A great day out in County Laois does not need to cost anything. The county is quietly full of castles, gardens, mountain walks and heritage sites that are completely free to visit. Here are ten of the best free things to do in Laois, starting, naturally, with our own corner of Ireland’s Ancient East.
1. Timahoe Heritage Centre and Round Tower
Explore Ireland’s finest 12th-century round tower and the story of St Mochua’s monastery at the free self-guided tour in Timahoe Heritage Centre. Interactive displays, an audiovisual show, Viking and monk mannequins for the kids, and the famous carved Romanesque doorway just outside. Free admission and free parking, with the Tower and Bean Café open at weekends.
2. Rock of Dunamase
Perhaps Laois’s most photographed site, this dramatic ruined fortress crowns a rocky outcrop with sweeping views over the midlands. The site is open access and free, and it is around 25 minutes’ drive from Timahoe, making it an easy pairing with the Heritage Centre for a half-day of history.
3. Heywood Gardens, Ballinakill
Designed by the celebrated architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, with grounds attributed to Gertrude Jekyll, Heywood Gardens is a gem of formal terraces, lakes and follies. Managed by the OPW, entry is free. About 15 minutes from Timahoe.
4. Emo Court Parklands
The neo-classical mansion at Emo Court sits in extensive parkland with lakeside and woodland walks that are free to enjoy all year round. The arboretum’s giant sequoias are a highlight for families.
5. Glenbarrow Waterfall, Slieve Bloom Mountains
The Glenbarrow eco walk in the Slieve Bloom foothills leads to a lovely tiered waterfall on the young River Barrow. Choose from looped trails of varying lengths, all free, with parking at the trailhead.
6. The Esker Walk, Timahoe
A short, family-friendly looped walk just north-east of Timahoe village along a glacial esker ridge. Perfect for stretching young legs after a visit to the Heritage Centre. See our guide to exploring Timahoe and the local area.
7. Abbeyleix Bog Boardwalk
A raised boardwalk loops through one of Ireland’s best-preserved raised bogs, alive with birdsong, dragonflies and bog cotton in summer. Flat, buggy-friendly and free.
8. Oughaval Wood, Stradbally
Ancient woodland with looped walking trails near Stradbally, carpeted with bluebells in late spring. Free parking and access.
9. Cullenagh Mountain Walk
For more experienced walkers, the climb to Cullenagh’s 317-metre summit rewards you with views across the county. The trail starts a short drive from Timahoe.
10. Portlaoise’s historic Fort Protector
In the county town itself, walk the line of the 16th-century Fort Protector, one of the earliest plantation forts in Ireland, and explore the old town centre. Combine it with a stop at Timahoe on the way, we are just 20 minutes away.
Make a day of it
Many of these sites sit within a short drive of each other, so it is easy to build a full free day out in Laois. Start with our plan your visit page for opening hours and directions, or read about things to do near Timahoe.