The hostel is very well situated to provide access to a great number of attractions, including golf, walking cycling (bicycles are available), excellent fishing (both game and course fishing are available close by) as well as many sites of historical and cultural interest. Slievebloom Mountains The Slieve Bloom Mountains rise from a plain covering an area of 600 square miles. The view enjoyed from the top of its many summits is unforgettable. Walkers delight in many tracks and paths in the numerous glens, where the fortunate may surprise local wild life and enjoy the wonderful flora and fauna. The most famous walk is the 20-mile Slieve Boom Way. A walking festival is held annually, usually over the May Bank Holiday. Granstown Lake Nature lovers, health enthusiasts and history buffs will benefit from the development of a 10 mile walk which will provide access to on one of the most historical areas in South Laois, writes the Leinster Express of this delightful spot. The Granstown Lake and its surrounding woodlands is a national nature and wildlife reserve owned by the Office of Public Works. A local committee has been working in partnership with them in recent years to promote the amenity and to provide increased access to visitors and the local community. The first phase of this development saw the provision of a car park, access path and fishing jetties. The current proposal will add to this, three loop walks, and plans the restoration of a deserted village pump in the wood and the compilation of information on the many heritage sites along the route. The lake and woodlands at Grantstown hold a reputation as a rewarding place for fishermen to visit. The course angling is renowned and anglers travel from throughout Ireland and the UK to catch the Pike, the Rudd and the Tench that abound. It is expected that the next phase of the development historians, walkers and nature enthusiasts will attribute a similar reputation to the area. Clough This picturesque late 18th century village is set in the heart of the countryside. Clough Church built in 1770 and refurbished in 1871 is one of the main features. Built alongside St. Canice's Monastery, Aghaboe, it is of great historical significance. It is situated near the fishermans paradise of Grantstown Lake, and is well worth a visit. Dont forget to pop into for a pint! Ballacolla This late eighteenth century village consistently performs well in the annual Tidy Towns Competition. The village grew on the crossing of two important country roads, and has access to attractive countryside. Donaghmore Donaghmore was originally associated with an early medieval church, and then with an early Norman Fortification. In the early in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries it became an extensive industrial complex. It has attractive buildings and two thriving pubs overlooking a river and an old bridge. Donaghmore Museum A short distance north- west can be seen the unique Donaghmore Workhouse Museum, originally built as a workhouse, it depicts the poignant story of Ireland's poor in the 1800s. The museum, restored by Avonmore, presents a window on past workhouse conditions. It was originally built as a workhouse, housing over 1200 people during the Great Famine. It is estimated that at that time ten per cent of the local population were left destitute. Abbeyleix Abbeyleix is an elegant heritage town, centred on the spacious main street. It is an example of 18th century town planning by the second Viscount de Vesci. Two de Vesci fountain memorials are located in the town. Places of interest include Heritage House, which once housed a Patrician Monastery and a boys' school as well as the splendid architecture of the town's churches. Other important buildings are South School, the Bank of Ireland, Pembroke Terrace, Knocknamoe, Market and Station Houses and old shop fronts. Although located on the main Dublin/Cork road, Abbeyleix offers many tranquil country delights such as the lord's Walk, fishing along the River Nore and a Sensory Garden. Heywood Gardens These gardens lie in what was the most admired demesne of Co Laois at the end of the 18th Century. Although the house was destroyed by fire in 1960, the spectacular Italian Gardens can still be visited. The route is well signposted. The Gardens are one of four in Ireland designed by Edward Luytens, and are magnificently situated on a hillside. The centrepiece of the garden forms a fountain pool encircled by bronze turtles. A circular wall shelters a beautiful flower display and has openings to allow breathtaking views of the local countryside. Ballinakill This is an example of a seventeenth century market town. The ruins of Ballinakill Castle are of a late seventeenth century castle. Built by the Dunnes on the site of one destroyed by Cromwellian troops under Fairfax, it was never inhabited. The configuration of streets around the large rectangular square is eighteenth century. Two trees known as toll trees mark the towns entrance from Abbeyleix. Here visitors in the past paid a toll to enter the town. Ballinakill had important fairs, a brewery, woollen and tanning factories. Borris-In-Ossory Borris-In-Ossory was originally a cluster which grew around the now ruined fifteenth century Fitzpatrick castle The village grew along the eighteenth century coach road and depended on the wool trade. North of the village is Kyle or Cluain Ferta Molua, the site of a monastery founded by St. Lugaid or Molua who came from Limerick and died in 609. It was in the seventeenth century an important centre of learning and the home of Laicead mac Baith-Banning whose works on biblical commentaries may still be seen in Dublin. Durrow During the seventeenth century Durrow was originally a Norman borough. The Ormonds made it part of Kilkenny. It was returned to the county in 1848 by act of parliament. It is a planned estate village, developed under the patronage of the Viscounts Ashbrook. Its finest feature is the suite of buildings around the Green under the gates and battlement wall. These in turn enclose a tastefully designed modern primary school and the important castle (1713-23) designed by its owner William Flowers. It is one of the last large pre-Palladian houses to be built in Ireland. Kilkenny Kilkenny is a beautiful medieval town situated on both banks of the Nore. There are many historical points of interest including Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice Cathedral, Rothe house and many more. The cat laughs comedy festival and the Kilkenny Arts Festival are held annually in Kilkenny. Rathdowney This town takes it's name from the rath or ring fort which until 1840 was at the end of the town square near the Church of Ireland church. It was a thirteenth century Norman manor, and developed as a town in the early nineteenth century. Brewing was the main industry until 1966 when Perry's Brewery was converted into a successful meat processing plant. Rathdowney is the birthplace of Thomas Prior, founder of the R.D.S. Portlaoise Portlaoise, the county town of Laois was once called Marybourough. In the reign of Philip and Mary was fortified as part of a plan to subdue the local chiefs, the O'Mores. Today nothing remains apart from the outer wall of the tower. Emo Court This is magnificent neo-classical house designed by James Gandon in 1790. Extensive parklands with formal lawns, a lake woodland and lawns surround it. Stradbally Stradbally is he birth place of the historian John O'Hanlon, and contains the Stradbally steam museum. The view from the windy gap on the Stradbally Carlow road is famous. Roscrea This prosperous town owes its origin to the monastery founded here in the seventh century by St. Cronan. Roscrea is a good centre if one wishes to walk and climb in the Devil's Bit and Slieve Bloom mountains. Roscrea castle, sometimes known as King John's castle, dates in its present form to the thirteenth century. In the centre of the castle is Damer House. Damer House Built c. 1715 and restored...

