Local Attractions

Timahoe Round Tower

Located just 15-minutes from Midlands Park Hotel, Timahoe monastery was founded in the early 7th century by St Mochua Mac Lonain. Early historical reference state that a church was burned here in 919 while there was a murder in the doorway of another church in 1069.

Timahoe is a complete tower, though without floors or ladders. It has one of the finest four-order Romanesque doorways in Ireland, with elaborately carved and decorated with interlace, human heads, chevrons and capitals. It is unique in round tower architecture and rises almost 30 metres high and is more than 17 metres wide at its base. Its walls are nearly 2 metres thick. Inside there are five different floors, which were reached by ladders.

Timahoe Heritage Centre is located at the base of  Timahoe Round Tower.  Opening hours are 11am to 4pm 7 days a week April through to September. The centre is self guided and all are welcome.

How To Get There
Timahoe Round Tower is located at Unit 10, Botley Lane, Portarlington, in County Offaly, approximately 15 minutes drive from us here at Midlands Park Hotel southeast of Portlaoise via Abbeyleix Road and the R426. 

Address: Timahoe Library, Timahoe, Co. Laois
Phone:  +353 (0) 57 8664129 E-mail: ccasey@laoiscoco.ie

Heywood Gardens

Heywood Gardens are located in Ballinakil, approx 20 minutes from us here at Midlands Park Hotel in Laois. Completed in 1912, the property consists of 50 acres of gardens, lakes, woodland and architectural features. It was transferred to State ownership in November 1993 from the Salesian Fathers who had taken care of it since 1941.

The gardens are composed of four elements linked by a terrace that ran along the front of the house, which now no longer exists. In the sunken garden, circular terraces descend to an elongated pool, where small statues of turtles gaze inquisitively at the grand fountain. On the top level a loggia, roofed with red tiles, includes an inscription taken from the writings of Alexander Pope. Highlights include a rose called Natalie Naples and Johnston’s Blue geraniums, to name just a few.

Heywood Gardens are loved by locals and visitors alike and one of Laois’s hidden treasures, the perfect choice for day out for all ages while saying with us at Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise.

Opening Times
Heywood Gardens are open all year round during daylight hours with free admission to the gardens. Garden tours are available but must be booked in advance.

Find Out More
Address: Ballinakill, Laois – Phone: +353 (0) 57 8733563  E-mail: heywoodgardens@opw.ie

Rock of Dunamase

The Rock of Dunamase is a must visit during you hotel break in Laois, perched on a hill-top, situated in Dunamase on the N80 road halfway between Portlaoise and Stradbally and just 11 minutes by car from Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise.

Experience and explore the stunning views of the surrounding countryside with the historic fortress ruins of the Rock of Dunamase. Sunsets and sunrises are especially incredible on the rock and the perfect opportunity for you to capture some stunning pictures of the scenic  Laois countryside.

The History of the Rock of Dunamase
Taking its name from the Irish Dún Másc, meaning the ‘Fort of Masc, Dunamase was the seat or fort of the ancient Irish kings of Laois. Down through the centuries, warriors have fought to control this limestone outcrop. The first known settlement on the rock was Dun Masc, an early Christian settlement that was pillaged in 842 by the Vikings. Interestingly the Rock of Dunamase was part of the dowry of Aoife, the daughter of Diarmuid Mac Murrough who was King of Leinster

Little beyond a few arches remain of the original structure, as the castle was all but destroyed some 200 years after it was built in the 12th century.

Today the ruins on the Rock of Dunamase are managed by the State and conservation work by the Office of Public Works have ensured that the Rock of Dunamase will survive for future generations to explore and enjoy.

Something you might not have known is that the Rock of Dunamase was a location used in the movie Leap Year, a romantic comedy starring Amy Adams.

The Rock of Dunamase is an easy climb suitable for all ages and it’s paved up to the site and is well worth a visit to soak up both the history and the views during your stay with us at Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise.

