Ireland’s 12th Century Round Tower-Right Here in County Laois
Timahoe Heritage Centre sits beside one of Ireland’s best-preserved Round Towers, just 20 minutes from Portlaoise. Entry is free.
Welcome to Timahoe Heritage Centre
A Heritage Centre in the Heart of County Laois
Timahoe Heritage Centre is housed in a beautifully preserved 19th-century church in the village of Timahoe, Co. Laois. The Centre brings to life the story of Tigh Mochua, the early Christian monastic settlement from which the village takes its name. Through engaging displays, audiovisual storytelling, and original artefacts, visitors can trace over 1,000 years of life in this corner of Ireland’s Ancient East. Whether you are a local, a school group, or a visitor passing through the Midlands, the Centre offers a genuinely memorable experience at no cost.



The Round Tower Highlight
Ireland’s Best-Preserved 12th Century Round Tower
A beacon of Irish craftsmanship and monastic life.
With its intricate Hiberno-Romanesque carvings and dramatic height, the Round Tower is more than a landmark – it’s a spiritual compass. Learn the stories etched into stone, and imagine the centuries it has witnessed.
Timahoe Heritage Centre isn’t just history – it’s a living place of reflection, learning, and discovery. At its heart stands the 12th-century Round Tower, one of Ireland’s finest, surrounded by stories of monks, mystics, and community spirit. Learn about our connection to Ireland’s Ancient East. See original maps, carvings, and artifacts and enjoy a rich sensory experience for all ages.
Standing approximately 29 metres tall and dating to the late 12th century, the Timahoe Round Tower is one of around 65 surviving Round Towers in Ireland and widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Hiberno-Romanesque craftsmanship in the country. Its elaborately carved doorway — set at height as was typical of monastic towers built for refuge and bell-ringing — is a particularly rare and well-preserved feature. The tower is a National Monument in State care and forms part of the broader Ireland’s Ancient East visitor trail.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Everything You Need for
a Perfect Day Out

We’ve made visiting easy – from parking and food to accessible facilities and family fun.
Come for the tower, stay for the atmosphere. Timahoe village is located in the Slieve Bloom foothills of County Laois, approximately 20 minutes from Portlaoise and 1.5 hours from Dublin. Free on-street parking is available beside the Centre. The Tower and Bean Café on site serves coffee and light refreshments at weekends.
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Weekdays 11-4 pm
Saturday & Sunday 10am-1pm
(Closed Friday) -

Tower &
Bean Café -

Playground
Nearby -

Toilets &
Free Wi-Fi -

Parking
Available -

Find us just 20 mins
from Portlaoise

SELF-GUIDED TOURS
Your Path. Your Pace.

Take a journey back in time with our immersive, self-guided tour — perfect for individuals, families, and curious minds of all ages. Explore at your own pace with an experience that takes approximately 30 minutes. Best of all, admission is completely free, making it an ideal outing for locals and visitors alike. The experience takes approximately 30 minutes and includes access to all indoor displays, audiovisual presentations, and information on the Round Tower. Admission is completely free, making Timahoe one of the best free things to do in Ireland when exploring the Midlands or travelling through County Laois.
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Entry to the Heritage Centre
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30-Minute Experience
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Audio-Visual Storytelling
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Interactive Displays







