Portlaoise (Irish: Port Laoise) is the county town of County Laois, in the south midlands of Ireland, in the province of Leinster. With a population of 22,050, it is the most populous and also the most densely populated county town in the Midlands region. The 2016 census shows that the town's population increased by 9.5%, which is well above the national average of 3.8%. This also makes it the fastest growing of the top 20 largest towns in Ireland.
Understand
If you're already in town, the local 1 Portlaoise Tourist Office at Lyster Square, just off Main Street in the town centre, is a good place to start for information. You can book accommodation and tours there, as well as find general information on where to go and what to do.
Get in
By car
The M7 motorway connects Portlaoise with Dublin, Limerick and Cork (via the M8).
By train
2 Portlaoise station is on the main train line from Dublin Heuston to Limerick and Cork. There are frequent services to and from Dublin.
By bus
3 James Fintan Lalor Avenue serves as the main bus terminus for the town with virtually all services using this stop, commonly known to locals as the Link Road. It is served by Bus Eireann and other private coach companies.
Get around
53°2′3″N 7°17′56″W
Map of Port LaoiseBy bus
Local services are available from Townlink and Dublin Coach that everyone calls The Green Bus which operates hourly 24 hours a day. JJ Kavanaghs also offer a bus service within the town.
By taxi
There are taxi ranks at the railway station, Market Square and various other locations throughout the town centre. They can also be hailed along the street if you are lucky enough to see one that is free. The mobile app My Taxi (available on iOS and Android is also very popular for ordering a taxi too.
By car
Car Hire
4 EuropcarDublin Road. 35357 866 2992. Europcar operate a pay-as-you-go car rental service from Portlaoise.
By Bicycle
Bike Hire
5 M Kavanagh Bicycle Hire Railway Street. 35357 862 1357. They hire a range of adult bikes for visitors to explore and discover the surrounding area. They are also a Premier Raleigh Rent-a-Bike agent.
See
- 1 4th Leinster Regiment Great War Memorial, Mill View. 4th Leinster Regiment Great War Memorial - in memory of the 17 officers and 160 non-commissioned officers and men of the 4th Battalion Leinster Regiment Royal Queen’s County regiment who died in the First World War. Free.
- 2 Captain James Fitzmaurice Memorial, Fitzmaurice Place. On 12–13 April 1928, Fitzmaurice flew in the crew of the Bremen on the first transatlantic aircraft flight from east to west. Free.
- 3 The Fort of Maryborough (Fort Protector), Fitzmaurice Place. Built in the middle of the 16th century. A fort was established here in 1548 by English settlers and was known as Fort Protector after the Lord Protector of England, the Duke of Somerset. Free.
- 4 The Ridge of Maryborough Graveyard (The Burial Ridge), Millview. Unusual graveyard is on a steep-sloped esker ridge in the town centre. The graveyard contains 18th-to 19th-century headstones in varying styles; rounded, recumbent, celtic style and table tombs. Free.
- 5 Portlaoise Prison (Maryborough Gaol), Dublin Road. Until 1929 it was called the Maryborough Gaol. The prison was built in the 1830s, making it one of the oldest still operating today in the Irish prison system. It is the prison in which convicted Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) and other illegal paramilitary organisations are usually detained. Not open to the public.
- 6 The Rock of Dunamase (The Rock) (6 km east from town centre on the Stradbally Rd.). A rocky hill with the ruins of Dunamase Castle, a defensive stronghold dating from the early Hiberno-Norman period. Free.
- 7 The Great Heath Barrow, The Heath (6 km NE from town centre via Dublin Rd.). Ring Barrows are one of Ireland's most common forms of prehistoric burial. This one is a ring barrow, a low mound surrounded by a concentric ditch with an external bank. It is the most accessible of the monuments that form the Barrow Cemetery here at the Great Heath. Free.
- 8 Saint Fintan's Well (10 km west on Mountrath Rd. (R445)). Little remains now of this once important ecclesiastical site. It was allegedly founded in 548 by St. Fintan. Nothing remains of the original structure which was destroyed in 838 by the Vikings. The site was plundered again in 937 by the King of Cashel and the Danes of Waterford. A holy well, now destroyed, was associated with the site as is the holy tree located here. Before the tree collapsed some years ago, the water that collected in the trunk was thought to have healing properties. The tree collapsed due to severe metal poisoning. It was traditional to hammer coins into the tree as a votive offering. Fortunately, new branches have started to grow from the remaining stump, but the coins still persist. It is advised that you don’t hammer coins into the tree and pull out any that you can. Free.
- 9 Colt 1916 Memorial (6 km south on Abbeleix Rd. (N77)). Plaque to commemorate the first shots of the 1916 Rising. On Easter Sunday night, 23rd April, 1916, acting under the direct orders of Patrick Pearse, the Laois Volunteers participated in the demolition of a section of the Abbeyleix - Portlaoise railway line at a location near here. The purpose of this exercise was to prevent British military reinforcements from reaching Dublin via Waterford after the Rising had started. This demolition was followed by the firing of the first shot of the 1916 Rising. Free.
