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Laois Heritage Publications
A range of publications on the built, natural and cultural heritage of County Laois are available to download. Click on any of the titles below for a description of the publication and download details.
Heritage News & Events
Biodiversity Week Events 2009
Listing of free, family wildlife events in and around Laois for Biodiversity Week in 2009 (17th to 24th May). Includes details of this year's Dawn Chorus Walk in Clonaslee.
(PDF Document - 560 kb)
Biodiversity Week 2008
Details of the events and activities in Laois during Biodiversity Week - 19th to 25th May 2008.
(PDF Document - 136 kb)
Celebrating Laois Heritage 2008
Conference programme for Celebrating Laois Heritage, November 2008
Celebrating Laois Heritage 2008
(PDF Document - 211 kb)
Heritage Week 2008
Programme of events for Laois Heritage Week 2008
(PDF Document - 3,598 kb)
Conservation Seminar 2008
A seminar for owners of historic properties and thatched buildings will be held in Abbeyleix on Saturday 18th Ocrober, starting at 10am. Admission is free but places will be limited so booking is required. Download details and a booking form here.
(PDF Document - 199 kb)
Discovering Laois Wildlife 2008
Workshops on the wildlife and biodiversity of County Laois, starting May 2008
Discovering Laois Wildlife 2008
(PDF Document - 1,676 kb)
Heritage Photography Competition
Capture the spirirt of Laois heritage in pictures! We are looking for personal and unusual views of the built heritage of the county in this new competition. Closing date 16th October 2007. Further information available in Leaflet, or from Laois Heritage Office
Heritage Photography Competition
(PDF Document - 324 kb)
Heritage Photography Competition Rules
2007 Heritage Photography competition full rules and consent forms.
Heritage Photography Competition Rules
(PDF Document - 36 kb)
Celebrating Laois Heritage 2007
This year's annual Celebrating Laois Heritage event will take place on Suturday 3rd November in the Parish Centre Portlaoise, starting at 10am
Download leaflet and booking form for more information, or contact Catherine Casey, Laois Heritage Office for details.
Celebrating Laois Heritage 2007
(PDF Document - 231 kb)
Heritage Week 2007 events in Laois
Leaflet detailing the events and open days planned for Heritage Week, 25th August to 2nd September 2007, in Co Laois
Heritage Week 2007 events in Laois
(PDF Document - 1,261 kb)
Laois Heritage Trail
Information on the sites that make up the Laois Heritage Trail:
- Donaghmore Museum
- Aghaboe Abbey
- Durrow
- the Fly Fishing Museum
- Heywood Gardens
- Abbeyleix
- Timahoe
- Stradbally Steam Museum
- the Rock of Dunamase
- Emo Court
- Portarlington
- Mountmellick
- the Poet's Cottage.
Information on each site is given, with a map of Laois showing the location of the sites.
This guide was produced by Laois County Council and Laois LEADER, with the support of the Heritage Council.
(PDF Document - 1,308 kb)
Laois Heritage Plan Information
Laois Heritage Plan 2007 - 2011
The second Heritage Plan for County Laois, this plan was adopted by Laois County Council in December 2006, and will run from 2007 to 2011.
Laois Heritage Plan 2007 - 2011
(PDF Document - 1,489 kb)
Laois Heritage Plan 2002 - 2006
The first Heritage Plan for County Laois, published in 2002, with actions for the collection of data, raising awareness and conservation of the built, natural and cultural heritage of the County.
Laois Heritage Plan 2002 - 2006
(PDF Document - 56 kb)
Laois Heritage Plan Projects 2002 - 2006
Summary of projects and actions undertaken under the Laois Heritage Plan between 2002 and 2006
Laois Heritage Plan Projects 2002 - 2006
(PDF Document - 37 kb)
Laois Heritage Plan Evaluation 2006
Independent evaluation of the actions and impacts of the Laois Heritage Plan between 2002 and 2006. Carried out in 2006 by David Hickey and Dr Jack Carter.
