Heritage House is a prominent stone built three story house, situated to the north of Abbeyleix town, Co. Laois. It is the first building on the left, coming from Portlaoise when entering the town.
These are just a sample of pencil / digital drawings of Abbeyleix now available for sale as postcards or greeting cards, they can be purchased through Heritage House or by ordering through contact page.
To discover more about the history of the town click on the following link
Café Odhrán is a new name for an old renowned newsagent and sweet shop, once owned and run by the Brophy sisters very successfully for generations. Today it operates as a coffee shop where it offers an atmosphere of pleasant surroundings, good quality foods and refreshment. No doubt this venue retains an age old friendliness and good service, unique to Abbeyleix, and to a wide range of its customers and passersby.
First image is one of an old un-inhabited house a few miles south of Abbeyleix, looking very melancholic it arouses curiosity and interest in the the viewer, what story does it tell. Who lived here, did the family die out.
Second image is of the old de Vesci church and has a full apparent history, it served as the main church until the present day Church on the edge of the town was built. The old de vesci church is no longer in use.
Third is even more widly recognised by name or sight. Morrisseys' Pub needs no introduction to people of the midlands. it has several claims to fame, one was that it was a ticket selling agent for the famous ill-fated Titanic before it sailed on its maiden voyage. A large number of people from the midlands booked their passage there.
Knocknamoe
House in on the right hand side as you drive out the Ballinakill road, just
across from the entry to the Catholic Church.
Abbeyleix Church of Ireland is situated just out the Rathdowney Road.
Bluegate
house is situated about one mile south of Abbeyleix and during the 1820s it
operated as a school house in the form of a playschool for young
children of the area. It was operated by its owner a Miss Murphy. During it’s
time it also served as a mini local lace-making operation where home owners
of the town linked up to knit exquisite embroidered dresses which were widely
exported . The business prospered and became a great success until the mid
1820s when Miss Murphy retired. The school closed down and the knitting business
faded away.
The O'Connors' old homestead is situated
just across the main road from Heritage House. The O'Connors' lived here for
generations and were well known and respected within Abbeyleix society, where
they tilled and sowed vegatables behind their small cottage. Offering their
produce for sale in an era when a lifestyle was more simple and less demanding
then it is today.
