Join us in Castletown, Ireland
This August, step into a gentler rhythm of life in Castletown, County Laois, nestled on the banks of the River Nore, perfect for a morning stroll or for watching the anglers cast their lines by the salmon leap. A village where summer feels unhurried and warmly shared, flowers spill from window boxes and bridges — part of the charm that helped Castletown win Ireland’s Tiny Towns title.
County Laois has a rich and varied landscape with historic features dating back to prehistory and many well-known tourist attractions, including the Rock of Dunamase; the majestic ruins on this rocky outcrop will captivate you. The site has seen many battles since the first fort was built here in the 9th century. Or take a spin to the Georgian grandeur of Emo Court which offers lakeside walks and gardens, tea rooms and guided tours.
Just beyond the village, the Slieve Bloom Mountains glow purple with late-summer heather. Gentle hikes lead through shaded woodland and open views ideal for picnics, cycling, or quiet photography. Legend has it that this mountain range was the birthplace of Irish giant Fionn MacCumhaill, the creator of the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Castletown in County Laois is situated in a region known for high-quality, productive land within the Irish Midlands. It is no surprise that food lovers are perfectly placed for some of Ireland’s finest dining, including two Michelin-noted restaurants within a twenty-minute drive: Ballyfin Demesne Dining Room, Ballyfin, pairs estate-grown ingredients with refined technique, and Brambley, Abbeyleix, is a characterful restaurant set inside a former garage and shop, where cooking champions the County Laois larder and other Irish produce.
The De La Salle Pastoral Centre offers a calm, reflective setting ideal for a fellowship convention. Surrounded by countryside and within walking distance of the village, it encourages conversation, connection, and quiet renewal. Spacious meeting rooms support talks and workshops, while gardens provide space for informal discussion and contemplation. Comfortable accommodation allows participants to remain together throughout the gathering, strengthening community spirit. Its peaceful atmosphere, absence of distraction, and welcoming character make it especially suited to shared learning, reflection, and meaningful fellowship experiences away from busy urban environments.
By visiting Castletown you will experience Ireland at its most relaxed, colourful, and genuinely hospitable.
Perfectly located, Castletown, County Laois sits just off the M7, linking travellers directly to Dublin Airport (110 km / 68 miles – about 1 hr 20 mins) and Shannon Airport (150 km / 93 miles – about 1 hr 45 mins), which between them offer direct flights to 26 North American cities, while Dublin Airport itself connects to over 150 European cities. The nearest rail connection at Portlaoise Train Station (17 km / 10 miles – 20 mins) offers up to 36 trains each way to central Dublin in under 50 mins.