On the right track in Laois as new tourism attraction opens
Catherine and Ian Hyland and family at the official opening of Making Tracks at Ballybropy House, with cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Walsh, Laois Co Council director of services Angela McEvoy, Eoin Reardon, tourism officer Elaine Moore, EU Just Transition Fund tourism activator Regina Dunne, Fáilte Ireland regional manager Justine Carey, councillors John King, Conor Bergin and guests. Photos: Michael Scully
A BEAUTIFUL tourism attraction offering colourful horse-drawn wagon tours and comfortable glamping has officially opened its doors, with the help of a €250,000 grant.
There were delighted celebrations in Ballybrophy on 12 September, when ‘low carbon, slow tourism’ enterprise Making Tracks was declared open for business.
Based at the former Ballybrophy House, owned by the Hyland family, the tranquil centre includes glamping huts, old-fashioned horse-drawn wagons and an Irish country house hostel, all now open for bookings for 2025/2026.
Opened by woodcraft restorer Eoin Reardon, the project was awarded €250,000 from Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, which is co-funded by the government and the EU under the Just Transition fund.
Adjacent to busy Ballybrophy railway station, the project involved restoration of the former Ballybrophy House into a country house hostel, construction of five glamping units and the development of horse-drawn wagon experiences throughout south Laois.
The funding also ensured the venture was accessible and inclusive, with the development of universally accessible showers, pathways and access.
Among those attending the launch were Laois Co Council cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Walsh, councillors John King and Conor Bergin, tourism officer Elaine Moore and Fáilte Ireland regional manager Justine Carey.
At the launch gathering, Laois Co Council director of services Angela McEvoy described Making Tracks as “a fantastic addition to the varied tourism offering in Laois, particularly in the west of the county”.
She added that the centre was ideally located close to the train station, which is one of two age-friendly stations in the county and would provide employment opportunities locally, as well as bring more visitors to the area “to experience the hidden treasures we possess”.
Regina Dunne, who is EU Just Transition fund tourism activator for the county, commented: “This project delivered by Ian Hyland and his team is strategically placed to support the eco-conscious tourist, looking for authentic experiences and slow tourism while also being mindful of their carbon footprint and impact on the environment they visit.
"This project showcases the huge potential for low carbon, sustainable, and alternative accommodation offerings to thrive in rural Laois.”
The Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme aims to develop the midlands into ‘a leading regenerative tourism destination’, creating more reasons for domestic and international tourists to visit the midlands while also sustaining jobs, businesses and local communities.
It will also support the transition of the midlands to a carbon neutral destination through funding of sustainable tourism projects, which are designed to have significant regenerative impacts on local communities and peatlands.
Orla Carroll of Fáilte Ireland described Making Tracks as a perfect example of how the scheme is enhancing tourism and creating new opportunities in destinations across the midlands.
Acting director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, Clare Bannon, added that tourism initiatives such as the Ballybrophy venture are “crucial for economic diversification in the midlands”, fostering new opportunities for growth and resilience in local communities.
