Nestled in the heart of the countryside, Making Tracks is a family-run escape founded by Ian Hyland in 2022. Together with his son Eoghan and Eoghan’s partner Emily, Ian has transformed a once-abandoned house and overgrown land into a beautifully restored farmhouse and glamping site — where history, comfort, and nature meet. With roots that run deep, the property has seen many lives — once serving as a pub, petrol station, and hardware shop — before being left to fall into disrepair in the 2010s. In 2020, our family took on the challenge of bringing it back to life, pouring love, creativity, and countless hours into every detail. Today, Making Tracks is a place to unwind, reconnect, and make memories. In the summer months, the site comes alive with charming glamping cabins and handcrafted wagons, perfect for a peaceful countryside retreat. During winter, the property transforms into a cosy farmhouse private holiday house, offering warmth, character, and a true home-from-home experience.

Welcome to Making Tracks – a beautifully restored 200-year-old house in the heart of South Laois. This charming home, recently renovated with care, sleeps up to 8 guests, making it the perfect choice for couples, families, or groups of friends. Inside, you’ll find two reception rooms, a dining room, a traditional-style kitchen, four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and an additional WC. The open-plan kitchen and dining area make it ideal for gatherings, while the layout still offers a sense of privacy and comfort. Just a 5-minute walk from Ballybrophy Train Station, with quick access to the M7 and M8 motorways, the house is less than an hour from Dublin. Ideal hub to explore, gather friends and family or to relax.

Making Tracks is located in the peaceful countryside of Ballybrophy, County Laois, a quiet rural area surrounded by open fields, winding lanes, and welcoming local communities. Guests love the sense of space and calm, with everything you need for a relaxing break close by. The setting offers the perfect mix of countryside charm and easy access to some of Laois’s best-known attractions. A few minutes away, you’ll find the Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum, where visitors can step back in time and learn about Ireland’s history through powerful local stories. History lovers also enjoy exploring the Rock of Dunamase, a dramatic medieval ruin perched high on a hill with sweeping views across the county. For a more leisurely day out, the elegant Emo Court & Gardens offers lakeside walks, forest trails, and a lovely café — a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Nature enthusiasts will love the Slieve Bloom Mountains, just a short drive from Making Tracks. The area is known for its beautiful walking and cycling routes, peaceful forest drives, and stunning lookout points. Whether you’re hiking, picnicking, or simply enjoying the scenery, the Slieve Blooms are a perfect escape into nature. Nearby towns such as Durrrow, Abbeyleix and Rathdowney offer everything from cosy cafés and traditional pubs to local shops. For those looking to explore further afield, Ballybrophy Train Station is only a few minutes from the property, providing convenient connections to Dublin, Limerick, and Cork. Whether you’re here to unwind, explore local heritage, or enjoy outdoor adventures, the neighbourhood around Making Tracks has something for everyone — peaceful, welcoming, and full of authentic Irish character.