Abbeyleix or Abbeylaois (Mainistir Laoise in Irish) is a town in County Laois, Ireland about 14 km from Portlaoise. It is located on the N8 road.
History
Abbeyleix is quite a historical town. It was founded in the 18th century as an estate town by Viscount De Vesci and is situated near a 12th century Cistercian monastery beside the River Nore. Today, there is a huge range of historical structures still standing in and around the town - ancient ring forts, burial grounds, early monastic buildings, Norman and mediaeval castles, churches and colonial estate houses. The town once had a major carpet factory - notably producing some of the carpets used on the RMS Titanic.
There is a heritage house located in the old patrician monastery schoolhouse which provides information on the towns history. Abbeyleix at one stage held the status of a heritage town of Ireland.
Amenities
There is a district hospital in the town, plenty of shops and several pubs. The Abbeyleix Golf Course is an 18 hole course located near the town and the town boasts sizeable hotel - the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel.
See also
External links
Last updated: 08-20-2005 03:40:26
