THINGS TO DO:
This page features a directory of Things to Do in and around Durrow. Tourism interests can have their listing here by using the conact us page or directly by email. Terms and Conditions Apply which will be communicated to you by phone or email. This Things to Do page is updated intermittently.
CONTENTS:
DURROW: Walking - The Leafy Loops Walk
DURROW: Angling - Durrow and District Anglers
VARIOUS: Golf - A selection of nearby Golf Courses
PORTLAOISE: Bowling - Activity Centre
STRADBALLY: Paintball - Activity Centre
DURROW: Equestrian - Horse Riding Centre
COUNTY LAOIS: Kilvahan - Horse Drawn Caravans
COUNTY LAOIS: Swimming - Local Swimming Pools
DURROW: Walking - The Leafy Loops Walk:
Durrow is located at the intersection of the main Dublin-Cork N7 road and the N77 road from the southeast. The town is surrounded by some fine woods, hilly forests and a maze of rivers. These walks offer the serious walker a loop of 2O kilometres (12½ miles) or a variety of shorter walks for the more casual stroller. You can join the circuit wherever you wish and use one of several shortcuts to devise a loop to suit your own time and energy levels. Note that the main circuit has each kilometre marked and it takes c.15 minutes to walk 1 kilometre.
- Start your walk from the river bridge.
- Choose a combination of tracks to suit your capabilities.
- Guidance times are based on a steady pace with about half an hour for stops.
- Dress appropriately: wear or carry warm and waterproof clothes and boots.
- Please observe the country code: close all gates, keep dogs on leashes and take litter home.
Routefinding:
- You can start from the town green. Walk over to the bridge and squeeze right onto a riverbank path.
- When the forest track ends, continue on an old trackway to reach the road.
- Follow a riverbank path along the river Erkina river to cross a footbridge.
- The route lies along a forest track but returns on a parallel riverbank path along the Nore river.
- When the forest path ends, continue on a path cut through the trees. Pass near an old mill to reach the road leading back into Durrow town.
Sites of Interest:
On the map various sites of interest, numbered one to nine are listed. They are as follows;
[1] Castle Durrow
[2] Red Lion Hotel
[3] Knockatrina House
[4] St. Fintan’s Well
[5] Clonageera House
[6] The White Lady
[7] The Cholera Field
[8] The Bishop’s Tree
[9] Old Mill
Click Here to download map
Further Information on the Leafy Loop walks is available from Mary Walsh: (057) 8736327.
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DURROW: Angling - Durrow and District Anglers:
Durrow is a town with a rich angling culture. With five rivers within a mile of the town and Grantstown Lake located four miles away, the visiting angler is truly spoiled for choice.
Permits:
All waters in the Durrow area require a permit. Fishing permits can be arranged by contacting the Durrow and District Angling Club’s officer Michael Walsh, 18 Erkindale Drive, Durrow on (057) 9736437 or Lawlors Gala Shop, The Square, Durrow on (057) 8736234.
Fishing Season:
Typically the fishing season opens on March 1 and runs until September 30 each year, though in recent years the season has opened later. Please check with the Angling Club’s officer about the season dates each year.
River Nore:
The river Nore runs just east of Durrow. The river is reputed around Europe for it’s natural wild brown trout and it’s majestic mixture of deep pools and fast rapids. The river is the largest in the Durrow area. Much of the river flows through woodland. The banks of the river have cleared walkways.
River Erkina
The Erkina is the second largest river in the Durrow area. The Erkina flows from the northwest through the town and joins the Nore about one mile east of Durrow. The river has many deep pools and is good for fishing stocked trout, natural wild brown trout and pike.
Rivulets Goul, Gully and Oveg:
The Goul flows from the south west to join the river Erkina about two miles west of Durrow. The Gully flows from the north west to join the river Nore at Dunmore, one mile north of Durrow. The Oveg flows from the north east to join the Nore one mile south of Durrow near Attanagh. These rivulets contain wild brown trout.
