Laois or Leix (pronounced Leash) is a county in the midlands of the Republic of Ireland. Situated in the province of Leinster, this small county is the only one in Ireland not bordered by another county with a coastline. Area: 1720 km² (664 square miles). Population (census 2002): 58,732.

Created in 1556 by Mary I of England as "Queen's County", Laois received its present name following the War of Irish Independence. Portlaoise is the county town.

Towns and villages

• Abbeyleix Aghaboe
• Ballaghmore Ballickmoyler Ballinakill Ballyfin Ballylynan Borris-in-ossory
• Cashel Clonenagh
• Donaghmore Durrow
• Mountmellick Mountrath
• Portarlington Portlaoise
• Rathdowney Rosenallis
• Stradbally
• Timahoe
• Vicarstown