Laois town to get new heritage trail to boost tourism
By Sandra Malone · Leinster Express · 8 October 2026

A consultant has been appointed for the Rathdowney project
Published 8th Oct 2026, 12:30 BST File photo: Pixabay. A consultant has been appointed for the Rathdowney project A new heritage trail is in the works for a Laois town.
Laois County Council confirmed it is working on developing a new heritage trail for Rathdowney.
The project will look at key historic, cultural, architectural, natural and community heritage assets with the view of designing a user-friendly heritage walk for residents and visitors of the town.
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The Regeneration Section of Laois County Council is working with the Town Team to prepare the new heritage trail.
The Council has now appointed a consultant to carry out some preliminary research into the proposed heritage trail.
Laois councillor wants housing developers made to 'cough up' and fix problems The consultant will assist in identifying heritage trail locations throughout Rathdowney and for the design of the map which will be hosted on the Laois County Council website to promote tourism.
Funding has been obtained just for the design, so no work will take place at the current time and the project will be the subject of future funding calls.
The Council said that civic engagement and consultation with the local community will take place in the coming months.
Reporting by Sandra Malone for Leinster Express, funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Republished by News Room under the scheme’s reuse permission.
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