Overview
Mountrath (Irish: Maighean Rátha) is a modest market town of just over 2,000 residents in the heart of County Laois. It sits on the historic Dublin‑Limerick route, the R445, exactly 96.5 km from each city, and was relieved of heavy through‑traffic when the M7 motorway bypass opened in 2010. The Whitehorse River, once tinged white by the effluent of a now‑defunct whiskey distillery, winds through the town centre, giving a subtle reminder of its industrial past.
History
The area around Mountrath has been significant since early medieval times. The Synod of Ráth Breasail, a pivotal church council that reorganised Irish dioceses in 1111, is believed to have been held nearby. In the early 17th century the Coote family acquired the surrounding lands and laid out the present town, granting two weekly markets and fairs in 1628. Their fortunes rose and fell with the turbulent wars of the 1640s, but the Coote legacy endured; Sam Coote’s son was created Earl of Mountrath, a title that survived until 1802.
Religious life also left a mark. In 1809 the Brigidine Sisters founded the Convent of St Brigid, later expanded to include a monastery and a school that served the town until its amalgamation into Mountrath Community School in 2009. The convent buildings have since been repurposed as an Enterprise Hub and Community Centre, reflecting the town’s adaptive spirit.
What to See & Do
St Fintan’s Well – the Wish Tree
A short walk along the R445 reveals a sycamore that has become a living legend. Known locally as St Fintan’s Well, the tree grew around a natural spring that re‑emerged after the original well was filled in. For two centuries pilgrims hammered pennies into its bark as good‑luck offerings, eventually killing the original trunk. Remarkably, new shoots have sprouted, and the tree continues to thrive, its water still reputed to cure warts.
Historic Architecture
The town centre retains several 19th‑century structures, including the former courthouse and St Fintan’s Church, which houses a collection of early medieval cross‑slabs from the original monastic settlement. The remnants of the old abbey’s graveyard are open to the public and provide a quiet spot for reflection.
Mountrath Golf Club
Just 3 km south of the town, Mountrath Golf Club offers a parkland‑style 18‑hole course set against the backdrop of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. The River Nore threads through the fairways, and the old mill near the 19th hole adds a touch of industrial heritage to the scenery.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Course type | Parkland |
| Holes | 18 |
| Par | 71 |
| Championship length | 5,732 m |
| Medal length | 5,371 m |
| Views | River Nore, Slieve Bloom Mountains |
| Website | Discover Ireland – Golf Club |
Outdoor Adventures
The Slieve Bloom Mountains rise to the west of Mountrath, offering a 75 km, three‑day hiking circuit that many visitors tackle as a day‑trip. Peaks such as the 482 m and 514 m summits on the R440 provide panoramic views over the Midlands. The mountains are also popular for mountain‑bike trails and gentle forest walks suitable for families.
River Walk & Community Projects
In April 2026 the Town and Village Renewal Scheme funded the Mountrath River Walk – a 2 km riverside promenade that follows the Whitehorse River from the town bridge to the outskirts near the golf club. The walk is surfaced with compacted gravel, includes interpretive panels about the river’s industrial heritage, and provides several benches and picnic spots. It is fully wheelchair‑accessible and dog‑friendly.
During the same visit, Minister Dara Calleary opened Café Donate, a social‑enterprise café run by local volunteers. Funded through the LEADER programme, the café occupies a renovated former derelict property on Main Street and offers affordable meals, a community meeting space and a small retail outlet for locally‑made crafts.
These projects have revitalised the town centre, giving both residents and visitors a pleasant place to stroll, rest and enjoy a coffee.
Food & Drink
Mountrath’s Main Street hosts a Centra supermarket (open 7 am‑10 pm Mon‑Sat, 8 am‑9 pm Sun) and a Spar nearby, ensuring easy access to groceries. For a taste of local hospitality, try Eddie Kirwan’s, Fountain House, or Tom’s Bar, each offering a warm Irish welcome and a selection of craft beers. The town’s culinary scene is modest but friendly, with a handful of take‑away pizza and kebab outlets for quick meals.
Nearby Attractions
Mountrath makes an ideal base for exploring other Laois highlights:
- Aghaboe Abbey – a 6th‑century monastic site just 8 km north, famous for its high cross and tranquil graveyard.
- Castle Durrow – an 18th‑century estate with landscaped gardens, 12 km west of town.
- Clonaslee – the gateway village to the Slieve Bloom Mountains, offering additional trailheads and a charming heritage centre, 10 km away.
Practical Information
Getting There
- By road – From Dublin, follow the M7 to Portlaoise, then exit 16 onto the R445 towards Mountrath. The same route works from Limerick in reverse. The R445 is the longest regional road in Ireland, stretching coast‑to‑coast.
- By rail – The nearest railway station is Portlaoise, on the Dublin‑Cork/West‑to‑Midlands line. From there, local buses connect to Mountrath.
- By bus – Several Local Link services serve the town:
| Service | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|
| 834 | 3‑4 times daily | Portlaoise → Castletown → Borris‑in‑Ossory → Roscrea (30 min to Mountrath) |
| 839 | Mon‑Fri mornings | Borris → Castletown → Mountrath → Portlaoise → Mountmellick (return late afternoon) |
| 831 (Slieve Bloom) | Mon‑Fri early morning & late afternoon | Portlaoise → Mountrath → Castletown → Borris → Rathdowney → Abbeyleix → Portlaoise |
- Air travel – Dublin Airport is the closest international gateway, about 120 km north‑east. Car hire or a direct bus to Portlaoise, then the R445, completes the journey.
Accommodation
Mountrath itself offers limited lodging; most visitors stay in nearby Portlaoise or the mountain village of Kinnitty, both of which provide a range of B&Bs, guesthouses, and small hotels.
Services
- Fuel – Emo filling station on the Portlaoise Road operates 24 hours with self‑service pumps.
- Shopping – In addition to Centra and Spar, Colgan Sports on Portlaoise Road supplies outdoor apparel for hikers heading into the Slieve Bloom range.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is generally good, though some rural pockets west of the town can experience spotty service. Free Wi‑Fi is available in the community centre and most cafés.
Seasonal Notes
The golf club and the Slieve Bloom trails are usable year‑round; the course’s parkland setting remains playable in all weather, and the mountains’ forest tracks are maintained for both summer walks and winter walks when the foliage is sparse. The newly‑opened River Walk is also open year‑round and is especially pleasant in spring when the riverbanks burst into colour.
Mountrath may be small, but its blend of medieval history, living folklore, recent community regeneration and easy access to some of Ireland’s most tranquil countryside makes it an ideal stop for travellers seeking an authentic Midlands experience.