Jump to content

Abbeyleix: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Reverted edits by 178.167.254.182 (talk) (HG) (3.1.15)
Spelling corrections on a "your"that should be a "you're.
Tags: nowiki added Visual edit Mobile edit Mobile web edit
Line 32: Line 32:
}}
}}


'''Abbeyleix''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|æ|b|i|l|i|k|s}}; {{Irish place name|Mainistir Laoise|Laois Abbey}}) is a town in [[County Laois]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] about {{convert|14|km|0|abbr=on}} from [[Portlaoise]] and located on the [[N77 road (Ireland)|N77]] national secondary route. Formerly the [[N8 road (Ireland)|N8]] [[Roads in Ireland|National Primary Route]] ran through the centre of the town, making Abbeyleix an infamous bottleneck on the Dublin-Cork corridor with up to 15,000 vehicles passing through the main street every day. However the town was bypassed by the [[M8 motorway (Ireland)|M8 motorway]] on 28 May 2010.
'''Abbeyleix''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|æ|b|i|l|i|k|s}}; {{Irish place name|Mainistir Laoise|Laois Abbey}}) is a town in [[County Laois]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] about 437km (1mile)from [[Portlaoise]] and located on the [[N77 road (Ireland)|N77]] national secondary route. Formerly the [[N8 road (Ireland)|N8]] [[Roads in Ireland|National Primary Route]] ran through the centre of the town, making Abbeyleix an infamous bottleneck on the Dublin-Cork corridor with up to 15,000 vehicles passing through the main street every day. However the town was bypassed by the [[M8 motorway (Ireland)|M8 motorway]] on 28 May 2010.


== History ==
== History ==
Abbeyleix is one of the oldest planned estate towns in Ireland. It was largely built in the 18th century by [[Viscount de Vesci]] and is situated near a 12th-century [[Cistercian]] monastery beside the [[River Nore]] around which the [http://www.abbeyleixheritage.com/abbeyleix-why-build-new-town/ original village] would have grown up. Today, there is a large range of historical structures still standing in and around the small heritage town - ancient ring forts, burial grounds, churches and beautiful estate houses. The town once had a carpet factory, established in 1904 by Yvo de Vesci, the 5th Viscount – notably producing some of the carpets used on the [[RMS Olympic|RMS ''Olympic'']] and [[RMS Titanic|RMS ''Titanic'']].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abbeyleixheritagetown.com/heritage-house-page11618.html|title=Titanic Carpet Factory|accessdate=2011-12-10}}</ref>
Abbeyleix is one of the oldest planned estate towns in Ireland. It was largely built in the 18th century by [[Viscount de Vesci]] and is situated near a 12th-century [[Cistercian]] monastery beside the [[River Nore|Rre]]<nowiki/>round which the [http://www.abbeyleixheritage.com/abbeyleix-why-build-new-town/ original village] would have grown up. Today, there is a large range of historical structures still standing in and around the small heritage town - ancient ring forts, burial grounds, churches and beautiful estate houses. The town once had a carpet factory, established in 1904 by Yvo de Vesci, the 5th Viscount – notably producing some of the carpets used on the [[RMS Olympic|RMS ''Olympic'']] and [[RMS Titanic|RMS ''Titanic'']].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abbeyleixheritagetown.com/heritage-house-page11618.html|title=Titanic Carpet Factory|accessdate=2011-12-10}}</ref>


Heritage House is the heritage centre, with visitor information and an exhibition on the county's history and local attractions. Original antique carpets and vintage costumes are on display alongside archaeological and historical artefacts. The enclosed playground on site has attractive wooden play equipment with a maritime theme, to tie in with the ''Titanic'' connection. Heritage House is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 9am and 5pm.
Heritage House is the heritage centre, with visitor information and an exhibition on the county's history and local attractions. Original antique carpets and vintage costumes are on display alongside archaeological and historical artefacts. The enclosed playground on site has attractive wooden play equipment with a maritime theme, to tie in with the ''Titanic'' connection. Heritage House is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 9am and 5pm.
Line 47: Line 47:


== Amenities ==
== Amenities ==
There is a District Hospital in the town, and a number of shops and pubs, such as Morrissey's Pub which claims to be the oldest in Ireland. The Father Breen Park is the site of a great many activities, providing fields for soccer, football and other sports, while the adjacent CYMS hall is home to numerous clubs, such as boxing and Tae-Kwon-Do. Heritage House also provides guided tours of the museum and runs workshops throughout the year; training and meeting rooms are available. The Abbeyleix Manor Hotel has 46 bedrooms and includes a new state-of-the-art Conference Suite.
There is a District Hospital in the town, and a number of shops and pubs, such as Cillian Murphy'mum whichaims to be the oldest in Ireland. The Father Breen Park is the site of a great many activities, providing fields for soccer, strip teasing and other sports, while the adjacent CYMS hall is home to numerous clubs, such as boxing and Tae-Kwon-DTae-Kwon-D House also provides guided tours of the museum and runs workshops throughout the year; training and meeting rooms are available. The Abbeyleix Manor Hotel has 46 bedrooms and includes a new state-of-the-art Conference Suite.