Laois Heritage Plan Evaluation 2006
(PDF Document - 237 kb)
Wildlife Publications
Laois Habitats Survey 2008 - Part 1
Report on the surveys of habitats in County Laois, carried out in 2008 by Mary Tubridy & Associates, on behalf of the Laois Heritage Forum, with the support of the Heritage Council.
Part 1 is the main report of the survey and contains description of the aims, methdodology, results and recommendations of the survey.
Part 2 of the report contains appendices, including details of habitats recorded and plant species lists.
This project is an ongoing survey, which started in 2005, with the ultimate aim of field surveying habitats throughout the whole of County Laois.
Laois Habitats Survey 2008 - Part 1
(PDF Document - 2,091 kb)
Laois Habitats Survey 2008 - Part 2
Report on the surveys of habitats in County Laois, carried out in 2008 by Mary Tubridy & Associates, on behalf of the Laois Heritage Forum, with the support of the Heritage Council.
Part 1 is the main report of the survey and contains description of the aims, methdodology, results and recommendations of the survey.
Part 2 of the report contains appendices, including details of habitats recorded and plant species lists.
This project is an ongoing survey, which started in 2005, with the ultimate aim of field surveying habitats throughout the whole of County Laois.
Laois Habitats Survey 2008 - Part 2
(PDF Document - 1,638 kb)
Survey of Bats in bridges 2007
Results of a survey carried out in 2007 examining diversity and distribution of bats in selected bridges in Laois and Offaly.
Survey of Bats in bridges 2007
(PDF Document - 4,847 kb)
Survey of Birds in Bridges 2007
Results of a 2007 survey of Dippers and Wagtails in Slieve Bloom bridges, carried out by BirdWatch Ireland, on behalf of Laois and Offaly Heritage Fora.
Survey of Birds in Bridges 2007
(PDF Document - 1,562 kb)
Laois Habitats Survey 2007
Results of the surveys of habitats in County Laois, carried out in 2007 by Mary Tubridy & Associates, on behalf of the Laois Heritage Forum, with the support of the Heritage Council. Report contains description of the aims, methdodology, results and recommendations of the survey.
Copies of the report and raw data can be requested on CD or paper by contacting the Laois Heritage Office.
This project is an ongoing field survey, with the ultimate aim of field surveying habitats throughout Laois.
(PDF Document - 5,509 kb)
Laois Natural Heritage Poster
Download pdf version of the Laois Natural Heritage Poster. Hard copies may also be ordered, free of charge, from the Laois Heritage Office.
(PDF Document - 143 kb)
Laois Habitats Survey 2006 Part I
Results of the surveys of habitats in County Laois, carried out in 2005 and 2006 by Mary Tubridy & Associates, on behalf of the Laois Heritage Forum, with the support of the Heritage Council. Part I contains description of the aims, methdodology, results and recommendations of the survey. Part II contains Appendices and raw data including species lists.
Copies of the report and raw data can be requested on CD or paper by contacting the Laois Heritage Office.
This project is an ongoing field survey, with the ultimate aim of field surveying habitats throughout the county.
Laois Habitats Survey 2006 Part I
(PDF Document - 1,892 kb)
Laois Habitats Survey 2006 Part II
Results of Phase II of the survey of habitats in County Laois, carried out in 2006 by Mary Tubridy & Associates, on behalf of the Laois Heritage Forum, with the support of the Heritage Council.
Part I contains description of the aims, methdodology, results and recommendations of the survey. Part II contains Appendices and raw data including species lists.
Copies of the report and raw data can be requested on CD or paper by contacting the Laois Heritage Office.
This project is part of an ongoing survey, with the ultimate aim of field surveying habitats throughout the county.
Laois Habitats Survey 2006 Part II
(PDF Document - 576 kb)
Laois Habitats Survey 2005 Part I
Survey of habitats in County Laois, carried out in 2005 by Mary Tubridy Associates, on behalf of Laois Heritage Forum with the assistance of the Heritage Council.
