TOP THINGS TO DO in LAOIS and nearby counties

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Jeremy Small
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1 TOP THINGS TO DO in LAOIS and nearby counties

Roll n Bowl Entertainment Centre Clonminam Business Park, Portlaoise, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 867 0005 Email: rollnbowl@eircom.net Web: www.bowlingireland.

available upstairs in games room. Outdoor Mini-golf also available with putters and balls provided.

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.

2 Roll n Bowl Entertainment Centre Clonminam Business Park, Portlaoise, Co. Laois Tel: (057) rollnbowl@eircom.net Web: 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 Sunday Rates: Reasonable rates Group packages available Fossey Mountain Springs Ranch Timahoe, Co. Laois Tel: (057) Mobile: fosseymountainsprings@eircom.net Web: 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.

Irish Fly-Fishing & Game Shooting Museum Attanagh, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 873 6112 Email: irishflycraft@hotmail.com Web: www.irishflycraft.com The only fishing and hunting museum of its kind in Europe.

Open: Normal Business hours (outside these hours by arrangement) Please ring in advance Rates: Adults 5 (Concessions Seniors, Children & Groups) Crean s Barge Hire Vicarstown, Co.

3 Irish Fly-Fishing & Game Shooting Museum Attanagh, Co. Laois Tel: (057) Web: 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) Crean s Barge Hire Vicarstown, Co. Laois Tel: (057) barrowline@eircom.net Web: 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 Kilvahan Horse Drawn Caravans Tullibards Stud, Coolrain, Co. Laois Tel: (057) kilvahan@eircom.net Web: 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 All year Rates: Available on request

The Sensory Gardens Dove House, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 873 1325 Email: dovehouse@scjms.ie A garden designed to appeal to your five senses touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell.

4 The Sensory Gardens Dove House, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 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 6.00pm Rates: By donation Heritage Bowls Stadium/Outdoor Green The Heritage, Killenard, Co. Laois Tel: (057) bowls@theheritage.com Web: 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 Dunamaise Arts Centre Church Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois Tel: (057) info@dunamaise.ie Web: 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

Mondello Park Mondello Park Ltd., Donore, Naas, Co. Kildare Tel: (045) 860 200 Email: muireann@mondellopark.

5 Mondello Park Mondello Park Ltd., Donore, Naas, Co. Kildare Tel: (045) Web: 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 Open: 9.00am 5.30pm Rates: Available on request Donaghmore Famine Workhouse & Museum Donaghmore, Co. Laois Tel: (057) Mobile: / info@donaghmoremuseum.com Web: 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 Country Quads Tinnecarrig, Borris, Co. Carlow Tel: (059) Mobile: (087) countryquads@eircom.net Web: 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 yrs yrs

Mountmellick Museum Mountmellick Museum, Irishtown, Mountmellick, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 862 4525 Email: themuse@mdasiltd.ie Web: www.mountmellickdevelopment.

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.

6 Mountmellick Museum Mountmellick Museum, Irishtown, Mountmellick, Co. Laois Tel: (057) Web: 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 request Rates: 3 FREE to children under 16 Ballyhyland X Country Equestrian Centre Ballyhyland, Co. Laois Tel: (057) ballyhylandxcountry@eircom.net 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 Birr Castle Demense & Historic Science Centre Birr, Co. Offaly Tel: (057) Fax: (057) mail@birrcastle.com Web: 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/Student 24 Family Children under 8 FREE

Lockes Distillery Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath Tel: (057) 933 2134 Email: lockesmuseum@iol.ie Web: www.lockesdistillerymuseum.com The tour of Lockes is the complete step back in time experience.

Open: Daily; Nov to Mar, 10am 4pm; April to Oct, 9am - 6pm Rates: 3 Child 5 Adult 4.75 Group of 10 or more Heritage House Museum & Heritage Centre Abbeyleix, Co.

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.

