A Quick Guide to Abbeyleix

Abbeyleix is a village that moved. Originally it was a settlement that grew up around a Cistercian Abbey in the 12th century but in the 1700s the local landowner, Viscount de Vesci, planned and built an entirely new town, which is the one you see today.

The de Vesci family still live in nearby Abbeyleix House, a fine building, designed by James Wyatt, with magnificent gardens, though the house is private and the gardens only occasionally opened to visitors.

It's a pretty village, though not improved by the constant stream of traffic that flows through on the busy Cork-Dublin road that bisects it.

The thing that makes a stop in Abbeyleix most worthwhile though is a pub, Morrisey's, on the main street. This is a true gem, owned by the same family since 1775 and apart from some renovation in Victorian times, little changed over the centuries since. There is no musak here, its a place for conversation around the pot bellied stove accompanied by a pint of Guinness or a cup of tea, both brews whose quality at Morrisey's is renowned.

Things to do and see

A selection of places and activities that are in Abbeyleix or that can be visited while using Abbeyleix as a base. For more activities that may be in reach see our Area Guides.

Emo Court
Emo Court is a Gandon designed georgian house at the centre of a huge landscaped estate of gardens, walks and grand vistas.

Castletown House
Castletown House in Celbridge, Co Kildare is a Palladian mansion and one of the finest historic houses in Ireland

Irish National Stud & its Gardens
The Irish National Stud in Kildare is not just for horse lovers, there are two wonderful gardens to visit also.

Festival and Events

The World Fleadh Music: Traditional | Date: July 31st - Aug 4th

DOD Festival Music: Rock & Pop | Date: 4th & 5th July

The Electric Picnic Music: Rock & Pop | Date: Aug 29th - 31st