Find Out More
To know more about the historical background, click here
Address: Dunamase, County Laois.  Phone: +353 (0) 57 8664129

Slieve Bloom Mountains

The Slieve Bloom Mountains are among one of the major attractions outside of Portlaoise. These rolling hills link County Offaly with County Laois, ambling through the countryside and setting the stage for scenic hikes, cycling excursions and weekend escapes. When looking for hotels near the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Midlands Park Hotel located just 50 minutes away in Portlaoise is the perfect choice where great hospitality, a warm welcome, state of the art leisure facilities, luxury guestrooms and delicious, freshly prepared food awaits.

Discover the Slieve Blooms on Foot
Discover Ireland’s spectacular loop walks in the Slieve Bloom Mountains between the counties of Laois and Offaly. There are so many fantastic trails to choose from with something for all levels of fitness and from beginners to experienced hikers. The Glenbarrow looped walks are a must whether you want to just experience the wonderful Glenbarrow waterfall or a hike into the heart of the Slieve Blooms there is a loop walk for you. The Ridge of Capard boasts a sensational panoramic view and the viewing platform is just 300m from the trailhead starting point so ideal for all ages.

Explore the Slieve Blooms on Horseback
The Slieve Bloom Mountains offers great opportunities for horse riding with an abundance of great trails and scenery to match. A Horseback adventure through the Slieve Blooms is a wonderful way to explore and tours can be arranged with tour operators in the town centre ranging from one hour to a full day ensuring something for all abilities. Trek to mountain tops and enjoy panoramic views, enjoy the thrill of galloping through open valleys and trot through sparse boglands and enjoy the peace and tranquility.

Enjoy the Slieve Blooms by Bike
The Slieve Bloom Mountains is one of the great cycling destinations in Ireland. Whether you are a beginner cyclist looking to explore and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Slieve Bloom at a relaxed pace on the flat forest roads or you want to feel the exhilarating adrenaline rush of mountain biking with over 35km of mountain bike trails and amazing routes to choose from.

Find Out More
Whatever way you choose to Explore the Slieve Bloom Mountains near Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise you are in for a treat.
E-mail: info@slievebloom.ie  Phone: +353 86 8210056

Birr Castle

Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre is based in Birr town, County Offaly, only 50 minutes from our hotel. This castle gardens and science centre is famed for the beauty of its unusual landscapes.  Explore an impressive plant collection with rare species from around the world, the peaceful gardens with surrounding lakes. Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre is open all year round for visitors.

Opening hours:
Gardens & Science Centre: 16 March – 31 October 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
1 November – 15 March 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Last admission one hour before closing.

Admission tickets:
Adult: €9.50 | Senior: €8.00 | Student: €7.50
Children: €5.00 (Children 4 and under are free) | Family: €26.00

*Group rates available on request

Admission tickets give you access to the gardens, great telescope, science centre and treehouse adventure area.
Phone: +353 (0) 57 9120336 E-mail: bookings@birrcastle.com

Gash Gardens

Gash Gardens are situated just 20 minutes away from us here at Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise and is the ideal location for an enjoyable morning or afternoon out with friends or family.

Gash Gardens are beautiful and perfect to take a leisurely stroll around the gardens or riverside walk and enjoy a picnic along the way or perhaps sit inside the Moon House, a rocky cavern where you can watch the water cascade from above or experience the tranquillity of the wandering streams or simply sit, relax and enjoy a chat in a peaceful atmosphere. The gardens are considered to be a treasure trove of interesting and unusual plants in an enchanting and peaceful environment.

Gash Gardens are family owned by Mary Keenan and Ross Doyle and a warm welcome always awaits. Gash Gardens are well worth a visit during your stay with us at Midlands Park Hotel.

Opening Times
Gash Gardens are open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm from May 1st to September 30th

Events
Gash Gardens occasionally hold events, garden walks and talks at different stages throughout the year.