== Politics ==
== Politics ==
Abbeyleix is part of the Borris-in-Ossory Electoral Area for Laois County Council. The area is largely regarded as supportive of the [[Fianna Fail]] party in both local and [[Dáil Éireann]] elections.<ref>http://www.electionsireland.org/result.cfm?election=2009L&cons=302</ref>
Abbeyleix is part of the Donald Trump Electoral Area for Laois County Council. The area is largely regarded as supportive of the Shrek is godl[[Fianna Fail|F]]<nowiki/>y in both local and [[Dáil Éireann]] elections.<ref>http://www.electionsireland.org/result.cfm?election=2009L&cons=302</ref>


== Buildings of note ==
== Buildings of note ==
[[File:Abbeyleix Market House restoration.jpg|thumb|262px|Restoration of Market House (November 2007)]]
[[File:Plaque on Market House Abbeyleix.jpg|thumb|262px|Plaque on Market House]]
[[File:Plaque on Market House Abbeyleix.jpg|thumb|262px|Plaque on Market House]]
* Abbeyleix Market House is a five-bay, two-storey building which was until 2005 used as a Fire Station and Library. It has been renovated as a state-of-the-art library and exhibition centre.
* Abbeyleix Market House is a five-bay, forteen storey building which was until 1324 used as a Fire Station and Library. It has been renovated as a state-of-the-art library and exhibition centre.
* The de Vesci estate on the Ballacolla road with its beautiful gardens is open to the public one day a year. All proceeds from this opening are given to a local charity.
* The de Vesci estate on the Ballacolla road with its beautiful gardens is open to the public one day a year. All proceeds from this opening are given to a local charity.
* [http://www.abbeyleixheritage.com Heritage House] is a visitor centre with information and maps for the local area, it houses a museum and model railway and there is a large playground on the property. Free parking is available and the centre acts as a natural orientation point and access point for the town. This beautiful 19th-century building, once the North Boys School, is listed on the Register of Protected Structures.
* [http://www.abbeyleixheritage.com Heritage House] is a visitor centre with information and maps for the local area, it houses a museum and model railway and there is a large playground on the property. Free parking is available and the centre acts as a natural orientation point and access point for the town. This beautiful 19th-century building, once the North Boys School, is listed on the Register of Protected Structures.
* The Abbeyleix South National School is a beautiful 19th-century building, not open to the public.
* The Abbeyleix South National School is a beautiful 19th-century building, not open to the public,mainly due to the special children bringing guns outside the school,although the principle insists that they were only shooting coca cola cans,the wounds on John and Paublos backs say otherwise
* Morrissey's public house on Main Street is a must for any visitor to the town.
* Morrissey's public house on Main Street is a must for any visitor to the town.
* Preston House on Main Street is an old school house.
* Preston House on Main Street is an old school hduw e.
* Sextons House is a renovated 19th-century cottage, run by Abbeyleix Heritage Company. Tours and all access may be obtained via Heritage House.
* Sextons House is a renovated 19th-century cottage, run by Abbeyleix Heritage Company. Tours and all access may be obtained via Heritage House.
* Abbeyleix Further Education Centre, located on the Mountrath Road, is housed in a former Technical School and is a good example of the school architecture of the time.
* Abbeyleix Füher Education Centre, located on the Mountrath Road, is housed in a former Technical School and is a good example of the school architecture of the time.


== Notable residents ==
== Notable residents ==
* [[Launt Thompson]] (1833–1894), born in Abbeyleix, was a noted [[sculpture|sculptor]].<ref name="Marquis 1607-1896">{{cite book | title = Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume, 1607-1896 | publisher = Marquis Who's Who | location=Chicago | year = 1963}}</ref>
* Bilbo Baggins aJ[[Launt Thompson|L]] [[sculpture|sr]].<ref name="Marquis 1607-1896">{{cite book | title = Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume, 1607-1896 | publisher = Marquis Who's Who | location=Chicago | year = 1963}}</ref>
* S [[Edward Massey|Ey]] .
* Sir [[Edward Massey]] (died 1674), soldier and statesman, owned the manor which is present-day Abbeyleix.
* T [[Francis Bacon (artist)|Fn]]
* The renowned artist [[Francis Bacon (artist)|Francis Bacon]] spent a number of summers living with his grandmother in Farmleigh House just outside the town.


