The Midlands
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Midlands - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Emo Court and Gardens
History, architecture, and nature merge in a happy commingling at Emo Court, a quintessential landmark of Irish Palladian elegance and a fine large-scale country house. The house is currently closed to the public---expected to reopen in 2023---although the extensive grounds may still be visited free of charge. The main drive is an avenue lined with magisterial Wellingtonia trees and it is a good introduction to one of Ireland's great treasure-house views. Built in the late 18th century and designed by architect James Gandon—it's thought to be his only domestic work matching the grand scale of his Dublin civic buildings such as the Custom House and the Four Courts. Construction continued on and off for 70 years, as family money troubles followed the untimely death of Emo's original patron and owner, the 1st Earl of Portarlington. In 1994, stockbroker Cholmeley-Harrison donated Emo House to the Irish nation. The ground-floor rooms have already been beautifully restored and decorated and are prime examples of life on a grand scale. Among the highlights are the entrance hall, with trompe-l'oeil paintings in the apses on each side, and the library, which has a carved Italian-marble mantel. Emo's 55 acres of grounds include a 20-acre lake, lawns planted with yew trees, a small garden (the Clocker) with Japanese maples, and a larger one (the Grapery) with rare trees and shrubs. Other fabulous trees include the Bhutan Pine, the Handkerchief and Blue Atlas Cedar, while walnut trees provide a rich source of food for red squirrels foraging in the canopies. Three of the 10 Irish species of bats have been recorded here: Leisler's bat, the brown long-eared bat and the evocatively named Soprano pipistrelle. Make time for a 3-km (2-mile) stroll around the attractive lake walkway, which includes two footbridges. Afterward, visit the tearoom serving tasty snacks and light lunches, and the gift shop. In the café choose from Jeeve and Jericho, black loose tea with a perfumed aroma, or try the Laois Apple Juice, straight from Emo's own orchards.
Emo, Co. Laois, Ireland057-862–6573Sight Details
Rate Includes: Gardens free, house €8, House closed Oct.--Mar. -
2. Heritage House
Remodeled interpretation, time lines, and new infographics were added during 2020 at the Heritage House, also known as the former North Boys School. The displays feature a variety of aspects of Laois life as well as the history of Abbeyleix and the de Vescis, an Anglo-Norman family who, in 1699, came to live at an estate nearby. They were instrumental in building and developing the new town of Abbeyleix in 1770. The school was originally constructed for the education of Catholics (at the other end of the town you'll find the South School, built for Protestants). Hour-long guided walking tours of the town are held in the summer while another tour links the center with new boardwalks at Abbeyleix Bog on the southern outskirts of the town that encompasses a 500-acre area of diverse habitats. Both tours costs €7 which includes admission to the house. Check the website for details of tour dates and times.
Main St., Abbeyleix, Co. Laois, Ireland057-873–1653Sight Details
Rate Includes: €5, €7 for guided tour, Nov.--Feb. closed Sun. and Mon.; Mar.--Oct. closed Sun. -
3. King House
The mannequins that recite the backstory of the King clan haven’t a cheerful disposition, but then again, neither did the family they depict, and many of them have a grim tale to tell in this large, white-painted Georgian mansion. The often brutal, sometimes glorious stories of Connaught chieftains, sibling squabbles, and the tragedy and evictions during the famine are just some of the topics recounted. Many of the props are interactive and child friendly---and Tarzan The Ape Man (1934) and Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) star Maureen O’Sullivan, who was born in Boyle, has a room devoted to her story. The King family moved to Lough Key until it burnt down in 1957, while King House fell into disuse after it had a stint as an army barracks. The courtyard has a crafts shop, café, and weekly farmers’ market.
King's House, Co. Roscommon, Ireland087-144--4739Sight Details
Rate Includes: €7, Closed Oct.--mid-Apr. -
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