Things to do in Laois

Whether you have a passion for fashion, fishing, family-fun-days-out, museums, castles, walking, golfing, pony trekking, quad biking, horse racing or motor racing, Co. Laois has it all!  Here are just a few examples ...

Kildare Shopping Village - Indulge your need for shopping … where you'll find over 55 boutiques selling your favourite labels at greatly reduced prices every day of the year. Among the many exciting brands featured are well-known names that have chosen Kildare Village as their only outlet boutique in Ireland, so look no further for exceptional value on sought-after designer clothing, accessories and homeware.

Rathdowney Shopping Outlet - A Whole Lot More, For Less ... has been in existence for over 4 years and going from strength to strength with new retail stores opening on an almost weekly basis. Prices are constantly reduced all year round on a range of world famous brands and fashion labels with discounts ranging up to 70% off every day. You will, in fact, find stores and brands here that are not on sale anywhere else in Ireland.

Laois Angling Centre, Coolrain - combines the peace and tranquillity of the Irish country side with exceptional game and coarse fishing. The four large spring fed lakes, surrounded by mature woodlands, Clonoghil House and farmlands provide the perfect natural conditions for both the fish and fisherman. The lakes are stocked regularly with brown and rainbow trout, carp and bream ensuring a varied and interesting experience.

The Heath Golf Club, Portlaoise – this beautiful course is laid out on open heath land, incorporating two natural lakes. Furze features prominently on many holes and the course is a blaze of yellow from early spring onwards. Often described as an "inland links" the Heath offers a unique challenge to all levels of golfer. Facilities available include a 10-bay driving range, lake-side putting green and two practice areas as well as a magnificent clubhouse.

Roll ‘n Bowl Entertainment Centre, Portlaoise - 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.

Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum - a unique attraction in Co. Laois and aims to tell the story of the families who lived and died within the Famine Workhouse walls before, during and after the Great Famine. The Museum uses guided and self-guided tours combined with various exhibits to explain the socio-economic conditions which led to the establishment of this and other Workhouses. On visiting Donaghmnore you will see the original dormitories, a kitchen and a waiting hall authentically restored.

Old Mill Loop Walk, Clonaslee - In 2007, a series of looped walks were developed at various trailheads in the region following a mix of forest tracks, riverbanks, old roadways, and grassy trails. There are a few rough and rugged sections - but they rarely rise to high altitude and do not demand great stamina. This loop is one of three which start and finish at the Glenbarrow trailhead - key features include the bank of the spectacular River Barrow, a 3-tiered waterfall, the ruins of an old water mill, and broadleaf woodlands that, in late spring, are ablaze with bluebells.