Grantstown Lake:
Four miles northwest of Durrow lies Grantstown Lake. The lake is regarded as one of the finest coarse angling waters in the whole of Ireland. The lake has been developed with ten double fishing stands to accommodate up to twenty anglers at a time. One of the stands is designed to facilitate disabled and wheelchair access. Grantstown Lake is approx 15 minutes drive from Durrow.
Permits for Grantstown Lake can be arranged by contacting the Durrow and District Angling Club’s officer Michael Walsh, 18 Erkindale Drive, Durrow on (057) 9736437 or Lawlors Gala Shop, The Square, Durrow on (057) 8736234.
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VARIOUS: Golf - A selection of nearby Golf Courses:
County Laois is a golfer’s paradise with an impressive variety of golfing facilities for all enthusiasts. Whether you’re an accomplished regular or an occasional player, you’ll be spoilt for choice with several 18-hole championship courses all within a short driving distance from Durrow. The wide selection varies from the most challenging to the magnificently scenic and each with its own particular character and appeal.
Abbeyleix Golf Club:
Abbeyleix Golf Club was founded in 1895 and was recently extended to 18 holes by course designer Mel Flanagan. It offers a challenging hut fair round to all abilities and the new water features and wildlife area enhance an already magnificent parklands course. With the Cullenagh hills to the north and the panoramic Slieve Bloom Mountains to the west, Abbeyleix Golf Club is located against a backdrop of beautiful geographical features. Conveniently located on the Ballyroan Road just outside Abbeyleix, it is an ideally accessible location for any golf outing. The green fees are €15 (weekdays) and €20 (weekends). It is open for full membership.
Website: www.abbeyleixgolfclub.ie E-mail: info@abbeyleixgolfclub.ie
Contact: Malachi Fogarty (057) 9731305. Society times, Contact: Declan Moore: (087) 2416330. Abbeyleix is approx 10 minutes drive from Durrow.
Mountrath Golf Club:
Mountrath Golf Course, where the river Nore meanders quietlythrough the course and comes into play on the 13th, 14th and 15th holes, was founded in 1929 and extended to 18 holes in 1994. Two years later the club won the Barton Cup, the most coveted trophy in Leinster Golf, for the second time, the previous victory coming in 1973. Mountrath’s lush fairways, excellent greens and well manicured areas will test the ability of all golfers. New greens at the 10th and 16th holes, extended tees and new water features will all add to the quality of the course. The increases in membership, visitors and societies are testament to the growing popularity and reputation of this Laois gem. After their rounds, golfers can enjoy the hospitality of the cozy, friendly clubhouse.
Website: www.mountrathgolfclub.ie E-mail: mountrathgc@eircom.net
Contact: (057) 8732558. Fax: (057) 9732643. Mountrath is approx 25 minutes drive from Durrow.
Rathdowney Golf Club:
With the Devil’s Bit to the west and the Slieve Blooms to the north, Rathdowney is another of those Laois golf courses located against the backdrop of stunning geographical features. Originally a nine-hole course. and founded in 1930, it was designed by the renowned course architect Eddie Hackett, who also designed Portarlington. Rathdowney was extended to 18 holes in 1994 and the result is a beautiful, but challenging, par 71 course which has a pleasant rural ambience and serenity.
Website: www.rathdowneygolfclub.com E-mail: webmaster@rathdowneygolfclub.com
Contact: (050) 5461700. Rathdowney is approx 20 minutes drive from Durrow.
The Heath Golf Club:
Golf has been played on the Heath near Portlaoise since the 1880s and the club was founded in 1930. Formed on open heath lands, this championship course incorporates three natural lakes and is noted for its rough heather and gorse furze, features that offer a challenge to all golfers. There have been a number of significant developments at the course in the last ten years, including the installation of an automatic irrigation system and a ten-bay driving range. Website: www.theheathgc.ie E-mail: info@theheathgc.ie
Contact: (057) 8646533. The Heath is approx 30 minutes drive from Durrow.
