Local Attractions
Sightseeing
Visit Emo Court House to enjoy the beautiful gardens and parklands which were first laid out in the 18th century, containing formal lawns and a lake. Walks through the woodland are a popular way to explore the beautiful grounds.
Access to house by guided tour only. Guided tours available hourly.
Maximum number: 25.
Duration: 40 - 45 minutes
Tours of garden available by prior booking.
The gardens are open all year. The House opens daily from the end of March to late September and weekends only in October. The house is closed from November to end of March. Check the Heritage Ireland website link for details.
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Emo Court Demesne
Visit Emo Court House to enjoy the beautiful gardens and parklands which were first laid out in the 18th century, containing formal lawns and a lake. Walks through the woodland are a popular way to explore the beautiful grounds.
Access to house by guided tour only. Guided tours available hourly.
Maximum number: 25.
Duration: 40 - 45 minutes
Tours of garden available by prior booking.
The gardens are open all year. The House opens daily from the end of March to late September and weekends only in October. The house is closed from November to end of March. Check the Heritage Ireland website link for details.
The Rock of Dunamase is a spectacular natural feature visible in the landscape of Co. Laois and just 5km away from where you are staying. It takes its name from the Irish Dún Másc, meaning the ‘Fort of Masc’. Dunamase was the seat or fort of the ancient Irish kings of Laois. In 845 the fortress or dún on top of the rock was attacked by a Viking army from Dublin, who plundered several other sites in the region. Nothing of this early fortress can be seen today today, but what does survive is one of the most spectacular Anglo-Norman fortifications in the country.
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Rock of Dunamase
The Rock of Dunamase is a spectacular natural feature visible in the landscape of Co. Laois and just 5km away from where you are staying. It takes its name from the Irish Dún Másc, meaning the ‘Fort of Masc’. Dunamase was the seat or fort of the ancient Irish kings of Laois. In 845 the fortress or dún on top of the rock was attacked by a Viking army from Dublin, who plundered several other sites in the region. Nothing of this early fortress can be seen today today, but what does survive is one of the most spectacular Anglo-Norman fortifications in the country.
Get off the beaten track and connect with nature in the unspoilt and uncongested Slieve Bloom Mountains where you will find a great choice of walking trails ranging in distance from 4km to 75km.
Choose from 17 Slieve Bloom Looped Walks of varying length from trailheads at Kinnitty Cadamstown Clonaslee Glenbarrow and Monicknew.
Glenbarrow waterfall is well worth the visit, especially during good weather!
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Slieve Bloom Mountains
Get off the beaten track and connect with nature in the unspoilt and uncongested Slieve Bloom Mountains where you will find a great choice of walking trails ranging in distance from 4km to 75km.
Choose from 17 Slieve Bloom Looped Walks of varying length from trailheads at Kinnitty Cadamstown Clonaslee Glenbarrow and Monicknew.
Glenbarrow waterfall is well worth the visit, especially during good weather!
Built in 1772, the Cosby ancestral home is located on 550 acres of rolling woodland, streams and countryside surrounded by ancient oaks and chestnut trees. Stradbally Hall is the venue of the international boutique music festival Electric Picnic.
There is a fully functional paint ball course on the estate, a large well stocked fishing lake, and the annual Irish Steam Rally is held every August.
Stradbally Hall hosts many jumping leagues, point to points, hunter trials and one day events throughout the year.
Just 5km/ 8 minute drive from your doorstep!
Stradbally Hall
Built in 1772, the Cosby ancestral home is located on 550 acres of rolling woodland, streams and countryside surrounded by ancient oaks and chestnut trees. Stradbally Hall is the venue of the international boutique music festival Electric Picnic.
There is a fully functional paint ball course on the estate, a large well stocked fishing lake, and the annual Irish Steam Rally is held every August.
Stradbally Hall hosts many jumping leagues, point to points, hunter trials and one day events throughout the year.
Just 5km/ 8 minute drive from your doorstep!
Heywood Gardens were completed in 1912, and consist 50 acres of gardens, lakes, woodland and architectural features. The gardens have a spectacular setting on a hillside looking south-east over a sweep of undulating country which takes in seven counties. A walk lined with lime trees leads to a formal terrace overlooking the surrounding countryside.
The gardens are composed of four elements linked by a terrace that ran along the front of the house, which now no longer exists. In the sunken garden, circular terraces descend to an elongated pool, where small statues of turtles gaze inquisitively at the grand fountain. On the top level a loggia, roofed with red tiles, includes an inscription taken from the writings of Alexander Pope. Highlights include a rose called Natalie Naples and Johnston's Blue geraniums, to name just a few. Less than half an hours drive away and definitely worth a visit any time of the year!
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Heywood Gardens (Lutyens)
Heywood Gardens were completed in 1912, and consist 50 acres of gardens, lakes, woodland and architectural features. The gardens have a spectacular setting on a hillside looking south-east over a sweep of undulating country which takes in seven counties. A walk lined with lime trees leads to a formal terrace overlooking the surrounding countryside.
