A range of publications on the built, natural and cultural heritage of County Laois are available. Click on any of the titles below to download as pdf. If there is a report you want that’s not listed here, please email the Heritage Office.
Books and leaflets on Laois Heritage | ||
|---|---|---|
Publication | Publication Name | Description |
| Gardening for Biodiversity | This booklet by Juanita Browne with illustrations by Barry Reynolds aims to assist anyone who wants to help wildlife in their gardens, no matter how big or small. The booklet was produced by Laois County Council with the assistance of Local Authority Heritage Officers across Ireland, with support from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Heritage Council. Taking a very practical approach, the book details projects to help wildlife of all kinds under a range of headings, with tasks suitable for everyone from the total beginner to the more ambitious DIY enthusiast. With clear instructions and step-by-step drawings by illustrator Barry Reynolds, the guide offers the gardener lots of options to help our biodiversity. Hard copies of the booklet are also available on request – email the Heritage Office |
| Gardening for Biodiversity Colouring Book | The Gardening for biodiversity colouring book is the children’s companion to the Gardening for Biodiversity booklet, with more beautiful illustrations from Barry Reynolds. |
| Gardening for biodiversity Irish version/Garraíodóireacht ar son na Bithéagsúlachta | Tá an leabhar “Garraíodóireacht ar son na Bithéagsúlachta” foilsithe i nGaeilge anois, le tacaíocht ón bPlean Gníomhaíochta Náisiúnta Bithéagsúlachta. Is féidir an leabhar a íoslódáil saor in aisce anseo agus beidh cóipeanna crua ar fáil go luath. |
 | Heritage Guide to the Heath | Heritage Guide to the Heath, published by Wordwell Books as part of their “Heritage Guide” series, in association with Archaeology Ireland. Written by local Archaeologist Dr Eoin Sullivan, this guide describes the Bronze Age landscape of the Heath, featuring wonderful reconstructions of Ring Barrows by Dave Pollock. Supported by the Heritage Council and Laois County Council. Download for free, or hard copies are available to purchase from Wordwell Books, cost €5. |
 | Mapping Laois | Arnold Horner’s masterwork “Mapping Laois” is available from bookshops and online from the publisher Wordwell Books. The book was supported by Laois County Council and the Heritage Council. |
 | Geology of Laois and Offaly | Geology of Laois and Offaly, by John Feehan, Offaly County Council, 2013. This book was supported by Laois and Offaly County Council and the Heritage Council. Available from local bookshops or from Offaly History. |
 | Saving Swifts | A new booklet with hints and tips on how to make our towns and villages more suitable for swifts, produced by Laois Heritage Office and BirdWatch Ireland, in partnership with the Heritage Officer Network and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Available to download here or to order in hard copy from Laois Heritage Office. |
 | Thatched houses in Laois | Book on Thatched houses in Laois Download for free. Also available in hard copy, from Amazon or via Laois Heritage Office. |
 | Book the Mountmellick Canal | Download for free. Also available in hard copy, from Amazon or via Laois Heritage Office. |
 | Laois Folk Tales | Laois Folk Tales, by Nuala Hayes, with original artwork by artist Rita Duffy. Published by the History Press Ireland, with support from Laois County Council and the Heritage Council in 2015. Available in bookshops or from the History Press. |
 | Laois Garden Trail (English) | Also available in Irish, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Chinese . |
 | Laois Heritage Trail | Laois Heritage Trail Also available in Irish, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese |
 | Portlaoise Heritage Trail | |
Laois Heritage Plans | ||
Publication | Publication name | Description |
 | Laois Heritage and Biodiversity Strategy 2021 - 2026 | Laois Heritage and Biodiversity Strategy 2021 - 2026 |
 | Laois Heritage Plan 2014 - 2019 | Laois Heritage Plan 2014 - 2019 |
 | Laois Heritage Plan2007-2011 | Laois Heritage Plan 2007-2011 |
 | Laois Heritage Plan2002-2006 | Laois Heritage Plan 2002-2006 |
Laois Tourism Publications | ||
Publication | Publication name | Description |
 | Abbeyleix Heritage Town. | Also available in Irish, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Chinese. |
 | Donaghmore Workhouse and Agricultural Museum. | Also available in Irish, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Chinese |
 | Timahoe Round Tower. | Also available in Irish, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Chinese. |
 | Rock of Dunamase | Also available in Irish, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Chinese. |
2040 A Portlaoise Vision – strategy for a new town centre