Killenard, Portarlington, Co. Laois:
The Heritage Golf & Country Club is the new championship Golf Course designed by Seve Ballesteros and Jeff Howes. This course is based in Killenard, Co. Laois and has a magnificently appointed Clubhouse and the Seve Ballesteros 'Natural' School. This golf course is hosted the AIB Senior Golf Championships in 2005. Another unique element to the Heritage at Killenard and separate from the golf course is the Indoor and Outdoor Bowls Green Stadiums. The indoor bowls stadium is unique to the Republic of Ireland and is hosting Wold-class Bowls Tournaments.
Website: www.theheritagegolf.com E-mail: info@theheritage.com
Contact: Telephone: (057) 8645994. Fax: (057) 8645052. Killenard is approx 30 minutes drive from Durrow.
Mount Juliet, Co. Kilkenny:
Mount Juliet is a spectacular course where the Irish Open has been played.
Set in rolling parkland near Thomastown, Mount Juliet is a must for those who want to trace the footsteps of the world’s top golfers.
Contact: (056) 7773000. Mount Juliet is approx 55 minutes drive from Durrow.
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PORTLAOISE: Bowling - Activity Centre:
Roll'n'Bowl is Laois' Largest Entertainment Centre with Activities For All Ages. Come visit for our Ten Pin Bowling, Soft Play Centre for all ages up to 12 years, New Video Games, Pool and Air Hockey (All €1). We also cater for Parties for Birthdays, School Tours and other special occasions. Facilities include: - All Day Coffee Dock; - Supervised Car Parking; - Wheelchair Accessible. We also offer Outdoor Crazy Golf.
Contact: Roll'n'Bowl, Clonminam Business Park, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, Ireland. Telephone: (057) 8670005. Website: www.bowlingireland.com E-mail: rollnbowl@eircom.net Portlaoise is approx 25 minutes drive from Durrow.
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STRADBALLY: Paintball - Activity Centre:
Paintballing in the Stradbally Woods is an exciting activity that is popular for families, school groups, stag and hen parties, businesses and any corporate groups. Excellent as a team-building sport. Contact us for information or group packages.
Contact: Supershot Paintball Ltd, Abbeyleix Rd, Stradbaly. Co. Laois. Website: www.supershot.ie Telephone: (059) 8731912 or (086) 3777499. Stradbally is approx 35 minutes drive from Durrow.
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DURROW: Equestrian - Horse Riding Centre:
Western Style Riding and Trail Riding Centre. Special Training Courses on Natural Horsemanship. Prices: €25 per person per hour with reductions for groups. Accomadition arranged if required.
Contact: Western Style Riding, Derry Rd, Durrow. Telephone (057) 8736527 or Michael on (087) 2316591.
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COUNTY LAOIS: Kilvahan - Horse Drawn Caravans:
Award winning horse drawn caravan holidays giving you the opportunity to step outside of the everyday bustle. Travel from place to place in your own cosy caravan with your new best friend - your horse.
Contact: Kilvahan Horse Drawn Caravans, Tullibards, Coolrain, Co. Laois.
Website: www.horsedrawncaravans.com Telephone: (057) 8735178. Coolrain is approx 25 minutes drive from Durrow.
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COUNTY LAOIS: Swimming - Local Swimming Pools:
Swimming Pools are located at Portlaoise, Ballinakill and Portarlington all in Co.Laois.
Contact: Portarlington Swimming Pool - (057) 8623149; Portlaoise Swimming Pool - (057) 8621710 and Ballinakill Open Air Swimming Pool - (057) 8733347 or (087) 4185291. Portlaoise is approx 25 minutes drive from Durrow; Portlarlington is approx 45 minutes drive from Durrow; Ballinakill is approx 15 minutes drive from Durrow.
