Mountrath Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, accommodations, and insider tips for travelers in Mountrath, County Laois, Ireland. Read on for a comprehensive guide.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Mountrath, Ireland

Mountrath, located in County Laois, Ireland, is one of the hidden gems of the country. This peaceful and scenic town is surrounded by rolling hills and traditional farmlands. Mountrath has a lot to offer visitors, from historical sites to natural wonders to delicious food. In this travel guide, we’ll explore the best things to do and see, as well as where to stay, eat, and shop.

List of Places to Visit in Mountrath

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Rock of Dunamase: Located just a few miles outside Mountrath, this ancient fortification is steeped in history and legend. Visitors can climb the ruins of the castle and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
  • The Slieve Bloom Mountains: These mountains have an abundance of walking and hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Emo Court: A beautiful country house with extensive gardens and parkland, this site is a must-visit for architecture and nature enthusiasts alike.
  • Mountrath Market House: This historical building was constructed in the early 1700s and is now used as the Mountrath library and community center.

Natural Attractions of Mountrath: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Heywood Gardens: These stunning gardens are situated on the grounds of Heywood House, dating back to the 18th-century created by the Lloyds family. They are filled with magnificent tiers of gardens laid out in a symmetrical design with rose gardens, terraces and ponds.
  • The River Nore: This beautiful river is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the tranquil waters and enjoy the scenic views.
  • Glenbarrow Waterfall: This beautiful waterfall is located in the Slieve Bloom Mountains and is a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mountrath

  • The Slieve Bloom Way: This is one of the most scenic routes to explore the Slieve Bloom Mountains. The route spans 43km, starting in Kinnitty and ending in Glenbarrow.

Best Things to Do in Mountrath: Activities and Tours

  • Ballykilcavan Brewery: This brewery has a longstanding tradition of farm brewing and is known for its award-winning beer. You can visit the brewery and take a guided tour, or simply relax and enjoy an authentic Irish beer at the taproom.
  • Visit a local farm: Take a tour to a working Irish farm, where you can learn about traditional farming practices while enjoying the breathtaking countryside scenery.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mountrath

Day Activities
1 Explore the Rock of Dunamase and Slieve Bloom Mountains
2 Visit Emo Court and the Heywood Gardens
3 Take a leisurely stroll along the River Nore and enjoy a picnic
4 Go kayaking or canoeing along the River Nore
5 Enjoy a brewery visit and have some beer tasting
6 Take a tour of the local farm and experience traditional farming practices
7 Explore Mountrath Market House and enjoy local cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Mountrath

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mutton pie: A traditional Irish dish made with slow-cooked mutton, vegetables, and herbs, all wrapped in a crispy pastry.
  • Boxty: A type of potato pancake made with grated potatoes, flour, and buttermilk.

Local Beverages

  • Ballykilcavan Beer: Award-winning beer made with local Irish ingredients.
  • Irish Whiskey: Home to some of the world’s best whiskey distilleries, Mountrath cannot leave its visitors without a taste. Whiskeys to taste are Jameson and Bushmills.

Where to Stay in Mountrath: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Mountrath Golf Club: A beautiful guesthouse situated right on the golf course, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • The Killeshin Hotel: A modern hotel with excellent amenities, located just outside Mountrath town.

What to Buy in Mountrath: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Laois Tweed: Traditional Irish tweed, often made from wool, is a must-buy souvenir from Mountrath. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
  • Irish Pottery: Irish pottery takes inspiration from nature, heritage, and culture. The art is rich with symbolism from Celtic and Irish traditions.

Local Culture and Customs of Mountrath

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture is by attending traditional Irish music sessions, which are held at many pubs in Mountrath. Additionally, etiquette plays an important role in Irish culture, such as greeting others with a warm smile and offering your help to those in need.

Best Time to Visit Mountrath

The best time to visit Mountrath is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is warm and sunny. As Ireland is famous for its green sceneries, visitors can come throughout the year, as every season displays a unique charm.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mountrath

Do:

  • Try traditional Irish food and drink
  • Attend a traditional Irish music session
  • Respect the natural attractions and leave them unchanged
  • Greet locals with a smile and a friendly word

Don’t:

  • Underestimate the changing weather conditions and dress accordingly
  • Litter or damage the landmarks or nature trails
  • Get drunk in public or be loud and disruptive

Safety and Health

Safety in Mountrath

Mountrath is generally a safe place to visit, but it’s important to take usual precautions, like securing your valuables and being aware of pickpockets.

Health in Mountrath

Visitors should have their standard immunizations up-to-date before traveling to Mountrath. Visitors should also be extra cautious about food and water safety and wash their hands frequently to avoid any infections. Make sure to have travel insurance before your journey.

Getting to Mountrath: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mountrath

The closest international airport to Mountrath is Dublin Airport, approximately 100km away.

Bus Stations Near Mountrath

Mountrath is well connected by bus with connectivity from Dublin and other major towns and cities in Ireland.

Other Options

Renting a car is another excellent option for exploring Mountrath and the surrounding countryside.

How to Get Around in Mountrath

The best way to get around Mountrath is by car or bike, as public transport options within the town are limited.

Where to Go Next from Mountrath: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Kilkenny: A beautiful medieval city located just 50 km from Mountrath, Kilkenny is home to a stunning castle, charming streets, and a lively cultural scene.
  • Dublin: The capital city of Ireland, Dublin is full of history, art, and entertainment.

Conclusion

Mountrath is a beautiful and historic town that provides visitors with an authentic Irish experience. From natural attractions to cultural landmarks to delicious food and drink, Mountrath has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and experience all that this hidden gem has to offer.

Slieve Bloom Mountains Slieve Bloom Mountains The tree regrew, but don't hammer in coins The tree regrew, but don't hammer in coins Poet's Cottage in Camross Poet's Cottage in Camross