- 10 Old St Peters Church, Railway Street. Old St Peter’s Church is thought to have been constructed in around 1556, when Portlaoise (or as it was then known, Maryborough), during the reign of Queen Mary Tudor. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, is said to have preached in the church on three occasions and declared it to be “one of the most elegant churches in the whole Kingdom“. A number of interesting personalities and characters are interred within the historic graveyard, including Bartholomew Mosse the visionary founder of Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital, and the notorious highwayman Jeremiah Grant, known as 'The Captain' and Grant the Robber. Closed to the public but can be seen through the wrought iron gate at the entrance to the graveyard. Free.
- 11 Statue of James Fintin Lawlor, County Hall. Statue in honour of the Irish revolutionary, journalist, and said to be “one of the most powerful writers of his day.” A leading member of the Irish Confederation (Young Ireland), he was to play an active part in both the Rebellion in July 1848 and the attempted Rising in September of that same year.
Nearby
- 12 Emo Court, Emo (11km East from Dublin Rd.). Emo Court was designed in 1790 by architect James Gandon for the first Earl of Portarlington and is a magnificent example of the neoclassical style. €Free.
Do
- 1 Dunamaise Theatre and Centre for the Arts, Church St, ☏ 353 57 8663355, ✉[email protected]. This facility contains a purpose-built theatre, exhibition space, and cafe.
- 2 Odeon Cinema. 5 screen multiplex.
- 3 O'Moore Park. The county headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association and hosts hurling and Gaelic football events.
- 4 Roll N' Bowl Entertainment Centre, Clonminam Business Park, ☏ 353 57 867 0005, ✉[email protected]. Entertainment centre with ten-pin bowling, indoor soccer, mini golf, Laser Quest shooting game, bumper cars, roller skating disco, teddy bear making, a play area and arcade games.
- 5 Portlaoise Golf Club, Abbeyleix Road, ☏ 353 57-8661557, ✉[email protected].
- 6 The Heath Golf Club, ☏ 353 57 864 6533, ✉[email protected]. 18-hole golf course, pro shop, driving range, restaurant and other facilities.
- 7 [dead link]Portlaoise Leisure Centre, Parkview, ☏ 353 57 868 1200, ✉[email protected]. 25-m swimming pool, and a 10-m teaching pool. There is also a separate pool for toddlers who are just starting to get used to the water. They offer swimming lessons to those aged six months and onwards. Includes a gym, Astro turf pitches and a playground.
Parks
- 8 Togher Wood, Togher (on the Abbeyleix Rd, from Portlaoise, take 4th Exit on roundabout after Maldron Hotel, then the second left). Publicly owned wood, popular for walking, jogging and birdwatching. Free.
- 9 People's Park, Timahoe Rd. Hosted the Street performance world championships in 2011. This park features an outdoor gym, a children's play area, a man-made lake by the river Triogue, and is a wildlife and nature reserve.
Festivals & events
March
- 10 Streets of Portlaoise 5k road race (St.Patrick's Day 5k), Around Portlaoise. 11:00 to finish. Annual event around Portlaoise encouraging Ireland’s best male and female distance athletes to compete against each other.
April
- 11 [formerly dead link]Photofest Ireland 2018 – ‘Photography & Imaging Trade Show’, ☏ 353 01 459 8088, ✉[email protected]. A one-day event in late April. Photofest Ireland is one of the most popular photography trade and seminar events held in Ireland - mixing trade, photographers and creatives of all status at a professional level. Free.
May
- 12 Rock Inn Vintage Run and Rally, Dublin Rd. (4 km north East from town centre). Sa from 14:30 and Su from 12:00. The May Bank Holiday weekend (1st weekend of May) is the start of the summer season. The Rock Inn Vintage Rally, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday. An annual event since 2002, the Rally provides a great family day out, and a date not to be missed for vintage enthusiasts. Starting from the Rock Inn. The flagship event of the Rock Inn Vintage Rally takes place on the Sunday. The day feature numerous vintage steam vehicles on display, dozens of vintage cars, tractors, motor bikes and small machinery, all of which are in mint condition. Among the attractions will be a kiddies' corner, featuring bouncing castles, and slides. €5.
- 13 Laois Rose Final, Jessop St. (200m North from Market Sq.along coote street, turn right.). Held for the first time in 2004, it has run every year since in the Midland Park Hotel (formerly the Heritage Portlaoise) to a huge audience. The winner will go on to compete in the Rose of Tralee Festival in August. €20.