Back to top
This page features a directory of Things to Do in and around Durrow. Tourism interests can have their listing here by using the conact us page or directly by email. Terms and Conditions Apply which will be communicated to you by phone or email. This Things to Do page is updated intermittently.
CONTENTS:
DURROW: Walking - The Leafy Loops Walk
DURROW: Angling - Durrow and District Anglers
VARIOUS: Golf - A selection of nearby Golf Courses
PORTLAOISE: Bowling - Activity Centre
STRADBALLY: Paintball - Activity Centre
DURROW: Equestrian - Horse Riding Centre
COUNTY LAOIS: Kilvahan - Horse Drawn Caravans
COUNTY LAOIS: Swimming - Local Swimming Pools
DURROW: Walking - The Leafy Loops Walk:
Durrow is located at the intersection of the main Dublin-Cork N7 road and the N77 road from the southeast. The town is surrounded by some fine woods, hilly forests and a maze of rivers. These walks offer the serious walker a loop of 2O kilometres (12½ miles) or a variety of shorter walks for the more casual stroller. You can join the circuit wherever you wish and use one of several shortcuts to devise a loop to suit your own time and energy levels. Note that the main circuit has each kilometre marked and it takes c.15 minutes to walk 1 kilometre.
- Start your walk from the river bridge.
- Choose a combination of tracks to suit your capabilities.
- Guidance times are based on a steady pace with about half an hour for stops.
- Dress appropriately: wear or carry warm and waterproof clothes and boots.
- Please observe the country code: close all gates, keep dogs on leashes and take litter home.
Routefinding:
- You can start from the town green. Walk over to the bridge and squeeze right onto a riverbank path.
- When the forest track ends, continue on an old trackway to reach the road.
- Follow a riverbank path along the river Erkina river to cross a footbridge.
- The route lies along a forest track but returns on a parallel riverbank path along the Nore river.
- When the forest path ends, continue on a path cut through the trees. Pass near an old mill to reach the road leading back into Durrow town.
Sites of Interest:
On the map various sites of interest, numbered one to nine are listed. They are as follows;
[1] Castle Durrow
[2] Red Lion Hotel
[3] Knockatrina House
[4] St. Fintan’s Well
[5] Clonageera House
[6] The White Lady
[7] The Cholera Field
[8] The Bishop’s Tree
[9] Old Mill
Click Here to download map
Further Information on the Leafy Loop walks is available from Mary Walsh: (057) 8736327.
Back to top
DURROW: Angling - Durrow and District Anglers:
Durrow is a town with a rich angling culture. With five rivers within a mile of the town and Grantstown Lake located four miles away, the visiting angler is truly spoiled for choice.
Permits:
All waters in the Durrow area require a permit. Fishing permits can be arranged by contacting the Durrow and District Angling Club’s officer Michael Walsh, 18 Erkindale Drive, Durrow on (057) 9736437 or Lawlors Gala Shop, The Square, Durrow on (057) 8736234.
Fishing Season:
Typically the fishing season opens on March 1 and runs until September 30 each year, though in recent years the season has opened later. Please check with the Angling Club’s officer about the season dates each year.
River Nore:
The river Nore runs just east of Durrow. The river is reputed around Europe for it’s natural wild brown trout and it’s majestic mixture of deep pools and fast rapids. The river is the largest in the Durrow area. Much of the river flows through woodland. The banks of the river have cleared walkways.
River Erkina
The Erkina is the second largest river in the Durrow area. The Erkina flows from the northwest through the town and joins the Nore about one mile east of Durrow. The river has many deep pools and is good for fishing stocked trout, natural wild brown trout and pike.
Rivulets Goul, Gully and Oveg:
The Goul flows from the south west to join the river Erkina about two miles west of Durrow. The Gully flows from the north west to join the river Nore at Dunmore, one mile north of Durrow. The Oveg flows from the north east to join the Nore one mile south of Durrow near Attanagh. These rivulets contain wild brown trout.
