Overview
Portlaoise (Irish: Port Laoise) sits in the South Midlands of Leinster, just an hour’s drive from Dublin and a short train ride away. Once known as Maryborough, the town grew around the 16th‑century Fort of Maryborough and today serves as a commercial hub, transport crossroads and cultural centre for County Laois. Its compact centre is packed with shops, restaurants, pubs and a lively events calendar, while the surrounding countryside offers easy access to the Slieve Bloom Mountains, the Great Heath of Maryborough and historic sites such as the Rock of Dunamase.
History
The settlement that became Portlaoise began in 1548 when Sir Edward Bellingham oversaw the construction of Fort Protector (also called the Fort of Maryborough) to secure English control of the newly created Queen’s County. The fort sat on a natural defensive ridge bounded by the River Triogue, making it a strategic stronghold during the Tudor plantations. In 1557 the town was formally established by an Act of Parliament under Mary I and renamed Maryborough. Over the next centuries the town endured several burnings, gained a market charter in 1567 and a borough charter in 1570. Notable 19th‑century buildings include the James Gandon‑designed Church of Ireland on Market Square, the 1805 Courthouse, the 1830 County Gaol and the neo‑classical St Fintan’s Hospital.
In 1929 the town was renamed Portlaoighise (later simplified to Port Laoise) following Irish independence, and the county itself became County Laois. Today the town is the most populous settlement in the Midland Region, with a 2022 population of 23,494.
What to See & Do
| Attraction | Type | Highlights | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Protector | Historic ruin | Remains of the original 16th‑century fort, walls and earthworks | Walkable from the town centre; free entry |
| Rock of Dunamase | Castle ruins (6 km east) | 12th‑century Norman fort, panoramic views of the Slieve Bloom range, free 24‑hour access | Short drive; free parking (small) |
| Timahoe Round Tower | Medieval tower (12 km north) | 30 m tall 12th‑century tower, nearby St Mochua’s monastery site | Car or bus via R426 |
| Emo Court | Georgian estate | James Gandon‑designed house, formal gardens, occasional events | 10 km north‑east, limited public tours |
| The Heath | Archaeological site | Ancient earthworks and burial mounds, dog‑friendly walks | |
| Dunamaise Arts Centre | Arts venue | Cinema, performance space, exhibitions in the former Maryborough Gaol building | |
| Portlaoise Farmers Market | Market (Fridays) | Fresh local produce, cheeses, jams, crafts – open 10 am‑3 pm | |
| The Heath Golf Club | Golf | 18‑hole inland‑links course, two lakes, driving range | |
| O’Moore Park | GAA stadium | Home of Laois football and hurling, capacity 22,000 |
The town’s shopping precincts – Laois Shopping Centre, Kyle Centre and Portlaoise Retail Park – provide everything from high‑street chains to independent boutiques. Food lovers will find a spectrum of options: budget‑friendly kebab stalls on Market Square, family‑run cafés such as Insomnia, and mid‑range restaurants like Kelly’s Steakhouse. Nightlife centres on the Market Square and Main Street, with venues ranging from the Manhattan Mixer to the historic Charter Bar.
Family‑Friendly Activities
- Portlaoise Farmers Market – a bustling Friday market ideal for families looking for fresh produce and local crafts.
- Dunamaise Arts Centre – offers a cinema and regular family‑friendly performances in the historic former gaol building.
- The Heath – open, level walking routes suitable for strollers and dogs on leashes.
- O’Moore Park – catch a Laois GAA match in summer for a lively local experience.
Walking & Nature
- River Triogue Linear Park – a traffic‑free, flat trail that follows the River Triogue for several kilometres, linking the town centre with surrounding green spaces. Ideal for a leisurely walk or a gentle bike ride.
- The Great Heath of Maryborough – a low‑lying heathland with marked loops, informative signage and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Slieve Bloom foothills – short drives from Portlaoise give access to a network of well‑marked walking routes, suitable for all abilities.
Nearby Attractions
Portlaoise makes an excellent base for exploring other Laois highlights:
- Abbeyleix – a heritage town with a Georgian square and the Abbeyleix Bog nature reserve.
- Emo Court – a Gandon‑designed estate with formal gardens and seasonal events.
- Clonaslee – gateway village to the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
- Laois Heritage Trail – a driving route that links historic sites, castles and natural attractions across the county.
Events Calendar
- Old Fort Quarter Festival – June, live music and street market in the town centre.
- Halloween Howls Comedy Festival – October, comedy shows across venues.
- Leaves Literary Festival – November, author talks and workshops.
- Stradbally Steam Rally – August bank holiday, a short drive away.
- Electric Picnic – first weekend of September, reachable by train or bus.
Practical Information
Transport
- Rail: Portlaoise railway station is a major hub on the Dublin‑Cork intercity line and the Dublin commuter service. Up to 32 trains to Dublin (10 non‑stop) run daily, with services from 06:30 am to 22:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased online via Irish Rail.
- Bus: City Direct operates the PL1 (Woodgrove → Colliers Lane) and PL2 (Bellingham → Kilminchy) town routes every half‑hour. Longer‑distance services include Dublin Coach 726 (hourly to Dublin Airport), Bus Éireann 73 (Waterford → Portlaoise), and Keneally’s 735 (Limerick → Portlaoise). The main bus stop is on James Fintan Lalor Avenue near the shopping centre.
- Road: The M7 motorway bypasses the town, providing fast links to Dublin (west‑south‑west) and Cork (north‑east). The N77 runs south to Abbeyleix and the N80 heads east toward Stradbally.
- Taxi & Car Hire: Taxis are available at the station and Market Square. Car hire can be arranged through local providers.
Accommodation
- Midlands Park Hotel – 4‑star, adjacent to the railway station, with a 22 m pool, sauna and conference facilities.
- Maldron Hotel Portlaoise – 4‑star, 90 rooms, Club Vitae leisure centre, on‑site parking.
- The Killeshin Hotel – Luxury 4‑star on the town’s edge, Zest Health Club and meeting rooms.
- The Town Hotel – 2‑star family‑run, 24 hour Wi‑Fi, home‑cooked meals.
- Ivyleigh House – Boutique B&B two minutes from the centre, award‑winning breakfast.
Shopping & Services
- Major retail anchors: Tesco (Laois Shopping Centre), Dunnes Stores (Kyle Centre), SuperValu (Parkside).
- Weekly farmers market on Fridays (10 am‑3 pm) offering fresh produce and crafts.
- Banking, postal services and government offices are centrally located.
Accessibility Portlaoise railway station and most major shops are wheelchair‑accessible. The Heath Golf Club and the town’s main bus stops have level access. The Rock of Dunamase is free to visit and dog‑friendly, though the car park is small.
Visitor Tips
- Dog‑friendly: The Heath, River Triogue Linear Park and the Rock of Dunamase allow leashed dogs.
- Parking: Town‑centre car parks are available on a pay‑and‑display basis; on‑street parking is limited during peak hours.
- Opening hours: Check the Portlaoise Community Tourist Office for current opening times before you visit.
Useful Links
- Tourist Office: Portlaoise Community Tourist Office
- Train timetables: Irish Rail website
- Farmers Market details: Portlaoise Farmers Market
- Event calendar: Laois Tourism portal
Portlaoise may be a service‑oriented town, but its blend of historic forts, vibrant market life and excellent transport connections makes it an ideal base for exploring the heart of Ireland.