Part I contains the survey methodlology, results and recommendations, while Part II contains detailed results in appendices.
Laois Habitats Survey 2005 Part I
(PDF Document - 4,748 kb)
Laois Habitats Survey 2005 Part II
Survey of habitats in County Laois, carried out in 2005 by Mary Tubridy Associates, on behalf of Laois Heritage Forum with the assistance of the Heritage Council.
Part I contains the survey methodlology, results and recommendations, while Part II contains detailed results in appendices.
Laois Habitats Survey 2005 Part II
(PDF Document - 851 kb)
Laois Natural Heritage Datasets Summary
This document summarises the data located during an audit of published and unpublished biological information relating to Laois, compiled by MERC Consultants on behalf of Laois Heritage Office in 2006. It is accompanied by a project report detailing the rationale, methodology and key conclusions of the survey.
Copies of the full database in Microsoft Acess format can be supplied on CD by Laois Heritage Office.
Laois Natural Heritage Datasets Summary
(PDF Document - 95 kb)
Laois Natural Heritage Datasets, project report & analysis
An audit of all existing information on the biodiversity and wildlife of Laois, whether published or unpublished, was carried out in 2006 by MERC Consultants Ltd on behalf of the Laois Heritage Forum, with the assistance of the Heritage Council.
This resulted in a detailed report (below) describing the methodology and results of the project, with recommendations for the direction of future biodiversity research and survey work based on previous work and gaps in the existing data. In addition, a database of all surveys and publications relating to the wildlife and biodiversity of Laois was created. A copy of the full database on CD (in Microsoft Access format) may be requested directly from Laois Heritage Office.
A summary report with information on the datasets located is also available.
Laois Natural Heritage Datasets, project report & analysis
(PDF Document - 291 kb)
Laois Esker Survey Part I
Report on the survey of eskers in County Laois carried out in 2005 on behalf of the Laois Heritage Office, with the assistance of the Heritage Council.
Part I contains the full text of the report (survey area, methodology, results and conclusions), while Part II contains species lits and raw data in appendices.
(PDF Document - 2,060 kb)
Laois Esker Survey Part II
Report on the survey of eskers in County Laois carried out in 2005 on behalf of the Laois Heritage Office, with the assistance of the Heritage Council.
Part I contains the full text of the report (survey area, methodology, results and conclusions), while Part II contains species lits and raw data in appendices.
(PDF Document - 3,168 kb)
Managing Wildlife in Towns and Villages
Leaflet with information on planting for wildilfe, native species and how to enhance wildlife in your community.
Managing Wildlife in Towns and Villages
(PDF Document - 359 kb)
Bats Leaflet
Leaflet describing the importance of Irish Bats and the habitats they use.
(PDF Document - 292 kb)
Daubenton's Bat Survey
A leaflet describing the background, aims and methodology of the national Daubenton's Bat surevy, being undertaken by Bat Conservation Ireland. Details are also included on a training workshop in Portlaoise on Tusday 10th July 2007.
(PDF Document - 190 kb)
Map Natural Heritage Areas in Laois
Map extract from the Laois County Development plan showing the location and extent of areas designated as Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) in County Laois.
Map Natural Heritage Areas in Laois
(PDF Document - 1,593 kb)
Map of Special Areas for Conservation in Laois
Map extract from the Laois County Development plan, showing the location and extent of areas designated as Special Areas for Conservation in County Laois.
Map of Special Areas for Conservation in Laois
(PDF Document - 1,594 kb)
Golden Mile of Laois Competition
Information on the Golden Mile Competition in Laois, which aims to raise awareness of the value of hedgerows.
Golden Mile of Laois Competition
(PDF Document - 5,622 kb)
Information on Hedgerows
Laois Hedgerow Survey 2005 Summary
Short leaflet summarising the results and recommendations of a survey of hedgerows in Laois, carried out on behalf of Laois Heritage Office in 2005. The full survey report is also available.
