Republic of Ireland local authorities-County Laois

Portlaoise, the county town, was formerly known by this name until 1921

Former name of the county

Rosenallis, a village in the north of the county, hosts this annual festival

The attractive thatched famine era Poets' Cottage is located here

Neoclassical mansion designed by James Gandon in 1790 for the first Earl of Portarlington; an oil company was named after the nearby village

Planned estate town re-designed by the Viscount de Vesci; it was formerly located on the N8 Dublin to Cork road

Rocky outcrop containing the ruins of a ninth Anglo-Norman castle, overlooking the N80

Powerful ancient Gaelic noble family who held the title of Lord of Laois, who were hunted and killed by English colonists. One of their descendants, Rory, was a key figure in the 1641 Rebellion against English rule in Ireland. Their seat was at the castle above

Village housing a round tower and esker home to a great variety of biodiversity

Actor born in the county best known for his role in Misfits

The town of Portarlington, formerly known as Cooletoodera, has strong connections with this group of sixteenth century French Protestants

As well as having a miniature railway, the town of Stradbally hosts what annual transport related event?

Portlaoise is home to Ireland's most notorious what?

Nicknamed the 'Pirate of Peru'; this Ballylinan born man was the first Catholic mayor of New York City and the founder of the eponymous American chemical company

Music festival held annually at Stradbally Hall