Laois

County Laois takes its name from Loígis, a medieval kingdom, though from 1556 to 1922 it was officially known as Queen's County. Its human story goes back around 8,500 years, when hunter-gatherers moved through the fore…

Abbeyleix has a bog that's notable even by Ireland's demanding standards, with a 3.5-km boardwalk. Ballaghmore Castle is a 15th-century tower house. Five km away in Camross is Poet's Cottage. Emo Court is a 19th-century…

=== Prehistoric === The first people in Laois were bands of hunters and gatherers who passed through the county about 8,500 years ago. They hunted in the forests that covered Laois and fished in its rivers, gathering nu…

County Laois ( LEESH; Irish: Contae Laoise) is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Eastern and Midland Region and in the province of Leinster. It was known as Queen's County from 1556 to 1922. The modern county takes…

A weatherproof box where anyone can leave books, toys or kitchen bits and take something else: sustainability can be that simple. What matters is a good spot, permission from the owner or the council, and a few people w…

Not everyone finds smartphones, online bookings or long forms easy. Often a patient half hour is all it takes to help someone. Important: never take over passwords or bank details, go through it together step by step in…

Whether it's a part-time job in a café, delivering leaflets or tutoring: your first job brings not just money but confidence too. Make sure you get a written contract and that your hours fit around school or college. Wh…

A driving licence is a big step towards independence for many, but it takes time and money. Compare offers beforehand, study the theory regularly in small chunks and stay relaxed during lessons. Bikes and public transpo…

Spring brings blossom everywhere, summer calls you to the water, autumn leaves glow and winter gets cosy. Which season do you love most in County Laois, and what do you like to do then? Let us know!

Some words only make sense if you grew up here. Which local expression from County Laois do you love, and what does it mean? Post it in the comments, ideally with a short explanation for everyone who moved here!

Moving somewhere new often means not knowing anyone yet, and that's exactly when a neighbourhood can show how welcoming it is. Just arrived in County Laois? Tell us where you're from and what you're looking for. Everyon…

Moving somewhere new often means not knowing anyone yet, and that's exactly when a neighbourhood can show how welcoming it is. Just arrived in Oromia? Tell us where you're from and what you're looking for. Everyone else…

Some words only make sense if you grew up here. Which local expression from Oromia do you love, and what does it mean? Post it in the comments, ideally with a short explanation for everyone who moved here!