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Visit Abbeyleix

The Heritage Town of Abbeyleix, The Gem of the Midlands

Rich in history, Laois has been home to the Vikings, Quakers, French Huguenots to name but a few. All have left their mark around the county making it a wonderful place to step back in time. Discover lavish country estates and woodlands, climb ancient castles, and visit round towers. Explore the towns and villages and meet our most unrivaled treasure, our people, who are warm and friendly, and easy with a smile, always ready to let you in on the amazing local secrets.

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A gravel path leads up a grassy hill to the stone archway and crumbling walls of an old medieval castle ruin near Preston House under a cloudy sky.

Places to Visit

By its central location in Ireland, Abbeyleix is a great town to explore and experience the wonders of Ireland by day trips.  Food enthusiasts will feel right at home with cosy coffee shops, local bakeries, and fine dining restaurants on your doorstep. Nature lovers will be spoiled for choice thanks to the peaceful woodlands walks and green spaces that invite you to slow down. The area will also be a paradise for outdoor warriors, with scenic trails and cycling routes to countryside adventures like canoe or horse riding.

A traditional pub with a black exterior, gold “MORRISSEY” sign above large windows, and wooden doors. Wooden picnic tables sit on the pavement outside Preston House, inviting guests to relax and unwind.

Morrissey’s pub

Just a 3-minute walk
Step into the heart of Abbeyleix heritage at Morrissey’s – a true Irish landmark where time slows and stories flow as freely as the pints.
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A large stone building with three storeys, featuring red brick trim around the windows, a dark roof, and a gravel courtyard. Preston House is written in the top right corner with a small emblem above it.

Heritage House

Just a 3-minute walk
Step inside Heritage House to uncover the story of Abbeyleix, from its role in crafting the famous Titanic carpets to local tales that shaped this charming town.
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A dirt path runs through tall green grass and dense trees under a clear blue sky, leading towards the distant Preston House. Sunlight brightens the scene, creating a peaceful, natural atmosphere.

Lord’s Walk

Just a 5-minute walk
Take a peaceful stroll through the beautiful Lord’s Walk trail, surrounded by old trees, gentle rivers, and breathtaking views of Abbeyleix countryside.
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A modern library interior at Preston House features tall bookshelves, glass panels, and a large spiral staircase. Posters and chairs are visible in the foreground, whilst bright lights illuminate the inviting space.

Abbeyleix Library

Just a 4-minute walk
A beautifully restored, award-winning library that blends historic charm with modern design.
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A wooden walkway winds through lush greenery beneath trees near Preston House. To the left, an information sign titled “Abbeystead Bog” displays text and images about local plants and wildlife. Sunlight filters through the leaves.

Abbeyleix Bog Project

Just a 15-minute walk
An award-winning community conservation project where nature and education meet.
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A dirt path winds through a dense forest near Preston House, with tall trees and vibrant green leaves letting sunlight filter through. The ground is covered with fallen leaves and patches of blue wildflowers.

Dunmore Woods

Just a 7-minute drive
A peaceful woodland escape just outside Abbeyleix, where winding paths meet the gentle rhythm of the River Nore.
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View through iron gates of a stone path leading to a circular pond with central fountain, surrounded by garden beds and greenery at Preston House; a stone building and large tree stand under a blue sky.

Heywood Gardens

Just a 10-minute drive
Step into the charm of the Victorian-era gardens, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and planted by Gertrude Jekyll.
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Preston House, a long stone building with green doors and arched windows, stands beside a gravelled courtyard bordered by a low stone wall and a small patch of grass under a partly cloudy sky.

Donaghmore Workhouse

Just a 10-minute drive
Step back in time at this moving heritage site that tells the story of Irish rural life and the Great Famine through powerful exhibits and guided tours.
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Ruins of an ancient stone castle sit atop a grassy hill near Preston House, surrounded by green trees and bushes under a blue sky with scattered clouds. A narrow road winds through the foreground.

Rock of Dunamase

Just a 15-minute drive
A breathtaking medieval ruin perched high above the Laois countryside, offering panoramic views and centuries of Irish history.
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The historic Preston House, a large stone building with columns, stands on a green lawn surrounded by manicured trees under a clear blue sky. Tree branches with green leaves frame the top of the image.

Emo Court & Gardens

Just a 15-minute drive
A magnificent neoclassical mansion surrounded by tranquil lakes and lush parklands. Perfect for a scenic walk or picnic
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A stone round tower stands beside an old church with a grey slate roof and red doors, near Preston House, surrounded by trees and a black iron fence on a grassy lawn.

Timahoe Round Tower

Just a 20-minute drive
An awe-inspiring example of early medieval Irish architecture, the Timahoe Round Tower stands gracefully beside a quiet stream
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A scenic view of a rural valley with scattered farmhouses like Preston House, dense forests, and fields illuminated by soft sunlight. Trees in autumn colours mix with evergreens, and hills rise in the background under a hazy sky.

Slieve Bloom Hiking and Biking Trails

Just a 30-minute drive
Enjoy the wild beauty of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, one of Ireland’s oldest mountain ranges. With panoramic views, peaceful forests & scenic cycling routes
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Places to Eat

Abbeyleix is a perfect spot for foodies.

The front of Preston House café named BRAMLEY features a black exterior, white curtains in the windows, and flower boxes filled with pink and white flowers along the bottom of the windows.

Bramley’s Restaurant

Just a 2-minute walk
Experience fine dining at its best in the heart of Abbeyleix – Bramley’s combines local ingredients with elegant presentation and warm Irish hospitality.
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A quaint tearoom, Preston House, with a striped awning, yellow trim, and flower-filled planters outside. A wooden picnic table sits on the pavement in front. The sign reads Quinns Tea Rooms Est 1983.

Quinn’s Tea Room

Just a 2-minute walk
A cosy and charming spot to enjoy homemade cakes, specialty coffee, and delightful desserts in a relaxed Irish atmosphere.
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Street view of Muller & O’Connell Bakery near Preston House on a sunny day, with yellow daffodils in planters in the foreground and a streetlamp and chalkboard sign by the bakery entrance.

Mueller O’Connell Bakery

Just a 4-minute walk
An award-winning artisan bakery loved for its fresh sourdough, buttery pastries, and inviting aroma that fills the town each morning. A true local gem where every bite tastes like home.
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Discover More

Check out the charming town of Abbeyleix in County Laois, 14km south of Portlaoise. Wander along the beautiful Abbeyleix Bog Walk, walk through the walled Heywood Gardens, or explore Abbeyleix Heritage House to learn about the history of County Laois.

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