Originally constructed in local limestone as a grain loft some 100 years ago and now converted to comfortable accommodation that meets Bord Failte (The Irish Tourist Board) standards, the accommodation at our traditional farm hostel in the heart of Laois, Ireland consists of 14 en suite bedrooms, providing a total of 45 beds. More beds will be added during the course of 2004. With a selection of double, twin and family rooms available, some with wheelchair access, we can provide for a wide range of requirements. Prices are as follows: Per Person per night: Continental Breakfast: Available on request. The evening meal is a full 4 course dinner and should be booked in advance to ensure availablility.

Nestled in the foothills of the misty Slieve Bloom mountains in the Irish midlands lies a hidden valley containing the world's greatest archeological treasure - the only living dinosaur in existence. Contrary to contemporary scientific opinion, dinosaurs were neither reptiles nor covered in feathers (how ridiculous would that look!). Being so large, the only sensible material was steel - and steel they were. For proof, look no further than the dinosaur of Ballacolla, pictured below. Dinosaurs are large dangerous creatures and Dino is no exception. While living mostly on a diet of grass and an occasional sheep to up the protein content of his diet, Dino intuitively understands that his steel contruction needs a diet with exceptionaly high mineral content to prevent rusting and decay. Some of our visitors have paid a high price in this respect - witness Dino devouring an unsuspecting guest's car below. Sometimes I sit and think - sometimes I just sit. Not as ancient and certainly nowhere near as dangerous, Dino's almost contant companion is Mortimer, who also has a heart of steel. Mortimer is a skilled amateur photographer and is responsible for all the on this web site - no matter what Louis says...

Hostel Accommodation in the heart of Ireland. Farran Farm Hostel offers en suite at attractive prices in a beautiful country setting - while remaining convenient to a number of in Co Laois, Kildare, Kilkenny, Offaly, Tipparery and beyond. Wendy and Marty Phelan welcome you to our traditional farm hostel. On this web site you may find out more about the on-line using our booking form, read about the and the attractions of of the hostel and surrounding area. Please do not hesitate to us if we can be of any assistance. Copyright 2000 The Farran Farm Hostel. All rights reserved Use subject to

 Dinner may be served in the room
 Disabled guests are welcome
 Mixed dorms
 Parking lot
 Private/Ensuite bathroom
 Phone at reception