On the southern edge of Abbeyleix lies Abbeyleix Bog, also known as Killamuck Bog. The bog is primarily managed for nature conservation and provides a distinct counterpoint to the town’s history. During a stay, nature and cultural themes can be explored separately: the bog offers a choice of two loop walks of different lengths, while Heritage House, preserved buildings and a guided town walk each offer their own historical focus.
The Bog and Choosing a Walk
At 3.6 kilometres compared with 7.5 kilometres, the shorter loop is 3.9 kilometres shorter; both routes are flat, with only gentle inclines. There are no toilet facilities at Abbeyleix Bog. The entrance to Abbeyleix Bog is immediately south of Abbeyleix Manor Hotel.
Town History at Heritage House
Abbeyleix Heritage House is located in the historic North Boys’ School. The building was formerly home to the Abbeyleix Carpet Factory, where hand-tufted carpets were made, including carpets for the Titanic’s Grand Staircase. The exhibitions include ancient artefacts and more recent traditional crafts from Laois. Heritage House also offers insights into the pre-Christian warrior tribes of Laois, Norman influence, the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII, the plantations, the influence of landowners and Ireland’s Industrial Revolution. Heritage House tells the story of the town of Abbeyleix, built by the de Vesci landowners. The family levelled the old town and moved its residents to a newly planned town. A visit to Sexton’s House can be arranged through Heritage House and must be booked in advance. In Abbeyleix, visitors can see preserved historic buildings, including the Church of Ireland, the Baptist Meeting House, the Wesleyan Meeting House and the Catholic Church. A guided walk through Abbeyleix introduces visitors to interesting parts of the town.
Lords Walk
Today, only the section of Lords Walk from the Church of Ireland to the road crossing at Coleman’s Road, above the old railway line, is accessible. Animals found in the woodland along Lords Walk include deer, red squirrels and the now-rare pine marten.
Cultural and Historical Themes in County Laois
County Laois has other distinct cultural and historical themes. The Timahoe Round Tower dates from the late 12th century and has an elaborately carved doorway. Dunamase developed into one of Ireland’s most important Anglo-Norman fortifications. The Timahoe Heritage Centre is housed in a preserved 19th-century church and tells the story of the early Christian monastic settlement of Tigh Mochua. Emo Court is a neoclassical mansion designed by James Gandon in 1790; visitors can enjoy walks by the lake and through the woodland. Heywood Gardens is an 18th-century landscaped estate near Ballinakill in County Laois, with gardens, lakes and woodland; Sir Edwin Lutyens designed the formal gardens. Another textile tradition in County Laois is Mountmellick Work: Johanna Carter developed this whitework embroidery technique in the early 19th century.
Discover more destinations: Emo, Arles, Portlaoise, Rathsallagh, Ballickmoyler, Donaghmore, Mountrath, Ballyhenry
For the broader travel overview: County Laois.