7 Lockes Distillery Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath Tel: (057) Web: 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 Heritage House Museum & Heritage Centre Abbeyleix, Co. Laois Tel: (057) abbeyleixlaois@eircom.net Web: 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) Supershot Paintballing Cork Road, Stradbally, Co. Laois Tel: (086) 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

8 WESTMEATH N6 Kinnegad LAOIS Kilbeggan 20 N6 M52 Edenderry 29 Tullamore Rat N52 M52 Portarlington N62 Clonaslee 24 OFFALY Rosenallis Mountmellick Birr Emo 5 SLIEVE BLOOM MOUNTAINS M7 11 PORTLAOISE Mountrath N62 23 Stradbally N7 LAOIS Timahoe Ballaghmore Roscrea N8 13 Borris in Ossory N7 10 Donaghmore M Durrow Rathdowney Templemore Abbeyleix Attanagh Grand Canal Kilda Monas 8 Vicarsto N78 N80 Thurles TIPPERARY N8 KILKENNY N77 N78 Kilkenny For further information Contact Laois Tourism Officer tel: (057) or log on to our website Laois County Council Laois Tourism East Coast & Midlands Tourism 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. Design by Penhouse Design

9 N9 MEATH KILDARE hdangan Newbridge Curragh re 9 trevin N78 wn Athy N9 7 Carlow Tullow N100 CARLOW 21 Naas M9 WICKLOW Baltinglass 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 GUIDE TO THE SYMBOLS Picnic Area Playground Coach Parking Guided Tour Pitch & Putt Historic House Internet Access On-site Coffee Shop Gardens Walks Information Gift/Craft Shop Restaurant Suitable for all Levels Adult Activity Educational Attraction Disabled Facilities Suitable for Children

Birr Outdoor Education Centre Roscrea Road, Birr, Co. Offaly Tel: (057) 912 0029 Email: birroec@eircom.net Web: www.offalyvec.

30pm Rates: Available on request Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre Bury Quay, Tullamore, Co. Offaly Tel: (057) 932 5015 Email: tullamoredhc@eircom.net Web: www.tullamore-dew.

10 Birr Outdoor Education Centre Roscrea Road, Birr, Co. Offaly Tel: (057) Web: 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 pm Rates: Available on request Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre Bury Quay, Tullamore, Co. Offaly Tel: (057) tullamoredhc@eircom.net Web: 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 Family Group rates available Emo Court and Gardens Emo, Co. Laois Tel: (057) Web: 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 - September Rates: 2.90 Adults 2.10 Seniors 1.30 Students 7.40 Family

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: info@abbeyleixgolfclub.ie Web: www.

11 Golf 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 Abbeyleix Golf Club Tel: (057) info@abbeyleixgolfclub.ie Web: Heath Golf Club Tel: (057) info@theheathgc.ie Web: The Heritage, Killenard Tel: (057) info@theheritage.com Web: Mountrath Golf Club Tel: (057) mountrathgc@eircom.net Web: Portarlington Golf Club Tel: (057) portarlingtongc@eircom.net Web: Portlaoise Golf Club Tel: (057) info@portlaoisegolfclub.com Web: Rathdowney Golf Club Tel: (0505) info@rathdowneygolfclub.com Web: Tearaways Rathdowney Designer Outlet, Co. Laois Tel: (for bookings) info@tearaways.ie Web: 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 Hols Rates: 7.50 for 90mins (Children under ) Special rates for school trips and special needs visitors

Heywood Gardens Abbeyleix, Co. Laois Tel: (056) 772 1450 Email: heywoodgardens@duchas.ie One of the finest gardens in Ireland, this site contains two types of garden.

Open: Daylight hours Rates: Admission free The Curragh Racecourse The Curragh Racecourse, The Curragh, Co. Kildare Tel: (045) 441 205 Fax: (045) 441 442 Email: info@curragh.

12 Heywood Gardens Abbeyleix, Co. Laois Tel: (056) 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 The Curragh Racecourse The Curragh Racecourse, The Curragh, Co. Kildare Tel: (045) Fax: (045) info@curragh.ie Web: 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 BALLAGHMORE CASTLE Ballaghmore, Borris-in-Ossory, Co. Laois Tel: (0505) gracepym@eircom.net 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

60 Minutes 45 Minutes

60 Minutes 45 Minutes Our central location Our central location Laois s connectivity ensures quick access to key airports and ports across Ireland, while also delivering a large customer base and skilled workforce to its door.