Stradbally is a town in County Laois. Known for its Steam Rally and the Electric Picnic.
It is located on the N80 National Secondary Route. So it is approximately 12km east of Portlaoise and 7km from Junction 16 on the M7 Motorway.
The history of Stradbally dates to the 6th century. When they established a monastery at Oughaval, close to the town – and within the present-day parish. Driving from Carlow to Stradbally you will find the impressive ruins of Oughaval Church. Stand on a hill overlooking the flat surrounding lands of County Laois.
Later, Stradbally developed under the influence of the Cosby Family. The owners of Stradbally Hall located west of the main street, at the end of the 17th century. The Electric Picnic is an annual arts and music festival. Staged in late August / early September since 2004 at Stradbally Hall in Stradbally.
So Stradbally is known for its Steam Rally, an annual gathering of enthusiasts of steam-powered vehicles. It is held in the grounds of the Cosby estate at Stradbally Hall every August bank holiday weekend. There is also a Steam Museum in Stradbally Town.
At Stradbally, there is the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart. A Gothic Revival church was completed in 1896 with a cruciform plan. And designed by William Hague. Saint Patrick’s Church of Ireland is also a Gothic Revival church, built in 1764, with a tower.
Location of Stradbally:
Below are photos I took in Stradbelly in County Laois.
Below is a photo of Stradbally Hall, from theirishaesthete.com
