Laois Architecture
Architecture is the design of buildings and other structures. In the broadest sense, this includes the whole of our built environment, from urban design, landscape architecture and building design down to architectural features such as doorways and street furniture. The architectural heritage of County Laois includes:
- Great country houses such as Ballyfin House, Stradbally Hall and Emo Court
- Other houses, doorways and streetscapes
- Vernacular buildings, including thatched houses, forges and farm buildings
- Public buildings such as churches, courthouses and railway stations
- Street furniture, including letter boxes, milestones and pumps
- Designed landscapes including Heywood gardens and many of the demesne landscapes including Abbeyleix and Ballyfin
Several buildings of architectural and historic importance are owned by Laois County Council. Programmes to conserve and revitalise many of these buildings, including Durrow Courthouse, are underway.
The Architectural Heritage of County Laois is shown in a recently produced Poster, available to download, or by contacting Laois Heritage Office
Many elements of the architectural heritage of Laois are included in the Record of Protected Structures detailed in the Laois County Development Plan.
The garden heritage of County Laois is also described in a booklet, available to download or by contacting the Laois Heritage Office.
