Escape to Laois – 24 hours
Hurry, so much to see and do
A whistle stop tour of Laois is near on impossible but we will try our best to help you plan your one day.
Escape
Laois is only 1 hr from Dublin and 2 hrs from Shannon, it offers a true escape. Treacys of the Heath have been voted the best pancakes in Laois by a very special focus group, but don’t just take our word for it, experience it yourself. When everyone is full to the brim take the car car into the wonderful estate of Emo Court and Parklands for a slow stroll around the lake.
Explore
Take the car cross country to the Rock of Dunamase and admire the view from this dowry gift. If you keep very quiet you may hear the battlecries of this ancient site.
Discover
A little further out the road discover the monastic settlement in Timahoe and discover why a fly, a mouse and a cockerel were vital companions to the monks who lived here.
Coffee Time
From Timahoe, travel to Abbeyleix and visit Mueller and O’Connell Bakery, the perfect spot to revive. Visit the beautiful library that often holds art exhibitions.
Experience
After filling up on toasted sourdough sandwiches travel cross country to Donaghmore Workhouse and Agricultural Museum. Listen to the harrowing stories of the famine.
Visit
Gortnalee Gardens offer some welcome rest and peace in this beautiful garden designed and built by Hazel in memory of her late husband Brian after he challenged her to make a garden with no lawns.
Explore
Travel from Donaghmore cross country to Monicknew and put on the walking boots for a quick stroll along the river beds in the stunning Slieve Bloom Mountains. After working up an appetite, watch the sunset over the heathers and you will feel like you are the last person on the earth. The cry of the curlew may be heard
Stay and Dine
Come down the mountain towards Mountrath and drive the avenue into Roundwood House, be welcomed like you are old friend by Hannah and Paddy. Rest by the fire and wait for dinner. Paddy will enchant you with his food prepared using only local ingredients. You may be lucky sit by the fire with your hosts and sing the night away. Sleep Tight, and you’re always welcome in Laois.