Ireland’s Ancient East is the visitor trail that links 5,000 years of history across the eastern half of the country, and County Laois is one of its quietest, most rewarding corners. If you have one day to spend in the midlands, whether as a day trip from Dublin or a stop on a longer Irish road trip, this itinerary strings together castles, monastic heritage, gardens and mountain scenery with very little driving in between.
Morning: the Rock of Dunamase
Begin at the Rock of Dunamase, ten minutes east of Portlaoise. The ruined fortress, once the dowry of the Irish princess Aoife on her marriage to Strongbow, spills down a rocky outcrop with views that stretch across seven counties on a clear day. It is open access and free, and an hour is enough to explore the walls and take in the panorama.
Late morning: Timahoe Round Tower and Heritage Centre
From Dunamase, a 20-minute drive through country roads brings you to the village of Timahoe. Its centrepiece is Ireland’s finest 12th-century round tower, almost 29 metres tall with a beautifully carved Hiberno-Romanesque doorway, standing beside a peaceful village green. Inside the restored 19th-century church alongside it, Timahoe Heritage Centre tells the story of St Mochua’s monastery through interactive displays and an audiovisual presentation. The self-guided tour is free, takes around 30 minutes, and the Tower and Bean Café is open at weekends for a coffee stop.
Afternoon: Heywood Gardens and Abbeyleix
Fifteen minutes south of Timahoe, Heywood Gardens at Ballinakill is a hidden masterpiece: formal terraced gardens designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens with lakes, follies and yew walks, free to visit under the OPW. From there, continue to the heritage town of Abbeyleix for a late lunch on its Georgian main street, and if the legs allow, a stroll along the Abbeyleix Bog Boardwalk.
If you have more time
With an extra hour or two, add Emo Court’s parklands and giant sequoias on your way back to the M7, or head west into the Slieve Bloom Mountains for the Glenbarrow Waterfall walk. Families with younger children may prefer to finish at the splendid playground beside the village green in Timahoe. For more ideas around the village itself, see things to do near Timahoe.
Practical notes
This loop starts about an hour and 20 minutes from Dublin via the M7. All the outdoor sites are free; Timahoe Heritage Centre is also free, open Monday to Thursday 11am to 4pm and weekends 10am to 1pm, closed Fridays. Roads are quiet but rural, so allow a little extra time between stops. Full directions, parking and accessibility details are on our plan your visit page.