Laois Hotels & Information

County Laois is an inland county located in the Midlands, in the province of Leinster. Laois is bordered by Offaly to the north and west, Kildare to the east, Kilkenny to the south, and Carlow to the southeast and Tipperary to the southwest.

Laois is the only county that does not border on another county touching the sea. Once called Queens County, it was renamed Laois after the War of Independence (1919-21).

It is mainly bounded by raised bog, highlands and rivers - namely, the Barrow and Nore Rivers and the beautiful Slieve Bloom mountains, with its waterfalls and valleys. From the summit of Mount Arderin, on a clear day, it is reputedly possible to see the highest points of all four provinces of Ireland. To the southeast of the county is the Castlecomer Plateau and its adjoining uplands.

Portlaoise is the county capital and was originally established as the Fort of Maryborough in 1556 as a military outpost and many elements of its past are still evident in the town. The present town was designed in the 18th century. Just outside Portlaoise lies the Rock of Dunamaise, an ancient Celtic fortification.

The view from the summit is spectacular and well worth the climb. Other towns and villages worth a visit are Abbeyleix, Donaghmore, Emo, Mountrath, Mountmellick, Portarlington and Stradbally.

Set in the rural tranquility of the Midlands, there are more than 1,000 historical sites and monuments in the county, some dating back 8,500 years.

County Laois offers the visitor a host of places to visit and things to do. Laois boasts several gardens of note as well as excellent angling, golf and equestrian facilities.

Irelandin1 features Laois hotels and B&B accommodation. Use the search box on this page to search for hotel accommodation in Laois.