Laois Hedgerow Survey 2005 Summary
(PDF Document - 225 kb)
Laois Hedgerow Survey
Field survey of hedgerows in County Laois, carried out in 2005.
(PDF Document - 2,475 kb)
Hedgerows Leaflet
A leaflet describing the value and importance of hedgerows, with conservation and management tips
(PDF Document - 1,683 kb)
Teagasc Hedgerow Rejuvenation Leaflet
Leaflet produced by Teagasc, providing advice on hedgerow management and rejuvenation, for landowners
Teagasc Hedgerow Rejuvenation Leaflet
(PDF Document - 144 kb)
Teagasc Hedgerow Routine Trimming Leaflet
Leaflet produced by Teagasc detailing practical advice for land managers on routine trimming of hedgerows.
Teagasc Hedgerow Routine Trimming Leaflet
(PDF Document - 125 kb)
Teagasc Hedgerow Value Leaflet
Leaflet produced by Teagasc with information on the value and importance of Hedgerows.
Teagasc Hedgerow Value Leaflet
(PDF Document - 136 kb)
Teagasc Planting new Hedgerows Leaflet
Leaflet produced by Teagasc with practical advice on planting new farm hedgerows.
Teagasc Planting new Hedgerows Leaflet
(PDF Document - 122 kb)
Hedgerows Leaflet
A leaflet describing the value and importance of hedgerows, with conservation and management tips
(PDF Document - 1,683 kb)
Built Heritage Publications
Archaeology on the route of the Heath Mayfield Motorway
National Roads Authority leaflet with details of archaeological finds on the route of the Heath-Mayfield section of the M7 motorway in Laois and Kildare.
Archaeology on the route of the Heath Mayfield Motorway
(PDF Document - 1,290 kb)
Mountmellick Canal Survey 2006, Part I
A survey of the ecology and industrial heritage of the Mountmellick Branch of the Grand Canal, from Mountmellick to Monasterevin. This survey was carried out in 2006 by Fred Hammond and Dr John Feehan, on behalf of the Laois Heritage Forum with the assistance of the Heritage Council.
Part I of the report describes the survey area, methodology and results. Part II contains appendices, maps, plant species lists and a detailed description of industrial heritage sites.
Mountmellick Canal Survey 2006, Part I
(PDF Document - 1,383 kb)
Mountmellick Canal Survey 2006, Part II
A survey of the ecology and industrial heritage of the Mountmellick Branch of the Grand Canal, from Mountmellick to Monasterevin. This survey was carried out in 2006 by Fred Hammond and Dr John Feehan, on behalf of the Laois Heritage Forum with the assistance of the Heritage Council.
Part I of the report describes the survey area, methodology and results. Part II contains appendices, maps, plant species lists and a detailed description of industrial heritage sites.
Mountmellick Canal Survey 2006, Part II
(PDF Document - 2,635 kb)
Laois Industrial Heritage
Report on a desk study of all Industrial Heritage in Laois, carried out in 2004
(PDF Document - 362 kb)
Laois Heritage Mills Survey Part I
Report on a field survey of Laois Mills carried out by Fred Hammond on behalf of Laois Heritage Forum, with the assistance of the Heritage Council.
Part I of the report contains background, methodology, results and analysis. Part II is a detailed gazeteer of all mill sites surveyed.
Laois Heritage Mills Survey Part I
(PDF Document - 2,984 kb)
Laois Heritage Mills Survey Part II
Report on a field survey of Laois Mills carried out by Fred Hammond on behalf of Laois Heritage Forum, with the assistance of the Heritage Council.
Part I of the report contains background, methodology, results and analysis. Part II is a detailed gazeteer of all mill sites surveyed.
Laois Heritage Mills Survey Part II
(PDF Document - 4,402 kb)
Archaeology on route of M7 M8 Motorways
National Roads Authority leaflet with details of archaeological finds to date following excavations along on the line of the proposed M7 and M8 motorways through Laois. Updated in December 2006.
