – Sat; 11am – 6pm, Sun & Bank HolsRaTEs: 7.50 for 90mins (Children under 3 – 3.75)Special rates for school trips and special needs visitors
tEaRaways
There are excellent golf courses in Laois to suit all levels. They are in easy access and offer very competitive green fees. There is also the championship course designed by Seve Ballesteros and Jeff Howes, The Heritage of Killenard. Laois is a gateway to a number of championship courses including the K-Club, Kildare, host to the Ryder Cup 2006.
Abbeyleix Golf Club Tel: (057) 873 1450 Email: [email protected] Web: www.abbeyleixgolfclub.ie
Heath Golf Club Tel: (057) 864 6533 Email: [email protected] Web: www.theheathgc.ie
The Heritage, Killenard Tel: (057) 864 5994 Email: [email protected] Web: www.theheritage.com
Mountrath Golf Club Tel: (057) 873 2558 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mountrathgolfclub.ie
Portarlington Golf Club Tel: (057) 862 3115 Email: [email protected] Web: www.portarlingtongolf.com
Portlaoise Golf Club Tel: (057) 866 1557 Email: [email protected] Web: www.portlaoisegolfclub.com
Rathdowney Golf Club Tel: (0505) 46170 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rathdowneygolfclub.com
BallaghmoRE CastlE
abbeyleix, Co. Laois Tel: (056) 772 1450 Email: [email protected]
One of the finest gardens in Ireland, this site contains two types of garden. The first is a elegant 18th Century park with fine trees and lakes. The second is a series of small interlinked gardens designed by Sir Edward Lutyens and Gertude Jekyll in the early 20th Century.
OPEn: Daylight hours RaTEs: Admission free
hEywooD gaRDEns
The Curragh Racecourse, The Curragh, Co. KildareTel: (045) 441 205 Fax: (045) 441 442Email: [email protected] Web: www.curragh.ie
The Curragh is the head quarters of horse racing in Ireland and one of Ireland’s premier sporting venues. Hosting the best flat racing including the Boylesports Irish 1000 and 2000 Guineas, Budweiser Irish Derby, Darley Irish Oaks and Irish Field St Leger.
OPEn: Race days – available on request
RaTEs: Available on request
thE CuRRagh RaCECouRsE
Ballaghmore, Borris-in-Ossory, Co. LaoisTel: (0505) 21453 Email: [email protected]
This unique castle was built in 1480 and was once the chief seat of the Mac Gillophadraigs, Lords of upper Ossory (family dates back to 500 B.C.) Visitors are given a guided tour of the castle’s many interesting features, which include a Sheela-na-Gig. Available for private parties and weddings.
OPEn: 10am – 6pm All year round. Always book in advance.RaTEs: 5 per adult | 3 per child | Group reductions
