Architecture of Laois

1680s – Ballykilcavan House, Stradbally, Co. Laois

Ballykilcavan has full-height wings like flanking towers at the corners of the entrance front while similar towers on the rear of the house are now hidden by later extensions.

1773 – Abbeyleix House, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois

Architect: James Wyatt

A seven-bay, three-storey over basement with dormer attic Classical-style country house, begun 1773, with a pedimented breakfront having a cut stone Doric door-case to the ground floor.

1773 – Heywood House, Ballinakill, Co. Laois

Architect: M.F. Trench / Thomas Drew

House originally designed by the owner Michael Frederick Trench in the 18th Century with the help of his friend,

1790 – Emo Court, Portarlington, Co. Laois

Architect: James Gandon / William Caldbeck

Designed by the architect James Gandon in 1790 for John Dawson, the first Earl of Portarlington,

1800c – Market House, Portarlington, Co. Laois

Still intact, sited in the centre of the market square, but now much defaced by its usage as a service station.

1802 – Design for house, Co. Laois

Architect: Richard Morrison

A design published in “A collection of designs for rural retreats” by James Malton, with two elevational treatments.

1810 – Gateway, Heywood House, Ballinakill, Co. Laois

Gothic gateway, to the demolished Heywood House, obscuring a more modest gatehouse behind.

1817 – Gracefield Lodge, Ballylynan, Co. Laois

Architect: John Nash / Daniel Robertson

An early 19th century cottage orné, originally designed by Nash but built by Robertson to a cut down version of the design.

1830 – Prison, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Architect: William Deane Butler

Now obscured by more modern security measures, Portlaoise (formerly Maryborough) Prison had a magnificent entrance gateway worthy of a Norman castle.

1830s – Church, Rathdowney, Co. Laois

Replaced by an unremarkable exercise in 1950s Romaneque sited on the then edge of town. This church was pulled down and the site is still a surface carpark.