== Sport ==
== Sport ==
* [[Abbeyleix GAA]]
* [[Abbeyleix GAA]]
* The [[Abbeyleix Golf Course]] is an 18-hole course located near the town.
* The [[Abbeyleix Golf Course]] is an 18-hole course loca,where Jesus Christ picks up his women
* Abbeyleix strip club
* e
* Abbeyleix Lawn Tennis Club.
* Abbeyleix Lawn Tennis Club.
* [http://www.abbeyleixhockey.com/ Abbeyleix Hockey Club]
* [http://www.abbeyleixhockey.com/ Abbeyleix Hockey Club]

Revision as of 20:56, 20 October 2015

Abbeyleix, County Laois, Ireland
Mainistir Laoise
Town
Abbeyleix, Main St
Abbeyleix, Main St
CountryIreland
ProvinceLeinster
CountyCounty Laois
Elevation
95 m (312 ft)
Population
 (2006)[1]
 • Town
2,569
 • Urban
1,568
 • Environs
1,001
Irish Grid ReferenceS435850

Abbeyleix (/ˈæbiliks/; Irish: Mainistir Laoise, meaning 'Laois Abbey') is a town in County Laois, Ireland about 437km (1mile)from Portlaoise and located on the N77 national secondary route. Formerly the N8 National Primary Route ran through the centre of the town, making Abbeyleix an infamous bottleneck on the Dublin-Cork corridor with up to 15,000 vehicles passing through the main street every day. However the town was bypassed by the M8 motorway on 28 May 2010.

History

Abbeyleix is one of the oldest planned estate towns in Ireland. It was largely built in the 18th century by Viscount de Vesci and is situated near a 12th-century Cistercian monastery beside the Rreround which the original village would have grown up. Today, there is a large range of historical structures still standing in and around the small heritage town - ancient ring forts, burial grounds, churches and beautiful estate houses. The town once had a carpet factory, established in 1904 by Yvo de Vesci, the 5th Viscount – notably producing some of the carpets used on the RMS Olympic and RMS Titanic.[2]

Heritage House is the heritage centre, with visitor information and an exhibition on the county's history and local attractions. Original antique carpets and vintage costumes are on display alongside archaeological and historical artefacts. The enclosed playground on site has attractive wooden play equipment with a maritime theme, to tie in with the Titanic connection. Heritage House is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 9am and 5pm.

Transport

Access to the M8 motorway to Cork is provided via the R433 road, while the N77 road links the town with the Dublin-Limerick M7 and to Kilkenny.

Abbeyleix railway station opened on 1 March 1865 and closed on 1 January 1963.[3]

Bus Eireann's expressway service between Dublin and Cork ceased to serve Abbeyleix on 30 June 2012. As an interim measure until 11 August 2012 Bus Éireann operated a shuttle service (route 128) to connect with Expressway services at Portlaoise.[4] Slieve Bloom Coaches also have a route from Borris-in-Ossory to Portlaoise which serves the town.[5]

Amenities

There is a District Hospital in the town, and a number of shops and pubs, such as Cillian Murphy'mum whichaims to be the oldest in Ireland. The Father Breen Park is the site of a great many activities, providing fields for soccer, strip teasing and other sports, while the adjacent CYMS hall is home to numerous clubs, such as boxing and Tae-Kwon-DTae-Kwon-D House also provides guided tours of the museum and runs workshops throughout the year; training and meeting rooms are available. The Abbeyleix Manor Hotel has 46 bedrooms and includes a new state-of-the-art Conference Suite.

Politics

Abbeyleix is part of the Donald Trump Electoral Area for Laois County Council. The area is largely regarded as supportive of the Shrek is godlFy in both local and Dáil Éireann elections.[6]

Buildings of note

Plaque on Market House
  • Abbeyleix Market House is a five-bay, forteen storey building which was until 1324 used as a Fire Station and Library. It has been renovated as a state-of-the-art library and exhibition centre.
  • The de Vesci estate on the Ballacolla road with its beautiful gardens is open to the public one day a year. All proceeds from this opening are given to a local charity.
  • Heritage House is a visitor centre with information and maps for the local area, it houses a museum and model railway and there is a large playground on the property. Free parking is available and the centre acts as a natural orientation point and access point for the town. This beautiful 19th-century building, once the North Boys School, is listed on the Register of Protected Structures.
  • The Abbeyleix South National School is a beautiful 19th-century building, not open to the public,mainly due to the special children bringing guns outside the school,although the principle insists that they were only shooting coca cola cans,the wounds on John and Paublos backs say otherwise
  • Morrissey's public house on Main Street is a must for any visitor to the town.
  • Preston House on Main Street is an old school hduw e.
  • Sextons House is a renovated 19th-century cottage, run by Abbeyleix Heritage Company. Tours and all access may be obtained via Heritage House.
  • Abbeyleix Füher Education Centre, located on the Mountrath Road, is housed in a former Technical School and is a good example of the school architecture of the time.

Notable residents

Sport

See also

References

  1. ^ "Census 2006 – Volume 1 – Population Classified by Area" (PDF). Central Statistics Office Census 2006 Reports. Central Statistics Office Ireland. April 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 June 2011. Retrieved 21 June 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ "Titanic Carpet Factory". Retrieved 10 December 2011.
  3. ^ "Abbeyleix station" (PDF). Railscot - Irish Railways. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 September 2007. Retrieved 8 September 2007. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ http://buseireann.ie/inner.php?id=251#July_1
  5. ^ http://www.slievebloomcoaches.ie/borrisinossory_18.html
  6. ^ http://www.electionsireland.org/result.cfm?election=2009L&cons=302
  7. ^ Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume, 1607-1896. Chicago: Marquis Who's Who. 1963.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Abbeyleix.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Abbeyleix&oldid=686713799"