Laois

Laois is a county in the Midlands region of Ireland, within the province of Leinster. It is bordered by Offaly to the west and north, Kildare to the east, and Carlow and Kilkenny to the south. The county town is Portlaoise, a central hub for administration and transport.

Geographically, Laois comprises rural farmland interspersed with forests and small towns. The Slieve Bloom Mountains lie in the northeastern part of the county, while the Bog of Allen extends into its southwestern areas. The landscape supports agriculture, forestry, and light manufacturing, with dairy farming and tillage playing prominent roles in the rural economy.

Population and governance: Laois has a population in the mid‑80,000s and is governed by a county council. The county is represented in national politics by local and national elected representatives within the framework of Ireland’s system of government.

Cultural and historical highlights: The county contains several significant historic and cultural sites. The Rock of Dunamase near Portlaoise and Timahoe Round Tower are important medieval remains. Emo Court, an 18th‑century neoclassical mansion near the village of Emo, is a notable visitor attraction. Stradbally Hall hosts the annual Electric Picnic music and arts festival, and the locality has hosted the National Ploughing Championships on several occasions.

Transport and education: Portlaoise is a major railway junction on the Dublin–Cork line and is served by the M7 motorway, providing road links to Dublin and the southwest. Laois has a network of primary and secondary schools; there are no universities within the county.