Unlocking the gems in the Laois tourism treasure

Tourism is on the forefront of everyone’s mind these days as we begin to realise the potential that the most land-locked county has for attracting visitors from all over the world.

While we have had advocates for tourism shouting this for decades, the potential of tourism is now being realised by the many rather than the few. This can be seen through the engagement with the Laois Tourism social pages.  

It has been a busy year for tourism for the county. In February 2023, Laois Chamber Alliance appointed a full-time Tourism Development Executive, with their task being to support the development of tourism in County Laois. 

In June 2023, a new marketing and PR team were appointed to manage the marketing of Laois as a destination. And a game changer for the Midlands region, in September 2023, Fáilte Ireland launched the Just Transition Regenerative Tourism fund to the value of €17m to support the development of tourism SMEs, Community groups and start-up businesses. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

While festivals such as Electric Picnic and The National Ploughing Championships have always attracted thousands to Laois, it’s the small scale festivals that are creating a bit of interest with the general public too.

 The Gordon Bennett rally combined with the open day at Abbeyleix House and Farm created a great interest in not just the race that saved motorsport and its rich heritage here in Laois, but the great showcase of the Laois Taste producers and crafters who were showcasing the best of Laois handmade produce at the renowned Abbeyleix House. 

The Durrow Scarecrow Festival attracted people from worldwide, similarly, the world’s first carbon neutral Steam Rally ‘a rally of old’ was mentioned for weeks after, attracting visitors from the UK and afar. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

The family-friendly festival Forest Fest at Emo was a hit with many who wanted the EP experience without the EP crowds. While the wonderful community-led Folly Fest, attracted visitors from far and wide.

 With over 40 festivals throughout the county there was something for everyone, from Heritage with the Old Fort Festival, celebrating Laois Pride in September, agriculture with many shows throughout the county, mountain biking and great traditional Irish music and dance during the May Bank holiday weekend.

Not forgetting the exemplary garden festival in Spink, a showcase of Laois at Shine in Emo and a great show of culture and art at the Twin Trees in Ballinakill. Only a snippet of the many festivals throughout Laois in 2023, the festival list looks set to grow in 2024 with interest in community-led family-friendly festivals becoming the go-to for visitors from around the world.

Over 40 new visitor attractions, experiences and accommodation offerings have been added to the Laois Tourism website this year. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

As tourism grows in Laois, expect bigger festivals, the mountain bike trailhead at Baunreagh, car parking the Rock of Dunamase, a county museum in the Old Granary at the Old Fort Quarter and more as people avail of the Just Transition funding.

Laois Chamber Alliance would love to hear from you if you have a tourism-based business or event that you would like added to the site or events calendar. 

Please email info@laoistourism.ie for further details.

To check out the events calendar and all there is to see and do in Laois, visit www.laoistourism.ie