The gardens are composed of four elements linked by a terrace that ran along the front of the house, which now no longer exists. In the sunken garden, circular terraces descend to an elongated pool, where small statues of turtles gaze inquisitively at the grand fountain. On the top level a loggia, roofed with red tiles, includes an inscription taken from the writings of Alexander Pope. Highlights include a rose called Natalie Naples and Johnston's Blue geraniums, to name just a few. Less than half an hours drive away and definitely worth a visit any time of the year!
Canal Walk
Walking south along the Barrow Way from Vicasrstown, the Barrow Way stays on the right bank of the canal. You pass a bench that commemorates the poet Patrick Kavanagh's lines: "And Look! A barge comes bringing from Athy and other far flung towns mythologies".
The towpath crosses a substantial aqueduct over the lush and green Stradbally River. Then you pass Ballymanus Bridge, as the canal skirts woods and forestry. There is a mink farm on the west bank of the canal just beyond the bridge.
You pass rich green fields, hedgerows of alder, willow and elder, and the canal landscape becomes surrounded by large tillage fields.
Soon the canal goes under Milltown Bridge. If you climb up to the bridge, you can see Bert House, an ostentatious Georgian mansion. The River Barrow flows between the house and the canal.
The towpath beyond the bridge can be overgrown, but you can also follow the road here and then rejoin the canal towpath up ahead by a gate.
You pass a couple of bridges and follow a tree-lined avenue into Athy (from the Irish Ath-Ae, meaning the ford of Ae), passing new and old industrial buildings. The canal arrived here in 1791. The Barrow Line of the canal ends up ahead, and the Barrow Way joins the river for which it is named. In the past boats sometimes used the river upstream of here, rather than the canal, to avoid tolls and fares.
Vicarstown
Canal Walk
Walking south along the Barrow Way from Vicasrstown, the Barrow Way stays on the right bank of the canal. You pass a bench that commemorates the poet Patrick Kavanagh's lines: "And Look! A barge comes bringing from Athy and other far flung towns mythologies".
The towpath crosses a substantial aqueduct over the lush and green Stradbally River. Then you pass Ballymanus Bridge, as the canal skirts woods and forestry. There is a mink farm on the west bank of the canal just beyond the bridge.
You pass rich green fields, hedgerows of alder, willow and elder, and the canal landscape becomes surrounded by large tillage fields.
Soon the canal goes under Milltown Bridge. If you climb up to the bridge, you can see Bert House, an ostentatious Georgian mansion. The River Barrow flows between the house and the canal.
The towpath beyond the bridge can be overgrown, but you can also follow the road here and then rejoin the canal towpath up ahead by a gate.
You pass a couple of bridges and follow a tree-lined avenue into Athy (from the Irish Ath-Ae, meaning the ford of Ae), passing new and old industrial buildings. The canal arrived here in 1791. The Barrow Line of the canal ends up ahead, and the Barrow Way joins the river for which it is named. In the past boats sometimes used the river upstream of here, rather than the canal, to avoid tolls and fares.
Food scene
Set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains just over an hour from Dublin, Ballyfin has long been admired as the most lavish Regency mansion in Ireland. It is a place of history and romance, of tranquility and great natural beauty. With 20 bedrooms, magnificent grandeur, unparalleled seclusion and privacy, decorated with Irish art and antiques from around the world, Ballyfin is in the same spirit of refined elegance that the early House reflected in the 1820s. For today's guest, formality is blended with an informal and relaxed approach that is wonderfully warm and welcoming. Step outdoors to enjoy 614 acres of private parkland, a 28 acre lake, ancient woods, follies and grottoes.
This is the ultimate in luxury and hospitality... if you wish to dine here during your stay, be sure to book plenty of time in advance!
Ballyfin Demesne 5 Star Hotel
Set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains just over an hour from Dublin, Ballyfin has long been admired as the most lavish Regency mansion in Ireland. It is a place of history and romance, of tranquility and great natural beauty. With 20 bedrooms, magnificent grandeur, unparalleled seclusion and privacy, decorated with Irish art and antiques from around the world, Ballyfin is in the same spirit of refined elegance that the early House reflected in the 1820s. For today's guest, formality is blended with an informal and relaxed approach that is wonderfully warm and welcoming. Step outdoors to enjoy 614 acres of private parkland, a 28 acre lake, ancient woods, follies and grottoes.
This is the ultimate in luxury and hospitality... if you wish to dine here during your stay, be sure to book plenty of time in advance!
Lovely local cafe serving great meals, coffees and sweet treats.
Opening hours are 8.30am-6.30pm 7 days a week serving full range of breakfasts and baked scones, pastries until 12 noon each day. Lunch menu is served daily from 12-6.30pm along with daily changing blackboard roast joint specials.
Just a short drive or bike ride away (5km)
Stradbally Fayre
Main StreetLovely local cafe serving great meals, coffees and sweet treats.
