It can be hard to make a decision as to where to head for that all important break away or a simple day out. County Laois is rich with attractions for all the family. There are lots to see and do within a short distance of the Railway that could make up a fantasticand varied day out in conjunction with a train trip.
1.Stradbally Town-With its elegant yet quaint Main Street a leisurely stroll around the town is highly recommended. A visit to the Stradbally Steam Museum is a must it is located at the bottom of the town just past Dunnes Public House.
2.Rock of Dunamaise-One of the most popular tourist attractions in County Laoisis located between Stradbally and Portlaoise off the N80 road. The ruined Castle towers over the surrounding landscape and is open all year round.
3.Grand Canal Adventure-Creans Barge Hire located at Vicarstown near Stradbally offer full facilities to explore the waterways of the midlands.
4.Paintballing-Located on the same site as our Railway Supershot Paintball is one of the most exciting activities in County Laois.
5. Emo Court and Gardens-Visit the spectacular Emo Court and Gardens, just 4 miles from Portlaoise, one of the finest stately houses in Ireland. Designed by James Gandon in 1790, who is best known for his great public buildings, including the Custom House and the Four Courts in Dublin.
6.Bowling- Roll 'n Bowl, Portlaoise Entertainment centre is a family fun location with activities for all ages. Under the one roof is Cosmic Bowling, Laser Quest, Roller Skating Disco, Soft Play Centre, Indoor Soccer, Party Areas, Crazy Golf, Games Room & Coffee Shop serving a delicious range of coffees.
7.The Irish Fly-Fishing & Game Shooting Museum at Attanagh near Durrow Co.Laois is one of its kind in Europe and explores 300 years of hunting and fishing in Ireland. The Museum is a real treat for anyone interested in country life.
8.Camross Poets Cottage-This replica thatched cottage gives visitors a sense of what daily life must have been like for most people in rural Ireland in the 1800s. Located in the picturesque village of Camross, at the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, the cottage is named after Patrick Ryan, a poet who lived in Camross between 1750 and 1825. He wrote about the natural beauty and the people of the community.
9.Donaghmore Workhouse and Museum-See the rooms of an Irish workhouse almost exactly as they appeared in the late 1800s. The Workhouse housed families immediately after the Great Famine and during the Land War. The Donaghmore Workhouse was built to house the most desperate people of County Laois.
10.Timahoe Round Tower-Timahoe is a quiet rural village located close to the Fossey Mountains Springs area of County Laois. The Round Tower was built some time in the 1100s, on the site of a religious community founded by St. Mochua around 600. The tower rises almost 30 metres high and is more than 17 metres wide at its base.
These business/attractions are not affiliated with Stradbally Railway, for more information on Tourism in Laois visit www.laoistourism.ie