Attractions Portlaoise Ireland
Abbey Leix Titanic Carpets - Abbeyleix
Abbey Leix Titanic Carpets Now you can commission a rug or carpet in the only authentic designs of the once lost Abbey Leix Titanic Carpets , under the TIE~TANIC T label.
Ballaghmore Castle - Ballaghmore
Built in 1480 by the Gaelic Chieftain, MacGiollaphadraig, the castle was partially destroyed by the forces of Oliver Cromwell, during the times of the famous Laois-Offaly Plantations in 1647. In 1836 a Mr. Ely restored it, but he never lived in the castle. The castle, in its state of disuse after the death of Ely, was used as a granary. An interesting feature of the castle is the 'Sile-na-Gig' carved into one of the outside walls. It was used as a fertility symbol and also to ward off evil in Pagan times.
Ballyfin House - Mountrath
Located six miles from Mountrath, Ballyfin House is a magnificent example of the type of architecture that went into some of the greatest houses in Ireland during the 1800's. It is also said to be the finest sandstone neo-classical house to be found in Ireland dating from that period. An architect, to the name of William Morrison, was involved in the designing of the original house in the late 1700's. When Sir Charles Coote bought the house and estate in 1812 he took to redesign and rebuild the original house with the architect, Richard Morrison.
Donaghmore Museum - Portaloise
Located close to Portlaoise, Donaghmore museum is housed in a restored Workhouse originally built in the early 1850s. As a result of the great famine of 1845-1849, about 1200 people, or 10 percent of the population of the area, was forced to seek refuge here. The building acquired a new lease of life in 1924 when the Donaghmore Co-operative Society began operations. The original dormitories, a kitchen and a waiting hall are all authentically restored in the museum.
Emo Court House - Portaloise
Located close to Portlaoise, Emo Court was designed by the architect, James Gandon in 1790 for the first Earl of Portalington, and is a magnificent example of neo-classical style. Owned throughout the middle of this century by the Jesuits, it was then acquired and extensively restored by Mr Chomely Harrison in the 1960s. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland, first laid out in formal style in the 18th century. The house and gardens were taken into State ownership in 1994.
