TOP THINGS TO DO in LAOIS and nearby counties

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.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 – Sunday
Rates:Reasonable rates | Group packages available
Fossey Mountain Springs Ranch
Timahoe, Co. Laois
Tel: (057) 873 6527 Mobile: 087 231 6591
Email: fosseymountainsprings@eircom.net
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.
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. 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) 862 5189 Email: barrowline@eircom.net
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
Kilvahan Horse Drawn Caravans
Tullibards Stud, Coolrain, Co. Laois Tel: (057) 873 5178
Email: kilvahan@eircom.net 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
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. 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) 864 2320 Email: bowls@theheritage.com
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
Dunamaise Arts Centre
Church Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Tel: (057) 866 3355 Email: info@dunamaise.ie
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
Mondello Park
Mondello Park Ltd., Donore, Naas, Co. Kildare
Tel: (045) 860 200 Email: muireann@mondellopark.ie
Web: 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 – 5.30pm
Rates:Available on request
Donaghmore Famine Workhouse & Museum
Donaghmore, Co. Laois
Tel: (057) 864 6315 Mobile: 086 829 6685 / 087 917 2008
Email: info@donaghmoremuseum.com 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
Country Quads
Tinnecarrig, Borris, Co. Carlow
Tel: (059) 972 4624 Mobile: (087) 227 0466
Email: countryquads@eircom.net 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
Mountmellick Museum
Mountmellick Museum, Irishtown, Mountmellick, Co. Laois
Tel: (057) 862 4525 Email: themuse@mdasiltd.ie
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 request
Rates:3 | FREE to children under 16
Ballyhyland X Country Equestrian Centre
Ballyhyland, Co. Laois
Tel: (057) 862 7200 Email: 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) 912 0336 Fax: (057) 912 1583
Email: mail@birrcastle.com 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/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.
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) 873 1653 Email: abbeyleixlaois@eircom.net
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)
Supershot Paintballing
Cork Road, Stradbally, Co. Laois
Tel: (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
WESTMEATH
Kinnegad
N6
Kilbeggan
20
N6
Edenderry
LAOIS
M52
Tullamore
29
Rat
M52
Portarlington
Clonaslee
N62
OFFALY
4
Rosenallis Mountmellick
22
12
Emo
SLIEVE BLOOM
MOUNTAINS
N52
N62
19
Ballaghmore
Roscrea
23
N7
LAOIS
10
M62
25
14
Monas
8
Vicarsto
Stradbally 27
Timahoe
N8
Borris in Ossory
N7
M7
11
PORTLAOISE 6
26
Mountrath
Kilda
15 16
Grand Canal
Birr
5
24
13
1 2
Abbeyleix
3
17
N80
Donaghmore
28
Rathdowney
Durrow
18
Attanagh
Templemore
N77
N8
N78
TIPPERARY
KILKENNY
Thurles
Kilkenny
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
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 www.penhouse.ie
N78
MEATH
KILDARE
thdangan
21
Newbridge
Curragh
are
9
strevin
Naas
M9
1
Abbeyleix Golf Club
2
Abbeyleix Heritage House Museum
and Heritage Centre
3
Abbeyleix Sensory Gardens
4
Birr Castle Demense and Historic Science Centre
5
Birr Outdoor Education Centre
6
Ballyhyland X Country Equestrian Centre
7
Country Quads
8
Crean’s Barge Hire
9
Curragh Racecourse
10 Donaghmore Famine Workhouse and Museum
11 Dunamaise Arts Centre
12 Emo Court and Gardens
13 Fossey Mountain Springs Ranch
14 Heath Golf Club
15 Heritage Bowls Stadium/Outdoor Green
N78
own
16 The Heritage Golf and Country Club
WICKLOW
Athy
Baltinglass
N9
17 Heywood Gardens
18 Irish Fly-Fishing and Game Shooting Museum
19 Kilvahan Horse Drawn Caravans
20 Lockes Distillery
21 Mondello Park
0
22 Mountmellick Museum
7
23 Mountrath Golf Club
Carlow
Tullow
24 Portarlington Golf Club
25 Rathdowney Golf Club
N100
CARLOW
N9
26 Roll ‘n Bowl Entertainment Centre
27 Supershot Paintballing
28 Tearaways
29 Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre
GUIDE TO THE SYMBOLS
Picnic Area
Playground
Coach Parking
Guided Tour
Gardens
Suitable for all Levels
Pitch & Putt
Walks
Adult Activity
Historic House
Information
Educational Attraction
Internet Access
Gift/Craft Shop
Disabled Facilities
On-site
Coffee Shop
Restaurant
Suitable for Children
Birr Outdoor Education Centre
Roscrea Road, Birr, Co. Offaly
Tel: (057) 912 0029 Email: birroec@eircom.net
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
Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre
Bury Quay, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
Tel: (057) 932 5015 Email: tullamoredhc@eircom.net
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
Emo Court and Gardens
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 - September
Rates: 2.90 Adults | 2.10 Seniors | 1.30 Students | 7.40 Family
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 2006.
Abbeyleix Golf Club Tel: (057) 873 1450
Email: info@abbeyleixgolfclub.ie
Web: www.abbeyleixgolfclub.ie
Heath Golf Club
Tel: (057) 864 6533
Email: info@theheathgc.ie
Web: www.theheathgc.ie
The Heritage, Killenard
Tel: (057) 864 5994
Email: info@theheritage.com
Web: www.theheritage.com
Mountrath Golf Club
Tel: (057) 873 2558
Email: mountrathgc@eircom.net
Web: www.mountrathgolfclub.ie
Portarlington Golf Club
Tel: (057) 862 3115
Email: portarlingtongc@eircom.net
Web: www.portarlingtongolf.com
Portlaoise Golf Club
Tel: (057) 866 1557
Email: info@portlaoisegolfclub.com
Web: www.portlaoisegolfclub.com
Rathdowney Golf Club
Tel: (0505) 46170
Email: info@rathdowneygolfclub.com
Web: www.rathdowneygolfclub.com
Tearaways
Rathdowney Designer Outlet, Co. Laois
Tel: 1850 386 386 (for bookings)
Email: info@tearaways.ie 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 Hols
Rates: 7.50 for 90mins (Children under 3 – 3.75)
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. 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) 441 205 Fax: (045) 441 442
Email: info@curragh.ie 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
BALLAGHMORE CASTLE
Ballaghmore, Borris-in-Ossory, Co. Laois
Tel: (0505) 21453 Email: 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