Arles can be understood through three points of interest: the Church of the Sacred Heart, the Grace Mausoleum in the cemetery and the Slieve Margy Way. They represent different aspects of the village: church architecture, family history and a circular route through Arles. The cemetery is on the grounds of the Sacred Heart Church; the trail passes through the church grounds into the village. To get your bearings, it is helpful to distinguish these connections: the cemetery and mausoleum are part of the church grounds, while the Slieve Margy Way should be regarded as a separate route through Arles.
Church of the Sacred Heart and Grace Mausoleum
The earliest chapel at the site of the Church of the Sacred Heart dates from 1686; the present church was built in 1868. The dates refer to different building phases. In addition to its chronology, the church is distinguished by its material: it is an outstanding example of local cut limestone, worked by local craftspeople. Thus, the stone’s origins and local craftsmanship are as much a part of its building history as the two dates.
The Grace Mausoleum is in the cemetery and stands on the site of the south wing of Arles Church. It was built in 1818 in place of an original mausoleum erected in 1687. The sequence matters: 1687 refers to the earlier structure, and 1818 to the mausoleum that replaced it. Together, the location and the two dates provide a specific point of reference for the family and building history. The mausoleum is part of the cemetery’s history, while the church has its own sequence of building phases, from the earliest chapel to the present structure.
Cemetery and trail through Arles
The cemetery of the Sacred Heart Church is in Arles, County Laois, and contains gravestones dating from the 18th to the 21st century. Its recorded history therefore spans many centuries; the Grace Mausoleum is one individually dated structure within it. There are concrete and asphalt paths in the cemetery. A gravel driveway and a gate lead to the grounds. Cemetery rules may apply, and conditions on site may change. Before planning a visit, check the applicable rules and current conditions.
The Slieve Margy Way passes through the church grounds into the village of Arles. It is a circular route and can be started in either direction. This means the passage through the village can be viewed as part of a route without suggesting that one direction is the only suitable choice. The trail offers a different way to understand Arles than its individual buildings and burial sites: it runs through the village and links the choice of walking direction with the circular route format. As trail conditions and permissions may change, check both before setting out.
Historical themes in County Laois
Other places in County Laois represent different periods and forms of heritage. Timahoe Round Tower dates from the late 12th century and has an intricately carved doorway. Dunamase developed into one of Ireland’s most significant Anglo-Norman fortifications. Emo Court adds a different architectural dimension: James Gandon designed the neoclassical mansion in 1790. Heywood Gardens focuses on landscape and garden design. The 18th-century estate near Ballinakill includes gardens, lakes and woodland; Sir Edwin Lutyens designed its formal gardens. The range in County Laois thus extends from medieval fortification architecture and a tower doorway to a mansion and designed landscape. These examples belong to the wider context of County Laois and should be distinguished from the local building and family histories in Arles.
Discover more destinations: Rathdowney, Mountmellick, Ballickmoyler, Portlaoise, Whitewell, Abbeyleix, Durrow, Mountrath
For the broader travel overview: County Laois.