Archaeology on route of M7 M8 Motorways
(PDF Document - 882 kb)
Irish Field Monuments
Booklet detailing the types, appearance and importance of the various field monuments found in the Irish landscape.
(PDF Document - 4,115 kb)
Garden Heritage of Laois
History, background and visitor information on the heritage gardens of Laois, including:
- Heywood Gardens, Ballinakill
- Emo Court Gardens
- Gash Gardens, Castletown
- Abbey Sense Gardens, Abbeyleix
- Castle Durrow Gardens, Durrow
(PDF Document - 2,043 kb)
Protected Structures
Information on Protected Structures for building owners and the general public. Published by the Heritage Council.
(PDF Document - 103 kb)
Graveyards Checklist
A list of issues to consider before starting work of any kind in a graveyard. Particularly aimed at community groups and graveyard committees.
(PDF Document - 43 kb)
Laois Built Heritage Poster
Download pdf version of the Laois Built Heritage Poster. Hard copies may also be ordered, free of charge, from the Laois Heritage Office
(PDF Document - 186 kb)
Heritage Awareness in Laois
Market research study carried out in 2006 by Ipsos Mori on behalf of Laois Heritage Office, looking at awareness of heritage in county Laois, with detailed recommendations for future action.
(PDF Document - 472 kb)
Revenue Tax Relief (Section 482)
Revenue leaflet on tax relief for expenditure on approved buildings and gardens.
Revenue Tax Relief (Section 482)
(PDF Document - 30 kb)
Cultural Heritage Publications
Study of the Laois Museums Sector
Results of a study of the sustainability of the msueums sector in County Laois, carried out in 2004. With introductory details on each of the participating museums and detailed recommendations for future action.
Study of the Laois Museums Sector
(PDF Document - 530 kb)
Laois Placenames Committee
Information on the aims and operation of the Placenames Committee of Laois County Council.
(PDF Document - 415 kb)
Laois Placenames : Guidelines for Developers
Detailed guidelines for developers on the selection of names for new developments in Laois.
Laois Placenames : Guidelines for Developers
(PDF Document - 211 kb)
Laois County Council Policy on Placenames
Policy adopted by Laois County Council in 2005 on Placenames in the County, and the Laois Placenames Committee.
Laois County Council Policy on Placenames
(PDF Document - 40 kb)
Laois County Council Policy on Placenames
Policy adopted by Laois County Council in 2005 on Placenames in the County, and the Laois Placenames Committee.
Laois County Council Policy on Placenames
(PDF Document - 40 kb)
Laois County Council Policy on Museums
Policy adopted by Laois County Council in 2005 on the museums sector in the County.
Laois County Council Policy on Museums
(PDF Document - 44 kb)
Clonaslee Village Design Statement
Clonaslee Village Design Statement, carried out on a pilot basis on behalf of Laois Heritage Office in 2003
Clonaslee Village Design Statement
(PDF Document - 1,113 kb)
Durrow Village Design Statement
Durrow Village Design Statement, carried out on a pilot basis on behalf of Laois Heritage Office in 2003
Durrow Village Design Statement
(PDF Document - 1,258 kb)
Policy Documents
Laois Thatch Survey, 2007
Report on the survey of thatched structures in Laois, carried out in 2007 by Architecture Recording & Research, on behalf of Laois Heritage Office.
This volume contain a summary of the findings and analysis. A detailed gazeteer of structures surveyed has also been produced, but this is not publicly available.
(PDF Document - 390 kb)
Laois Thatch Survey, 2007
Report on the survey of thatched structures in Laois, carried out in 2007 by Architecture Recording & Research, on behalf of Laois Heritage Office.
This volume contain a summary of the findings and analysis. A detailed gazeteer of structures surveyed has also been produced, but this is not publicly available.
(PDF Document - 390 kb)
Thatch Grants Application Form
Application form for funding from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, for repair or renewal of the roof on a thatched house.