Opening hours are 8.30am-6.30pm 7 days a week serving full range of breakfasts and baked scones, pastries until 12 noon each day. Lunch menu is served daily from 12-6.30pm along with daily changing blackboard roast joint specials.
Just a short drive or bike ride away (5km)
The perfect destination for food lovers serving beautiful home cooked food, freshly prepared daily. At Tynan’s, fine food, flavour and a little well deserved indulgence delivered with top class customer service is what really matters.
Open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea in a unique location. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5.00pm, ample parking available.
Tynans Restaurant
Mountrath RoadThe perfect destination for food lovers serving beautiful home cooked food, freshly prepared daily. At Tynan’s, fine food, flavour and a little well deserved indulgence delivered with top class customer service is what really matters.
Open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea in a unique location. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5.00pm, ample parking available.
The Menu in the Café starts every morning with fantastic coffee accompanied by freshly baked scones, pastries, breads and a full breakfast menu available until 12.00.
Bowes have a fine choice of foods prepared daily in their kitchen and the lunchtime choice of freshly made soups and main courses are displayed on lunch specials menu. Lunch menu is available from 12.00 to 3.30 each day. Their delicious gourmet rustic sandwich menu is available throughout the day as are a selection of deserts, cakes and pastries.
Also available throughout the day from the deli bar are a range of quiches, pasties, homemade sausage rolls, terrines, pastry wraps and so on. They also have an extensive takeout menu.
Situated in the the beautiful townland of Durrow and less than half an hour away.
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Bowe's Foodhall & Cafe
The SquareThe Menu in the Café starts every morning with fantastic coffee accompanied by freshly baked scones, pastries, breads and a full breakfast menu available until 12.00.
Bowes have a fine choice of foods prepared daily in their kitchen and the lunchtime choice of freshly made soups and main courses are displayed on lunch specials menu. Lunch menu is available from 12.00 to 3.30 each day. Their delicious gourmet rustic sandwich menu is available throughout the day as are a selection of deserts, cakes and pastries.
Also available throughout the day from the deli bar are a range of quiches, pasties, homemade sausage rolls, terrines, pastry wraps and so on. They also have an extensive takeout menu.
Situated in the the beautiful townland of Durrow and less than half an hour away.
Treacy's is one of Ireland's oldest traditional pubs and one of its best known landmarks, famed for its quality food, golden straw thatched roof and unique character.
The restaurant serves the best in home cooked food all day. Ingredients are locally sourced and freshly prepared in house by top chefs. This is quality home cooking at it's best.
Established since 1780, Treacy’s is one of the oldest premises in Ireland whose tradition has been continued and maintained in the same family. The seventh and eighth generation of Treacy’s now serve its customers.
Just a 6 minute drive from where you are and definitely worth a visit.
Treacy's Bar and Restaurant
Treacy's is one of Ireland's oldest traditional pubs and one of its best known landmarks, famed for its quality food, golden straw thatched roof and unique character.
The restaurant serves the best in home cooked food all day. Ingredients are locally sourced and freshly prepared in house by top chefs. This is quality home cooking at it's best.
Established since 1780, Treacy’s is one of the oldest premises in Ireland whose tradition has been continued and maintained in the same family. The seventh and eighth generation of Treacy’s now serve its customers.
Just a 6 minute drive from where you are and definitely worth a visit.
Shopping
Just 20km or 25 minutes drive away, Kildare Village is home to over 100 boutiques from the world's leading designers and is open 7 days a week with great deals to be found!
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Kildare Village
Just 20km or 25 minutes drive away, Kildare Village is home to over 100 boutiques from the world's leading designers and is open 7 days a week with great deals to be found!
Whitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge, County Kildare, is one of Ireland’s largest shopping centres outside of Dublin. It features three anchor mega stores: Debenhams, Marks and Spencer’s and H&M. Plus over 60 leading retailers, including big brand names like Zara, Kilkenny Shop, Skechers, Carraig Donn, River Island, Pull and Bear and many more.
Just half an hour away.
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Whitewater Shopping Centre
Main StreetWhitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge, County Kildare, is one of Ireland’s largest shopping centres outside of Dublin. It features three anchor mega stores: Debenhams, Marks and Spencer’s and H&M. Plus over 60 leading retailers, including big brand names like Zara, Kilkenny Shop, Skechers, Carraig Donn, River Island, Pull and Bear and many more.
Just half an hour away.
Must Visit!!!
With more than 25,000 sq ft of the best architectural salvage, fine furniture, country house interiors and curios in the country, The Store Yard is unique in the Irish antique and architectural salvage market. Also offering mid century Italian design furniture and a wonderful vintage ladies designer fashion boutique!
Mention where you are staying and you may be given a discount ;)
The Store Yard
Mountrath RoadWith more than 25,000 sq ft of the best architectural salvage, fine furniture, country house interiors and curios in the country, The Store Yard is unique in the Irish antique and architectural salvage market. Also offering mid century Italian design furniture and a wonderful vintage ladies designer fashion boutique!
Mention where you are staying and you may be given a discount ;)