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Stradbally
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Stradbally is a
medium sized town located in East County Laois 12km south east of
Portlaoise. It is a delightful, neat midlands town - surrounded by a
great range of things to do and see.
The town is surrounded by pleasant undulating land. The name of
Stradbally translates as ‘the village on the street’ – which
describes it very well. The structure of the town is that of a long
linear street with two squares on the western side – The Market
Square and The Courthouse Square.
The history of Stradbally stretches from the 6th century when a
monastery was established close to the town. Stradbally developed
under the influence of the Cosby Family, owners of Stradbally Hall.
In the 18th century the Crosbies created the present wide street and
began the building of the neat houses, shops and pubs that line its
sides. Later generations of the family were also responsible for the
building of the courthouse and the pleasing open-air market. In the
historical former Constabulary Barracks is a lively exhibition
giving details of the Battle of Ballinamuck and 1798.
Stradbally Hall was begun in 1772 and greatly enlarged in the 1860s
in its present Italianate style. Today this ancestral home of the
Cosby family is a picturesque 600 acre estate with its own lake,
surrounded by ancient oak and chestnut trees. The Irish Steam
Preservation Society holds its Steam Rally here during the August
Bank Holiday each year. Also in the grounds of the estate is The
Stradbally Hall Narrow Gauge Railway. It runs on bank holidays, and
on request, except in winter. .
Each year the rolling lawns of Stradbally Hall provides the perfect
setting for a feast of eclectic music, entertainment and food during
the now famous Electric Picnic Music Festival. |
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Stradbally Holiday Homes - County Laois, Ireland