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County Laois
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| Attractions: Ballaghmore Castle Rock of Dunamase |
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| Co. Laois Laois Prov. Leinster Republic of Ireland |
| Major cities: Portlaoise, Boris-in-Ossory |
| Surface: 1,719 km2 Population: 58,732 |
Initially County Laois, pronounced as leash, the county was named Queens County. In 1922 the county was given its present name, while also the name of the county capital was changed from Maryborough, after Queen Mary I, in Portlaoise.
County Laois is part of the central plain. Consequently most of the country is quit flat, with the exception of the north-west part where the Slieve Bloom Mountains are dominating the landscape. You might consider to leave the main road for a detour through the Slieve Bloom Mountains if you are travelling from Dublin to Limerick or Cork. Perhaps you can find the time to follow one of the marked walking courses.
A large part of the county, known as the Bog of Allen, is man-made by extracting turf which is used as fuel.
Some of Ireland's best preserved Celtic fortresses, including the Rock of Dunamase, can be found in County Laois.
The active visitor will appreciate the county for its golf courses, equestrian facilities and angling opportunities. The real fanatic anglers can enjoy themselves for several hours in the Fly-fish Museum in Attanagh (we have double-checked it twice and it really seems to exist). Meanwhile their spouses will find Mountmellick, known as the city of lace, perhaps more appealing.
The steam engine museum in Stradbally is highly recommended for those who are travelling with kids.
Seemingly the names of the major town, Portlaois and Portarlington, are out of place in a county surrounded by land. Nevertheless they were actual ports for dredgers which maintained the cannels in the pre-rail road era.