5 reasons Laois is the ultimate girls' getaway
Sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery, a spa robe and a few of your favourite people to feel like yourself again.
And while the big-name spots can often steal the spotlight, Co Laois is carving out a name for itself as the ideal setting for a girly escape.
Just over 45 minutes from Dublin, this Midlands gem has everything you need for a weekend of fun and a little bit of luxury.
But why is Laois the ultimate girls' getaway:
1. Choose your own adventure
Laois might be known for its festivals and championships, but that's not all you'll find here. There's so much to see and do.
Go hiking the Ridge of Capard boardwalk in the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Kick off at the Capard trailhead, where a short stroll leads to a viewing platform with incredible views across Laois and beyond. On a clear day, you might even glimpse the Wicklow Mountains in the distance!
Then, head through the gardens of Emo Court, where you can take in the elegance of the house, stroll beneath the trees, or just enjoy a cappuccino in the tearooms.
Or visit the Rock of Dunamase, just outside Portlaoise. This hilltop ruin was once a powerful Celtic stronghold, with stone walls and incredible views – perfect for some group selfies to remember your trip away!
Cap off the trip with a well-earned tasting session at Ballykilcavan Brewery in Stradbally, inside a 230-year-old stone courtyard on a working family farm. Or explore Ireland's first eco-friendly garden centre, Solas, where you can browse plants, pick up local crafts, and sip coffee in a stylish greenhouse café.
From the Timahoe Round Tower just outside Portlaoise, to the Gash Gardens, to hopping aboard a narrowboat along the Grand Canal, you can choose your own adventure!
2. Spa bliss
No girls' getaway is complete without some serious pampering, and the 4-Star Heritage Hotel & Spa delivers in spades. Set against the beautiful Laois countryside, it is one of Ireland's most luxurious spa experiences.
Home to a Thermal Suite, the spa has a Himalayan Salt Cave, a Rustic Sauna Cabin, and lots of heated and cooling experiences designed to soothe body and mind.
It's also the only place in Ireland where you'll find both an authentic Hammam and Mud Rasul treatment, which are a must-try for anyone looking to detox, reset, and feel more radiant.
Float through the hydrotherapy pool, melt into a heated lounger, or drift off during a relaxing Elemis facial and wake up to glowing skin.
You can choose from a wide range of treatments, including deep tissue massages, wraps, and bespoke facials tailored just for you.
3. Close to everything but far from the routine
One of the best things about planning a trip to Laois is how easy it is to get there and how quickly it feels like you've stepped away from the everyday.
Whether you're coming from Dublin, Cork, or Galway, you won't need to pack a passport or plan for hours on the road. In just a short drive, you'll find walks, spa days, and lunches with friends are all on the cards, and deadlines feel a million miles away.
It's the perfect escape from the city this summer, where you can breathe and recharge in the heart of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands.
4. From afternoon tea to sunset cocktails
Food is a big part of any getaway, and Laois knows how to make it count. Whether it's cocktails on a terrace, casual bites between spa sessions, or dinner that feels like a real treat, you'll find plenty of spots here.
The Heritage has two incredible dining options: The Seven Bar offers all-day casual dining, perfect for laid-back lunches, brunches, or pre-dinner cocktails. If the sun's out, grab a seat on the leafy Terrace, where the retractable roof lets the sunshine in and the cocktails flow.
For a more refined time, Blake's Restaurant has elegant evening dining, where the menu celebrates the best of local Laois produce. The head chef is passionate about reducing food miles and creating seasonal dishes that highlight the very best the Midlands has to offer.
And of course, no girls' trip is complete without Afternoon Tea. Served daily in The Galleria, it's a spread of sandwiches, pastries, and sweet treats, all with a glass of bubbles!
5. The perfect pad for the whole gang
Forget awkward room arrangements because at The Heritage, every single bedroom has been recently renovated and upgraded to ensure maximum comfort and luxury.
Their new two-bedroom group suites, introduced in 2024, sleep up to six people and have been a massive hit with birthday groups, mini hen parties, and friends reuniting for a well-earned break.
If you're looking for a touch more independence, the hotel also offers five luxurious two-bedroom self-catering apartments onsite. You'll have the privacy of your own space with all the perks of a hotel stay.
Perfect for a spa day or winding down after playing on Ireland's only Seve Ballesteros-designed championship golf course. It's a standout experience for both experienced players and those looking to try something new, as it has water features, tree-lined fairways, and beautifully sculpted bunkers.
Morning coffees in your slippers, late-night chats around the table, and the freedom to come and go as you please? Sorted.
The Heritage is 4-Star luxury in the heart of serene Laois countryside, just 45 minutes from Dublin, two hours from Cork or Galway and all you need in one place for a luxury escape this summer.
From one of Ireland's largest spas, delicious dining, beautiful rooms with the ultimate in home-from-home comforts and an 18-hole Seve Ballesteros-designed golf course, you've all you need just a drive away for a blissful break this summer.
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