Laois tours

Things to do in Laois

Laois welcomes you with its gently rolling hills, a landscape that seems to cradle the history and culture of Ireland itself. This lesser-known gem invites you to slow down and savour each moment. With a local guide, Laois tours become a journey of personal connections and surprising discoveries. Visit the serene Rock of Dunamase or explore the lively local markets; each private tour unveils the true heart of Laois. Walk among ancient ruins that seem to breathe with life, or delight in a food and wine tour that introduces you to the region's diverse flavours. With your guide, there's no waiting—you're taken straight to the essence of Laois, where every experience bridges the past and the present. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Laois. Explore Laois your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Laois tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Laois for every interest, including: Layover tours: Got a few hours around Portlaoise? Your guide can meet you at the train station, whisk you to the Rock of Dunamase for panoramic castle ruins, stroll the lakeside paths at Emo Court’s parklands, and have you back on schedule with a coffee stop and your luggage safe in the vehicle. Nature and Wildlife tours: Hike the Slieve Bloom Mountains to the Ridge of Capard boardwalk or the Glenbarrow waterfall loop, watching for meadow pipits, deer tracks, and spring wildflowers like bog cotton and orchids. Prefer something gentler? Try a riverside walk on the Barrow Way with herons and kingfishers, plus time for photos at quiet locks. History tours: Explore Timahoe’s elegant round tower and Aghaboe Abbey’s medieval stones, then compare grand house life at Emo Court, designed by James Gandon. Add the Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum or Heywood Gardens near Ballinakill for a clear look at Laois’ layered past on private history tours. Portlaoise town is walkable and there’s decent rail, but many sites sit far apart with limited buses; ask your local guide about chauffeured tours or private transportation, including pick-up from the station or your hotel. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Laois inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods A private walking tour in Laois, guided by a knowledgeable local, will immerse you in its vibrant communities and landscapes. Here are some neighborhoods to explore during your visit. - Portlaoise: The bustling heart of Laois, Portlaoise is great for those interested in local culture and history. Enjoy its lively town center with shops, cafes, and historical sites. - Mountmellick: Known for its unique embroidery tradition, this neighborhood attracts cultural tourists and craft enthusiasts. Visit the museum and learn about this intricate art form. - Abbeyleix: A picturesque and welcoming area, Abbeyleix offers a mix of heritage and nature. Stroll through its charming streets and enjoy the local parks and historical architecture. Day trip ideas from Laois From a base in Laois, you can branch out to hill paths, ruined forts, and lively small cities on easy day trips that mix nature and history without long drives. - Rock of Dunamase: climb the ruined castle for sweeping views across the Midlands and quick-hit history, a simple stop that works well with other sites in the area if you like photos and stories of sieges. - Slieve Bloom Mountains: pick a trail at Glenbarrow or the Ridge of Capard boardwalk for waterfalls, bog views, and quiet forests, and your tour can match the route to your fitness so you get a solid walk without the rush. - Emo Court and Parklands: stroll formal gardens and a lake loop under tall trees, a calm break that suits architecture fans and casual walkers, and your tour can time a coffee stop in the nearby village to keep it easy. - Kilkenny City: explore narrow lanes, craft studios, cathedrals, and the riverside around the castle, which fits art lovers and food fans as well as history buffs, and your tour can balance museum time with local bites. - Rock of Cashel: a dramatic cluster of medieval buildings on a high outcrop with carvings and a round tower, ideal if you want a strong dose of Irish heritage in one stop, and your tour can add a quick detour to nearby Hore Abbey for photos. These day trips work best as private tours where you set the pace and focus on what you like most, from hill walks to castle ruins. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Laois most travellers miss.