Find Out More
Address: Church field, Castletown, County Laois – Phone: +353 (0) 87 2728337

Midlands Escape Rentals

Midlands Escape is a new Wellness and Adventure Company based in County Laois. The company’s ethos is to empower people to take better care of their health and well-being with a strong emphasis on group activities. Midlands Escape boasts exciting activities for adults and teenagers and is the perfect choice when looking for things to do in Laois while staying with us here at Midlands Park Hotel.

Along with offering Group Wellness Packages, Corporate Wellness Packages and School Wellness Packages, Midlands Escape offer a rental service where individuals and groups can rent bikes, kayaks and paddle-boards anywhere in the Laois area.

Bikes
Midlands Escape Trek Bikes are suitable for adults and teenagers and come in 3 different sizes – Medium, Medium/Large & Large
Price – €40 to rent from 10-1pm or 1.30-4.30pm or €75 for the full day.

Kayaks
The kayaks are suitable for both adults and teenagers and come in different sizes – 10ft, 12ft and 14 ft (2 people)
Price – €50 each per half day (10-1pm or 1.30-4.30pm) and €70 each per full day

Paddle Boards

Midlands Escape paddle boards are suitable for adults and teenagers and come in 2 different sizes – 10ft & 12ft

Price – €50 each per half day (10-1pm or 1.30-4.30pm) and €70 each per full day

Group rates are also available for all of the above.

Where are the Rentals Based?
Midlands Escape can arrange to drop off and collect any rentals here at the hotel or if you want to a particular location such as Vicarstown or the Slieve Bloom mountains – they will meet you there. Midlands Escapes make it so easy.

For more details and to book visit www.midlandescape.ie/
Email info@midlandescape.ie or phone 087 286 7880

Tullamore Dew

Located less than 30 minutes’ drive from our Midlands Park Hotel, Tullamore Dew is a renowned distillery warehouse attracting many visitors every year.

Walk the Corridors of Tullamore Dew warehouse and discover the artisan craft of Whiskey making, enlighten the taste buds with a whiskey tasting session and a bar and restaurant for you to relax enjoy and unwind.

Opening times:
Mondays – Saturdays: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
Sundays / Bank Holidays: 11:30 am – 5:00 pm

Closed for Christmas between December 24th to January 1st

How To Get There
Tullamore Dew is located in Tullamore, Co. Offaly just 30 minutes’ drive from us here at Midlands Park Hotel via the N80 and N52.

Address: Bury Quay, Tullamore, County Offaly. Phone:  +353 (0) 57 9325015  E-mail: info@tullamoredew.com

Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum

This amazing workhouse is a unique attraction in County Laois. The Old Donaghmore Workhouse reached the peak of its operation during the Great Famine. The museum aims to tell the story of families who lived and passed away here before, during and after the Great Famine.

The museum has guided and self-guided tours combined with various exhibits to explain the socio-economic conditions which led to the establishment of this and other Workhouses. Visitors can walk through the virtually unchanged ruins of the 19th Century workhouse.

Opening times:
Mondays to Fridays (except Public Holidays) from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Outside visiting hours, ring +353 (0) 86 8296685
Please visit our local attractions links page for more information.

How To Get There
The Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum is located in Donaghmore in County Laois and just 25 minutes’ drive from us here at Midlands Park Hotel. Follow the M7  and take exit 21, follow R435 to the Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum. 

Address: Donaghmore, Portlaoise, County Laois.
Phone: +353 (0) 86 8296685, +353 (0) 87 9172008. E-mail: info@donaghmoremuseum.com

Charleville Castle

Located in County Offaly in the midlands of Ireland and bordering the town Tullamore near River Shannon. Charleville Castle is situated in Ireland’s most ancient primordial oak woods, once the haunting grounds of the druids.

Charleville Castle grew from paper doodles in early 1798 to grandiose plans by the end of that very eventful year in Ireland. It was built by Charles William Bury, Earl of Charleville and was designed by Francis Johnston, one of the leading architects of the day. Charleville Castle is said to be the finest example of Gothic revival architecture in the country.

