Set in the Midlands district, County Laois is also spelt as Leix and Laoighis and was formerly titled the Queens County. Laois is enclosed by the provinces of Offaly, Kildare, Carlow, and Kilkenny. The name Laoighis stems from the word Ui Laoighis which is said to be the tribe name of O’Moore clan. The first locals were hunter-gatherers followed by the early Irish farmer during the Neolithic period. The count of Laois is home to burial mounds, stone circles plus over one thousand heritage sites! Laois brims with legend and myth and is home to the oldest mountains in Britain. Must-see locations include the crumbling fortress located at Rock of Dunamaise, Ballaghmore Castle and the enclosing grounds, Emo Court House and Gardens, many monastic ruins dating back to the 6th-century, and heritage sites like Durrow and Abbeyleix. The Workhouse Museum in Donaghmore presents an eye-opening account of the locals who lived in the region during the Great Famine. If you’re more of an outdoorsman, County Laois does not disappoint. You’ll find 480km of delightful off-road hiking and walking routes, plus many prime fishing spots. There is much to do in Laois including barge rides across the Grand Canal, western horse riding lessons, barrel races, archery, and horse-drawn caravan rides for the enjoyment of the whole family!