Thatch Grants Application Form
(PDF Document - 128 kb)
Laois Heritage Thatch Grant Leaflet
Background information (Memo HA2-T) on obtaining a grant for repair of thatch from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Laois Heritage Thatch Grant Leaflet
(PDF Document - 212 kb)
Heritage Week in Laois 2010
Details of all events being held in Laois during Heritage Week 2010, from August 21st to 29th. Further information on events nationwide is at www.heritageweek.ie.
(PDF Document - 666 kb)
Celebrating Laois Heritage 2010
This year's annual Celebrating Laois Heritage conference will take place in the Parish Centre, Portlaoise on Saturday 20th November 2010, starting at 10.15am.
This is a great opportunity for those with an interest in the heritage of Laois to get together and find out about work that is going on throughout the county and beyond.
Attendance is free and all are welcome. However places will be limited so booking is required. To book, e-mail the Heritage Office, or post a completed booking form.
The Conference programme and booking form can be downloaded here.
Celebrating Laois Heritage 2010
(PDF Document - 1,415 kb)
Mountmellick Canal
Showcasing the built, natural and cultural heritage of the former Mountmellick Canal. This branch of the Grand Canal from Monasterevin, ran through Portarlington and on to Mountmellick until its closure in the 1960s.
Written for Laois Heritage Forum by Mary Ann Williams (2008).
This book was inspired by and summarises the technical information contained in the detailed survey of the Mountmellick Canal carried out by Fred Hamond and John Feehan in 2006 and also available online.
A hard copy of this publication is also available free of charge from Laois Heritage Office.
(PDF Document - 5,265 kb)
Architectural Heritage of Portlaoise
Report on the 2008 survey of the architectural heritage of Portlaoise, carried out by Lotts Architecture on behalf of Laois County Council.
The full Inventory of all buildings surveyed is available on CD by request.
Paper copies of the Report and Inventory are lodged with the Local Studies Section of Laois Library Service and also at Portlaoise Branch Library.
Architectural Heritage of Portlaoise
(PDF Document - 12,759 kb)
Survey of Bridges in Laois
Report by Fred Hamond on the survey of the Architectural Heritage of Bridges in Laois.
Part I is the description of methodology and summary of results
The report in dated 2009, but is based on Fieldwork carried out primarily during 2007.
The full report is accompanied by a gazeteer in two volumes of all bridges surveyed:
Laois Bridges Survey: Part 2, Vol I describes bridges in North Laois
Laois Bridges Survey: Part 2, Vol II describes bridges in South Laois
(PDF Document - 3,137 kb)
Survey of Bridges in Laois, Part 2 Vol I
Report of a survey of the Industrial Heritage of Bridges in Laois, carried out in 2007.
This is Part 2, Volume I which contains a detailed gazetteer of all bridges surveyed in North Laois.
Part 2 Volume II contains a detailed gazetteer of all bridges surveyed in South Laois
This report should be read in conjunction with the Survey Report (Part 1)
Survey of Bridges in Laois, Part 2 Vol I
(PDF Document - 5,731 kb)
Survey of Bridges in Laois, Part 2 Vol II
Report on a survey of the Industrial Heritage of Bridges in Laois, carried out on 2007
This is Part 2 Volume II, which contains a detailed gazetteer of all bridges surveyed in South Laois
This report should be read in conjunction with the Full Survey Report (Part 1) and Part 2 Vol I (Bridges in North Laois)
Survey of Bridges in Laois, Part 2 Vol II
(PDF Document - 8,953 kb)
Laois Garden Trail
The Laois Garden Trail was officially launched on Tuesday March 6th, Broadcaster, Lecturer & Garden Expert, Mr. Dermot O Neill was present at the event to officially launch the Trail. The Garden Trail is an Initiative of Laois Tourism & Laois Heritage and currently features 10 gardens from Laois, 8 privately owned gardens, and two in the ownership of the Office of Public Works.
(PDF Document - 2,509 kb)