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Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Port Laoise is the county town of County Laois in the midlands. The name is Irish for "Fort of Laois", however, a partially anglicised pronunciation as "Port Laois" (say 'Port Leash') is common.

Portlaoise was originally established as the Fort of Maryborough in 1556 under the reign of Queen Mary, and many elements of its garrison past are still evident throughout the town. The town now has a large and growing commuter population availing of the rail and motorway connections to Dublin.

The old jail in Portlaoise town centre has been recently restored to create a multi-purpose arts centre, which regularly hosts a variety of cultural delights.

Just outside Portlaoise lies the Rock of Dunamaise, an ancient Celtic fortification that is reputed to have been mapped by Ptolemy in the 8th century. The view from the summit is spectacular and well worth the climb.

Gardens

Delta Sensory Garden

Carlow, Co. Carlow

This is a very special garden for many reasons. Dedicated to waking every sense, the Delta Garden was born of one woman’s determination to provide the best possible experience for the differently abled and made possible with help from many ...

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Golf

Castlecomer Golf Club

Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny
Course Type: Parkland

Set in a 200 year old forest, Castlecomer's course provides a great test of golf combined with breath taking views of the local terrain. With the development of this course completed in 2003, it is clear to everyone at Castlecomer Golf Club that ...

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Self Catering

Roundwood House - The Forge & The Cottage

Mountrath, Co. Laois

Two self-catering units situated on the grounds of Roundwood House, an 18th century Palladian Villa, in a beautiful region of central Ireland at the foot of the unspoilt Slieve Bloom Mountains. Each building possesses immense character and is ...

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What's On

Athy Farmers Market - County Kildare - Sundays

Athy Farmers Market - Emily Square, Athy, Co Kildare

Sunday, 10am - 3pm

Contact: 087 215 3332; www.kildare.ie/athyfarmersmarket

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Tourist Attractions

Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre

Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Reopened in Summer 2012 following major refurbishment Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre, housed in the 1897 Bonded Warehouse, relates the story of Tullamore Dew Whiskey/Irish Mist Liqueur, the Grand Canal and the development of the town of Tullamore.

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Wedding Venues

The Wolftrap

Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Gina Murphy and her husband Padraig McLoughlin’s large bar and ‘informal fine dining’ restaurant is named after a mountain in the nearby Slieve Blooms (the border between Laois and Offaly is at its peak), and occupies a large to ...

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