County Laois
Area:	1,719 km²
Capital:	Portlaoise
Code:	LS
Population:	58,774 (2002)
Province:	Leinster

Laois (pronounced Leash), also spelt Laoighis or Leix, is a county in the midlands of Ireland. Situated in the province of Leinster, this small county is the only one in Ireland not bordered by another county with a coastline. Area: 1719 km² (664 square miles).

Created in 1556 by Mary I of England as Queen's County, Laois received its present Irish language name following the War of Irish Independence. Portlaoise is the county town.

As of early 2005, administration of the county was in the hands of a coalition formed by the Fine Gael, Labour and Progressive Democrat parties.

Towns and villages

• Abbeyleix, Aghaboe
• Ballaghmore, Ballickmoyler , Ballinakill, Ballyfin, Ballylynan , Ballyroan,Borris-in-ossory
• Clonenagh
• Donaghmore , Durrow
• Emo
• Mountmellick, Mountrath
• Portarlington, Portlaoise
• Raheen, Rathdowney, Rosenallis
• Stradbally
• Timahoe
• Vicarstown

Places of interest

• Slieve Bloom Mountains
• Rock of Dunamase