Abbeyleix

Abbeyleix (pronounced "Abbi-leesh") is a town in County Laois in the midlands of Ireland, with a population of 1770 in 2016. The abbey was Cistercian, founded in 1183 in the valley of the River Nore, and the original settlement grew up around it. Nothing remains of these, as the valley was flood-prone, and around 1790 the landowner Viscount de Vesci moved Abbeyleix onto higher ground 2 km east; it was thus one of the earliest examples of a "planned village". The de Vescis also established local industries such as carpet weaving.

The new Abbeyleix, 14 km south of Portlaoise, came to lie on the main Dublin to Cork road, and was an infamous bottleneck until 2010 when it was bypassed by M7 / M8.

Get in
M&A Coach 828 runs from Portlaoise (for buses and trains from Dublin) to Abbeyleix (30 min), Durrow, Urlingford and Cashel. There are five M-Sa and two on Sunday.

Slieve Bloom Coach 825 runs from Portlaoise to Abbeyleix, Ballinakill, Durrow, Rathdowney and Borris-in-Ossory, with three M-F.

is the main bus stop in Abbeyleix.

By road from Dublin follow N7 / M7 to Portlaoise then N77 south.

Get around
The bog is in walking distance and the bus runs to Durrow. You need wheels to reach Heywood Gardens, a bike would do.

See

 * Durrow is an attractive small village 10 km south of Abbeyleix on N77, but its main sight the castle is now a plush hotel, see Sleep. Durrow Abbey isn't here, but north of Tullamore - Durrow or Derry means "oak grove", doire, so it's a common placename.
 * is the crumbling ruin of a five-storey tower house built in 1425 and wrecked by Cromwell in 1650. It's just off the road south to Thurles and Cashel.
 * is a similar five-storey ruin along a back lane near Liscolman. It's in a private field but you see enough from the lane looping round it.
 * Durrow is an attractive small village 10 km south of Abbeyleix on N77, but its main sight the castle is now a plush hotel, see Sleep. Durrow Abbey isn't here, but north of Tullamore - Durrow or Derry means "oak grove", doire, so it's a common placename.
 * is the crumbling ruin of a five-storey tower house built in 1425 and wrecked by Cromwell in 1650. It's just off the road south to Thurles and Cashel.
 * is a similar five-storey ruin along a back lane near Liscolman. It's in a private field but you see enough from the lane looping round it.
 * Durrow is an attractive small village 10 km south of Abbeyleix on N77, but its main sight the castle is now a plush hotel, see Sleep. Durrow Abbey isn't here, but north of Tullamore - Durrow or Derry means "oak grove", doire, so it's a common placename.
 * is the crumbling ruin of a five-storey tower house built in 1425 and wrecked by Cromwell in 1650. It's just off the road south to Thurles and Cashel.
 * is a similar five-storey ruin along a back lane near Liscolman. It's in a private field but you see enough from the lane looping round it.

Do

 * Golf: Abbeyleix Golf Club is north side of the village, purple tees 6236 yards, par 72.
 * Durrow Scarecrow Festival is in late July, with six categories for scarecrows to try out for, and a side competition for dressing up round bales of hay. The next event is 28 July - 8 Aug 2024.
 * Power of Words is a poetry and creative writing festival in Abbeyleix in late August. 2024 dates to be announced.

Buy

 * Breslin's SuperValu is in village centre, open M-Sa 7AM-9PM, Su 8:30AM-9PM.

Eat

 * Others in Abbeyleix are Jade Palace, Tasty Spice, Capri Grill, Mueller and O'Connell Bakery, Papa Noni and McEvoy's Steak & Wine Bar.
 * Durrow has Kim's and Bowe's Cafe, but the tops are Ashbrook Arms and Durrow Castle, see Sleep.
 * Durrow has Kim's and Bowe's Cafe, but the tops are Ashbrook Arms and Durrow Castle, see Sleep.

Drink

 * Abbeyleix also has Benny's pub.
 * Durrow pubs are Durrow Inn, Dec's and Bob's Bar.
 * First Ireland Spirits produce liqueurs and pre-mixed cocktails on the industrial estate northwest of Abbeyleix. No tours.
 * First Ireland Spirits produce liqueurs and pre-mixed cocktails on the industrial estate northwest of Abbeyleix. No tours.

Sleep

 * B&Bs in Abbeyleix didn't open in 2021. They include Hillview House on Ballinakill Rd, and Sandymount House west at Tullyroe; Fountain House has closed.
 * Ashbrook Arms is also on The Square in Durrow.
 * Ashbrook Arms is also on The Square in Durrow.
 * Ashbrook Arms is also on The Square in Durrow.

Connect
As of June 2021, Abbeyleix has 4G from all Irish carriers. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next

 * Kilkenny is an attractive small city with a castle and other medieval heritage.
 * Mountrath is the access point for trails on the south slopes of the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
 * Portlaoise the county town is a transport hub and its sights (such as Rock of Dunamase) are some way out. Continue north to Mountmellick to access the north slopes of the mountains.