County Laois (Laoighis, Leix) rests in the centre of Ireland. It was formerly (until 1920) called Queen's County.
Its surrounded by County Offaly (north and west), by Kildare (east), by Carlow and Kilkenny (south), and by Tipperary. County town, Portlaoise
Area: 1719 sq km (664 sq mi). Only inland county which borders counties that all are also inland. Population (1996): 52 000.
Predominantly low lying and is generally level, except for the Slieve Bloom Mts. in the northwest, which is the site of several forestry plantations. The Barrow and the Nore are the chief rivers.
Administrative Capital is Portlaoise, formerly known as Maryborough, it the site of a top-security prison. It is on the River Triogue. Established as Fort Protector during the reign of Mary I (1533-58), it was granted a charter in 1570.
Portlaoise and Portarlington are the two main towns.
Other towns are Abbeyleix, Stradbally, Mountmellick, Rathdowney and Mountrath.
Bears its name from Ludghaidh Laoigheseach, descendant of the Knights of Ulster.
River Nore and the River Barrow are its' principal rivers.
Attractions of Laois
The heritage of the County includes one of the finest celtic fortificatoins in Ireland - the Rock of Dunamase, 6 kilometres east of Portlaoise.
The heritage town of Abbeyleix is also worth visiting.
The Slieve Bloom Mountains.
Driving Directions
To get to Laois from Cork follow the N8 National Primary Route.
To get to Laois from Limerick follow the N7 National Primary Route.
To get to Laois from Dublin follow the N7 National Primary Route.
To get to Laois from Belfast go via Dublin asa above.
To get to Laois from Rosslare follow the N25 National Primary Route to the N11. Then take the N11 via Enniscorthy to the N80. Follow the N80 via Carlow.
To get to Laois from Galway follow the N6 National Primary Route to Loughrea and then head south on N65 via Portumna. Continue via Birr and Roscrea to Laois.
To get to Laois from Sligo follow the N4 National Primary Route to Boyle and then head south on N61 to Athlone. Follow the N6 National Primary Route to Moate and then take the N80 National Primary Route via Tullamore.
Maps and Routeplanners to help your plan your journey are available on irlguide.com.
It is now
in Laois