operated a shuttle service (route 128) to connect with Expressway services at Portlaoise. Slieve Bloom Coaches also have a route from Borris-in-Ossory to Portlaoise which serves the town. Amenities There is a district hospital in the town, and a number of shops and pubs. Father Breen Park has fields for soccer and other sports, while the adjacent CYMS hall is home to a number of clubs. Heritage House also provides guided tours of the museum and runs workshops throughout the year. The Abbeyleix Manor Hotel is part of the Magnuson Hotels chain. The "Lords Walk Loop" is a 2.4 kilometer loop that traces an old walking route taken by the De Vesci Family to reach the local church and railway station. Buildings of note Abbeyleix House and the de Vesci estate (Abbeyleix Estate) is located on the Ballacolla road. As of 2019, the estate was being marketed for sale, with an asking price of €20 million. Within the town, Abbeyleix Market House is a five-bay, four storey building which was previously used as a fire station and library. It has been renovated as a library and exhibition centre. Heritage House is a visitor centre which houses a local history museum. This 19th-century building was once the North Boys School. Both the Market House and Heritage House are listed on the Record of Protected Structures for County Laois. Sport Abbeyleix GAA club is the local Gaelic Athletic Association club. Abbeyleix Golf Club and Abbeyleix Lawn Tennis Club were established in 1895 and 1909 respectively. Other sports clubs in the area include a hockey club and soccer (association football) club. Notable residents Sarah "Venie" Barr, (1875 – 1947) political and community activist Launt Thompson (1833–1894), sculptor. Sir Edward Massey (1619–1674), English soldier and parliamentarian Francis Bacon (1909–1992), artist See also List of towns and villages in Ireland Market Houses in Ireland References External links Abbeyleix Irish Heritage Towns Abbeyleix.ie Abbeyleix Bog Abbeyleix Further Ed. Centre Abbeyleix Tidy Towns Towns and villages in County Laois Townlands of County Laois Planned communities in the Republic of Ireland