Grantstown Lake:
Four miles northwest of Durrow lies Grantstown Lake. The lake is regarded as one of the finest coarse angling waters in the whole of Ireland. The lake has been developed with ten double fishing stands to accommodate up to twenty anglers at a time. One of the stands is designed to facilitate disabled and wheelchair access. Grantstown Lake is approx 15 minutes drive from Durrow.
Permits for Grantstown Lake can be arranged by contacting the Durrow and District Angling Club’s officer Michael Walsh, 18 Erkindale Drive, Durrow on (057) 9736437 or Lawlors Gala Shop, The Square, Durrow on (057) 8736234.
Back to top
VARIOUS: Golf - A selection of nearby Golf Courses:
County Laois is a golfer’s paradise with an impressive variety of golfing facilities for all enthusiasts. Whether you’re an accomplished regular or an occasional player, you’ll be spoilt for choice with several 18-hole championship courses all within a short driving distance from Durrow. The wide selection varies from the most challenging to the magnificently scenic and each with its own particular character and appeal.
Abbeyleix Golf Club:
Abbeyleix Golf Club was founded in 1895 and was recently extended to 18 holes by course designer Mel Flanagan. It offers a challenging hut fair round to all abilities and the new water features and wildlife area enhance an already magnificent parklands course. With the Cullenagh hills to the north and the panoramic Slieve Bloom Mountains to the west, Abbeyleix Golf Club is located against a backdrop of beautiful geographical features. Conveniently located on the Ballyroan Road just outside Abbeyleix, it is an ideally accessible location for any golf outing. The green fees are €15 (weekdays) and €20 (weekends). It is open for full membership.
Website: www.abbeyleixgolfclub.ie E-mail: info@abbeyleixgolfclub.ie
Contact: Malachi Fogarty (057) 9731305. Society times, Contact: Declan Moore: (087) 2416330. Abbeyleix is approx 10 minutes drive from Durrow.
Mountrath Golf Club:
Mountrath Golf Course, where the river Nore meanders quietlythrough the course and comes into play on the 13th, 14th and 15th holes, was founded in 1929 and extended to 18 holes in 1994. Two years later the club won the Barton Cup, the most coveted trophy in Leinster Golf, for the second time, the previous victory coming in 1973. Mountrath’s lush fairways, excellent greens and well manicured areas will test the ability of all golfers. New greens at the 10th and 16th holes, extended tees and new water features will all add to the quality of the course. The increases in membership, visitors and societies are testament to the growing popularity and reputation of this Laois gem. After their rounds, golfers can enjoy the hospitality of the cozy, friendly clubhouse.
Website: www.mountrathgolfclub.ie E-mail: mountrathgc@eircom.net
Contact: (057) 8732558. Fax: (057) 9732643. Mountrath is approx 25 minutes drive from Durrow.
Rathdowney Golf Club:
With the Devil’s Bit to the west and the Slieve Blooms to the north, Rathdowney is another of those Laois golf courses located against the backdrop of stunning geographical features. Originally a nine-hole course. and founded in 1930, it was designed by the renowned course architect Eddie Hackett, who also designed Portarlington. Rathdowney was extended to 18 holes in 1994 and the result is a beautiful, but challenging, par 71 course which has a pleasant rural ambience and serenity.
Website: www.rathdowneygolfclub.com E-mail: webmaster@rathdowneygolfclub.com
Contact: (050) 5461700. Rathdowney is approx 20 minutes drive from Durrow.
The Heath Golf Club:
Golf has been played on the Heath near Portlaoise since the 1880s and the club was founded in 1930. Formed on open heath lands, this championship course incorporates three natural lakes and is noted for its rough heather and gorse furze, features that offer a challenge to all golfers. There have been a number of significant developments at the course in the last ten years, including the installation of an automatic irrigation system and a ten-bay driving range. Website: www.theheathgc.ie E-mail: info@theheathgc.ie
Contact: (057) 8646533. The Heath is approx 30 minutes drive from Durrow.
