6 Ways to Spend a Rainy Day in Laois

Written on 16th June 2023.

Rain, hail or shine…

Discover a new Laois of life

It’s inevitable that you’ll meet a rainy day in Ireland, no matter what season we’re in. Don’t let that stop you from exploring Laois with so many offerings waiting to be discovered. From history and heritage to the arts and breweries, Laois has it all and at LaoisTourism.ie we’re going to highlight 6 of the best ways to spend a rainy day in Laois!

Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum Tour

Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum is a harrowing museum near Portlaoise which tells the story of the families who lived and died within the famine workhouse walls before, during and after the Great Famine. Between 1845 and 1849, around 1,200 people were forced to seek refuge here. It’s an evocative experience with feelings of sadness surrounding every wall and corner of this restored workhouse which was originally built in the early 1850s. It’s certainly a must-visit when in County Laois and one to put on the list if you’re looking for something more to explore on a rainy day.

Learn more about Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum here

Ballykilcavan Brewery Tour

Since 1639, the family that made Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery what it is today, have made every effort to share this experience with visitors and continue their success with an award-winning brewery and visitor experience that no one wants to miss when visiting County Laois. From its breathtaking landscapes and forestry like a fairytale to the beautiful beers and an experience on the farm and brewery like no other, make it a must-do whether its rain, hail or shine in Laois.

Learn more about Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery here

Mountmellick Museum

Located in a refurbished grain mill which was built in 1830, Mountmellick Museum showcases the village’s rich Quaker industrial past, and part of its story is told within its Victorian and Georgian architecture that surrounds the village and its heritage. In the Victorian era, Mountmellick Embroidery became a popular hobby for the ladies that filled the building. Since then, Mountmellick Museum has passionately held on to that tradition with each delicate piece hanging so beautifully for visitors to closely study. Today, the museum also holds craft workshops and a tour of the museum with audiovisual representation is also a new addition to the historic museum. Hail, rain or shine, Mountmellick Museum is an interesting visit to recall the women of Ireland that were employed throughout the late 1800s and their lives that are remembered.

Learn more about Mountmellick Museum here

Dunamaise Arts Centre

Dunamaise Arts Centre is an intimate state of the art establishment in Portlaoise compromising of a 240 seat theatre, cinema, gallery, workshop and café. Throughout the year, it plays host to a range of national and international performing and visual arts from theatre, music, dance and film to literature, comedy, and pantomime. Dunamaise Arts Centre was one of Ireland’s earliest established professional arts centres and is known as a regional. As one of the earliest established and most highly regarded professional arts centres in the country, Dunamaise Arts Centre is firmly established as a regional cornerstone of the arts on the Emerald Isle.

Learn more about Dunamaise Arts Centre here

Solas Eco Garden Shop

Discover local products, tasty food, fun events and so much more when you visit Solas Eco Garden Shop, Ireland’s first eco garden centre. This exciting new garden centre built on an old derelict site has been created from disused shipping containers and recycled materials. Every Saturday there is a farmers’ market on their purpose-built ‘Container Street’ food market that offers an exciting range of organic, local and fresh produce. Their recently opened 500m2 all-weather playground is a free amenity, open daily, that makes SOLAS the ultimate destination for family get-togethers, and it’s accessible only from the Food Court for safety and convenience. Local businesses, environmentally friendly and free for all to enter, this is a must-visit when you’re caught in a shower of rain in County Laois.

Learn more about Solas Eco Garden Shop here

Laois Libraries

With a network of 8 branch libraries serving the library needs of Co. Laois and the surrounding area. With books, games and internet access the library is the perfect hidden gem for a rainy day in Laois. Many of the libraries have events, activities or exhibitions daily so you are certain to find a way to pass a not-so-sunny day!

Learn more about the libraries of Laois here

If none of those sound appealing to you check out What’s On in Laois for lots of fun events

There’s always something happening in Laois and when we say something, we mean plenty! From live music, festivals, storytelling, drama, literature, the arts and workshops to yoga classes, weekly guided walks, runs, cycles and more, #YoureWelcomeToLetLoose in Laois and explore. Whether it’s raining or snowing and unpredictable to say the least, there’s still an abundance of seasonal offerings in Laois to let loose and have fun.