Castle Durrow and the surrounding areas possess a myriad of hidden treasures of heritage and cultural the visitor to explore.

The Village of Durrow was developed under the patronage of the Viscounts of Ashbrook and is home to a number of historic buildings around the village green.

Castle Durrow itself is one of the last large pre-Palladian houses to be built in Ireland and attracts many historians. Durrow Village has a lovely, rustic atmosphere and friendly people. Nearby towns such as the ancient city of Kilkenny, Abbeyleix, and Cashel are among the most important heritage sites in Ireland and are a must for all touring visitors.

Golf

Below are a list of clubs nearby. Please contact our reception for bookings and transportation:

Mountrath Golf Club

Location: Mountrath, Co. Laois

Telephone: +353 57 8732558

Abbeyleix Golf Club

Location: Abbeyleix, Co. Laois

Telephone: +353 57 8731450

The Heritage Killenard

Location: Killenard, Co. Laois

Telephone: +353 578645500

Rathdowney Golf Club

Location: Rathdowney, Co. Laois

Telephone: +353 50546170

Portarlington Golf Club

Location: Portarlington, Co. Laois

Telephone: +353 578623115

Timahoe Round Tower

20 minute drive

This is a complete tower, without floors or ladders. It has one of the finest four-order Romanesque doorways in Ireland, elaborately carved and decorated with, human heads, chevrons and capitals. The Timahoe Tower is unique in round tower architecture as doorways like these are usually reserved for important churches. On a flat surface the decorations are labour intensive so one can imagine inserting such a feature in a curved surface.

In the 7th century there was a monastery established here by Saint Mochua.

Saint Mochua was a warrior who converted to Christianity at 30! The Monastery burned in 1142 and was re-founded by the O'Mores.

Rock of Dunamese

30 minutes’ drive

The Rock of Dunamase is a popular historic attraction found overlooking the valley of the O’Moores, just outside Stradbally on the road to Portlaoise.

The rock was the location of an early Christian settlement known as Dun Masc and later became an important Anglo Norman fortification. Dunamase Castle, a defensive stronghold dating from the early Hiberno-Norman period with a view across to the Slieve Bloom Mountains

Emo House and Gardens

30 minute drive

Emo Court is a country villa designed by James Gandon in 1790 for John Dawson, the first Earl of Portarlington. James Gandon is best known for his designs of the Custom House and the four courts, both in Dublin.

The house is a fine example of the neo-classical style. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland there is a lake and wood walks. When the last of the Portarlingtons left Emo Court in 1920, the house fell into decline. The Jesuits purchased the house in 1930 and used it as a seminary.

There are daily guided tours around the house.

Donaghmore Workhouse and Agricultural Museum

20 minute drive

The workhouse was introduced into Ireland as part of the English Paw Law system in 1838.

The British government saw the system as the most cost effective way of tackling the desperate state of poverty in Ireland.

There are guided tours by prior arrangements.

Kilkenny City

The bustling vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny is a 25 minute drive.

Here you will find small quirky shops and lunch rooms. Rothe House on the main street is a must for history buffs.

Kildare Outlet Shopping

45 minute drive

Discover a relaxed shopping haven in the beautiful Kildare countryside. The world’s leading fashion and lifestyle brands all have spacious boutiques here.

The National Stud and Japanese gardens are 5 minute drive from Kildare in case not the whole family wants to go shopping!

Rock of Cashel

35 minute drive

The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most spectacular archaeological sites, a prominent green hill, banded with limestone outcrops, rising from a grassy plain and bristling with ancient fortifications. Sturdy walls circle an enclosure containing a complete round tower, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral and the finest 12th-century Romanesque chapel in Ireland, home to some of the land's oldest frescoes.

The Curragh Racecourse

Supershot Paintball

Stradbally Hall

Booking in advance is required. Group size between 8 and 80.

Our reception will be happy to arrange the booking, or you can call them directly on +353 86 377 7499.

Laois Angling Centre

Laois Angling Centre is located in Coolrain, County Laois and provides great fishing facilities for all levels of experience. There are four large lakes which are regularly stocked with brown and rainbow trout, carp and bream.

Location: Coolrain, Co. Laois

Telephone: +353 877548823