The picturesque town of Durrow sits on the river Nore and is the southernmost town in Laois. The town centre is based around the village green and life moves at a gentle pace.

The way Durrow looks today is largely due to the Flower Family, Viscounts Ashbrook, who gained ownership of the town in the early 1700s. They built Castle Durrow and granted permits for many of the fine Georgian and Victorian houses that still line Durrow’s streets.

You are spoilt for choice for somewhere to stay in Durrow. Try the Blue Book Castle Durrow for a unique stay in an Irish Castle. The Castle Arms hotel is an excellent 3 star choice or for something a little different try the converted coach house The Ashbrooke Arms.

Bowes of Durrow, winner of many food awards, is an excellent choice for dining. Afternoon Tea in Castle Durrow is a real treat and a perfect way to finish off a woodland walk or tour of the formal gardens in Castle Durrow.

There are a number of looped walks around Durrow that have a number of different length walks through the woodlands of Dunmore Woods. The nearby village of Cullohill has a mountain trail for those looking for something a bit more arduous.

Durrow has a number of vibrant canoeing and kayaking clubs in the town and also in nearby Woodenbridge. Woodenbridge Paddlers is also home to the first wheelchair field boat to explore the river with is free to users.

Of course don’t forget to visit around the last week of July when the Durrow Scarecrow Festival is in full flight. This 9 day family friendly festival see the whole town taken over by multiple scarecrow displays that are well worth a visit.