Laois or Leix (pronounced Leash) is a county in the midlands of the Republic 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: 1720 kmē (664 square miles). Population (census 2002): 58,732.

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

Towns and villages

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

Places of interest
  • Slieve Bloom Mountains
  • Rock of Dunamase