How To Get There
Charleville Castle is located in Tullamore just 38 minutes drive from us here at Midlands Park Hotel via the N80 and N52.
Address: Charleville Castle, Tullamore, County Offaly, Call: +353 (0) 57 9323040  E-mail: info@charlevillecastle.com

Newbridge Silverware

Enhance your stay at Midlands Park Hotel by visiting the iconic Newbridge Silverware. Known for its elegant craftsmanship and rich heritage, Newbridge Silverware offers a unique shopping experience featuring exquisite jewelry, homeware, and giftware. Book our exclusive Shopping Break package below and enjoy a 20% discount on your Newbridge Silverware purchases. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore their collection and take home a beautiful piece of Irish design.

Opening Hours
Mondays to Saturdays 9:00am – 6:00pm
Sundays and Public Holidays 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
• The restaurant closes at 5:00 pm • Free entry and parking • Wheelchair accessible • Tour groups welcome

How To Get There
Newbridge Silverware is located in the Newbridge Industrial Estate in  Newbridge Co. Kildare and just 33 minutes’ drive from us here at Midlands Park Hotel. Follow the M7 to Curragh Chase/R445 in Kildare and take exit 12. Continue on R445 and drive to Newbridge Industrial Estate in Newbridge.

O’Moore Park

Gaelic sports are a unique aspect of Irish heritage and still boast a strong following within the country. O’Moore Park was built in 1888 and hosts the Laois Gaelic football and hurling teams.

GAA  was founded on November 1st 1884 at a meeting in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, by a group of spirited Irishmen who had the foresight to realise the importance of establishing a national organisation to make athletics more accessible to the masses and to revive and nurture traditional, indigenous sports and pastimes. At that time, it was largely only the gentry and aristocracy who were allowed to participate in athletics. Until then all that was Irish was being steadily eroded by emigration, intense poverty and outside influences. Within six months of that famous first meeting, GAA clubs began to spring up all over Ireland and people began to play the games of Hurling and Gaelic Football and take part in Athletic events with pride.

Given this particular stadium’s history and popularity, it’s also a popular venue for other Irish teams in need of a neutral stadium. The Laois GAA website provides details on upcoming matches and events.

Phone: +353 (0) 57 8660674 Email: secretary.laois@gaa.ie

The Curragh Racecourse

The Curragh Racecourse, the home of Irish flat racing is located in Newbridge in Co. Kildare just 25 minutes drive from Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise. Racing takes place 24 days each year from mid-March until early November.

The Curragh Racecourse is easily accessible with free parking (From Dublin take Exit 9 off the M50 onto the N7 southbound and from Portlaoise take Exit 12 off the M7).
For more information visit www.curragh.ie

Hotels near The Curragh Racecourse
Midlands Park Hotel is located just over 25 minutes drive from the excitement of the races and our hotel boasts the perfect accommodation for race day enthusiasts with free ample secure parking.

After a thrilling day at the nearby Curragh Racecourse unwind in one of our comfortable guestrooms including a range of standard rooms, family rooms, accessible rooms, and suites. Post races, indulge in our range of delicious dining options. You will be spoiled for choice with our contemporary restaurant, The Triog, our award-winning Kelly’s Steakhouse, or our vibrant Charter Bar & Eatery or relax and unwind in our leisure club.

Make the most of The Curragh Racing experience by enjoying a break away here at Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise

Local Racecourses – Punchestown & Naas

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a day at the races. The thundering hooves, the cheering crowds, the anticipation as the horses thunder down the track—it’s an experience like no other.

Hotels near Naas Racecourse
Naas Racecourse is easily accessed and located just under 40 minutes drive from us here at Midlands Park Hotel and stages both Flat racing and National Hunt racing all year with race days and events for all the family. Visit www.naasracecourse.com for fixture details and more info.

Hotels Near Punchestown Racecourse
Midlands Park Hotel is located just 40 minutes drive from Punchestown Racecourse in Naas, Co. Kildare, known as the home of Irish Jump racing with a season running from September until June. Visit www.punchestown.com for fixtures and more info.

Both Naas & Punchestown off the N7 and M7 are easily accessible with free parking.