Killenard, Portarlington, Co. Laois:
The Heritage Golf & Country Club is the new championship Golf Course designed by Seve Ballesteros and Jeff Howes. This course is based in Killenard, Co. Laois and has a magnificently appointed Clubhouse and the Seve Ballesteros 'Natural' School. This golf course is hosted the AIB Senior Golf Championships in 2005. Another unique element to the Heritage at Killenard and separate from the golf course is the Indoor and Outdoor Bowls Green Stadiums. The indoor bowls stadium is unique to the Republic of Ireland and is hosting Wold-class Bowls Tournaments.
Website: www.theheritagegolf.com E-mail: info@theheritage.com
Contact: Telephone: (057) 8645994. Fax: (057) 8645052. Killenard is approx 30 minutes drive from Durrow.
Mount Juliet, Co. Kilkenny:
Mount Juliet is a spectacular course where the Irish Open has been played.
Set in rolling parkland near Thomastown, Mount Juliet is a must for those who want to trace the footsteps of the world’s top golfers.
Contact: (056) 7773000. Mount Juliet is approx 55 minutes drive from Durrow.
Back to top
PORTLAOISE: Bowling - Activity Centre:
Roll'n'Bowl is Laois' Largest Entertainment Centre with Activities For All Ages. Come visit for our Ten Pin Bowling, Soft Play Centre for all ages up to 12 years, New Video Games, Pool and Air Hockey (All €1). We also cater for Parties for Birthdays, School Tours and other special occasions. Facilities include: - All Day Coffee Dock; - Supervised Car Parking; - Wheelchair Accessible. We also offer Outdoor Crazy Golf.
Contact: Roll'n'Bowl, Clonminam Business Park, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, Ireland. Telephone: (057) 8670005. Website: www.bowlingireland.com E-mail: rollnbowl@eircom.net Portlaoise is approx 25 minutes drive from Durrow.
Back to top
STRADBALLY: Paintball - Activity Centre:
Paintballing in the Stradbally Woods is an exciting activity that is popular for families, school groups, stag and hen parties, businesses and any corporate groups. Excellent as a team-building sport. Contact us for information or group packages.
Contact: Supershot Paintball Ltd, Abbeyleix Rd, Stradbaly. Co. Laois. Website: www.supershot.ie Telephone: (059) 8731912 or (086) 3777499. Stradbally is approx 35 minutes drive from Durrow.
Back to top
DURROW: Equestrian - Horse Riding Centre:
Western Style Riding and Trail Riding Centre. Special Training Courses on Natural Horsemanship. Prices: €25 per person per hour with reductions for groups. Accomadition arranged if required.
Contact: Western Style Riding, Derry Rd, Durrow. Telephone (057) 8736527 or Michael on (087) 2316591.
Back to top
COUNTY LAOIS: Kilvahan - Horse Drawn Caravans:
Award winning horse drawn caravan holidays giving you the opportunity to step outside of the everyday bustle. Travel from place to place in your own cosy caravan with your new best friend - your horse.
Contact: Kilvahan Horse Drawn Caravans, Tullibards, Coolrain, Co. Laois.
Website: www.horsedrawncaravans.com Telephone: (057) 8735178. Coolrain is approx 25 minutes drive from Durrow.
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COUNTY LAOIS: Swimming - Local Swimming Pools:
Swimming Pools are located at Portlaoise, Ballinakill and Portarlington all in Co.Laois.
Contact: Portarlington Swimming Pool - (057) 8623149; Portlaoise Swimming Pool - (057) 8621710 and Ballinakill Open Air Swimming Pool - (057) 8733347 or (087) 4185291. Portlaoise is approx 25 minutes drive from Durrow; Portlarlington is approx 45 minutes drive from Durrow; Ballinakill is approx 15 minutes drive from Durrow.
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About Durrow - Accomodation - Banking Services - Diary of Events - History of Durrow - How to get Here - Postal Services - Public Houses - Taxi Services - Things to Do - Things to See
