For recreation you can enjoy activities such as golfing, fishing, hiking, pony riding, walking or cycling. For shopping enthusiasts, we have Brand Central Designer Outlet in Rathdowney, the bustling town of Portlaoise ten minutes away or the medieval city of Kilkenny which is only half an hours drive away. The area is steeped in history, with evidence of ancient ring forts and burial grounds, early monastic buildings, Norman and medieval castles, churches and colonial estate houses.

Heritage House, located in the old Patrician Monastery Schoolhouse, has an award winning Interpretative Centre where you can experience 2000 years of history. Also of note is Morrissey's Public House, which ranks 6th of the "twenty best pubs in the world".

Local woodlands make for fantastic country walks on your doorstep, the beautiful Slieve Bloom Mountains only a short drive away and the famous Rock of Cashel or the historic city of Kilkenny only down the road, Grallow Wood is a prize location.

A short drive away to our neighbouring County Kildare and you can visit The Irish National Stud and the beautiful Japanese Gardens. A large selection of golf courses are also nearby including Abbeyleix, as are some of the famed race courses of Ireland such as The Curragh,
Gowran Park or Thurles.

With the Monasterevin and Kildare bypass complete Abbeyleix becomes the first town on the N8 to Cork bringing Dublin within 1 hours drive.