Groups audience:
Heritage House was originally known as the Boys North National School, built for the education of Catholic boys under the patronage of the local de Vesci landlords. This large school was staffed by lay teachers at first, while Ireland was part of the British Empire. In 1933, after the War of Independence and in an era of widespread nationalist sentiment, the school was taken over by a Catholic order called the Patrician Brothers. The Brothers built an extension using stone from Abbeyleix's famine era Workhouse so that they could live on site. The building then became known as 'The Monastery' and it is still known as such among the older generation locally. The Patricians taught here until 1983 when a new boys and girls school was built nearby. Following renovation in the mid 1990's it became a Heritage Centre run by the registered charity Abbeyleix Heritage Company. It now houses a community museum open to the public Tues - Sat 9am - 5pm and a great children's playground. Here a history of Abbeyleix estate town and Co. Laois is told through exhibitions in the former classrooms. Original items found in the county are on display ranging from archaeological artefacts like the 5,000 year old stone axe to more recent photographs of local characters and events. A number of rare, vintage Abbeyleix carpets may also be seen here. Guided tours and museum trails are available, group bookings are welcome.