June
- 14 The Gordon Bennett Classic Road Run (1st - 4th June), Starting point, Treacey's, The Heath, ☏ 35386 128 7281, 35387 988 5204, ✉[email protected]. The Gordon Bennett Classic Road Run is open to all vintage, veteran and classic cars, motorcycles and commercials registered prior to 1988. Day 1-Reception in County Hall Portlaoise at 19:30. Day 2- Heritage Route, The run will travel across the Slieve Bloom Mountains to Birr Castle. Assembly at Treacy’s, The Heath, Portlaoise at 10:30, a Gala Dinner will follow the rally on Saturday Night 20:00. Day 3- Gordon Bennett Route, After assembling at Treacy’s, the drive takes in the original Gordon Bennett Route, starting at 11:00. There will be a number of stops and refreshments en route. The run ends at the Gandon Inn for presentation of plaques and Driver’s dinner. Day 4- The Leisure Run. It leave Treacy’s and heads to Brian King’s Classic Car exhibition in the town of Naas. There will be a BBQ at Treacy’s for those who are staying for the full day. Tickets are €60 (to enter a Vintage car for 4 days).
- 15 The Heartlands Rally (8th - 9th June), Start/Finish, Main St. The annual event commences on Saturday 9th with a ceremony on Portlaoise’s Main Street, with the racing on Sunday.
- 16 Old Fort Quarter Festival (28th - 30th June), Main St. and Fitzmaurice place. The three day festival features live music, entertainment and comedy stages with many bands, a silent disco, and a comedy stage. There's live music on the Old Fort stage as well as on the Heritage Pub Trail. In the afternoon, an artisan food market, soldier’s camp display, stalls of medieval armoury, archery, birds of prey, shield-making and black-smiths, medieval crafts, cookery and a guided historic walking tour of the old town. Free.
- 17 Celtic Con (1st June), Dunamase Theatre, Church St. 11:00–18:00. Annual comic convention, featuring cosplayers, guest panel room, geek village, gaming zone, vendors, and major names in the comic industry . €5 - 20, family passes available.
Buy
Portlaoise is a very popular place for shopping. Generally shops are open from 9AM-6PM, with late opening on Thursday and Friday nights until 9PM.There are a number of shopping centres in the town:
- 1 Laois Shopping Centre, is anchored by Tesco Extra and has branches of Pennys, Boots, Costa, Carphone warehouse, 6th Sense, Dealz, Lifestyle Sports, Carraig Donn, Little Piggy's Kids Shoes, CeX, Holland & Barrat and Jack & Jones.
- 2 Kyle Shopping Centre, anchored by Dunnes Stores, also features Argos Extra, Elvery Sports, Insomnia, TK Maxx and a McDonald's drive-through restaurant.
- 3 Portlaoise retail park offers brands like Homebase, Brand Max, Sports Direct, Homestore more, Costa, Halfords, Harry Corry, Petmania, Army Surplus Warehouse, Mothercare and Early Learning Centre. On the other side of the park is Mr. Price and Ben Dunne gym.
There are some smaller shopping centres and shopping areas on the outskirts of the town,
Parkside Shopping Centre with a SuperValu supermarket and Kelly Lou Cakes cafe.Dunnes Stores Shopping Centre containing some smaller shops.Fairgreen with shops including the largest Iceland supermarket in Ireland, a Spar, restaurants and a pub.Conniberry Junction features Telfords hardware, Le Skinny Chef, Browns animal feeds, Crown paints centre, Telfords electrical superstore and one of Ireland's largest bridal boutiques 'Smart Brides'.Gandon Court in Kilminchy has a small supermarket, a pub and some other shops.
There is a host of independent shops along the town's Main Street, and on the side streets leading to it. Well-known brands include GameStop, Easons, Specsavers, Subway, Apache Pizza, SuperValu, Chemco Pharmacy, Fuji Centre, EuroGiant and phone shops Eir, Three and Vodafone.
There are also some specialist shops which are popular with tourists:
- 4 Dunamase Antiques, 60 Main Street (Corner of Bull Lane), ☏ 353 85 765 7206, ✉[email protected]. Specialists in pine and mahogany furniture, paintings, silver, and china.
- 5 The Store Yard, Kea Lew business park, ☏ 353 57 86 80088, ✉[email protected]. It has 25,000 sq ft of architectural salvage, vintage, period, retro furniture and curios.
- 6 [dead link]Celtic Comics, Railway Street, ☏ 353 833 976 871, ✉[email protected]. M-Sa 11:00-18:00, F until 20:00, closed Bank holidays. The only comic shop in the Midlands of Ireland. Stocking all the latest comics, action figures posters and all things the like, including some rare examples of early comics.
Eat
As in many large towns and cities across Ireland, Portlaoise has the usual array of chain outlets, Subway, Costa, McDonald's, etc. Cafes or sandwich shops are the most popular places to get your lunch, and there’s a good range of places to choose from. It’s fairly easy to spot the shops which have a good reputation by looking for the long queues at lunchtime. If it’s fast food with an Asian flair you’re after, you could try Chopstix at Midway Foodhall. There are also plenty of supermarkets (e.g., Supervalu, Tesco, Dunnes Stores) where you can buy a ready-made sandwich.
Convenience stores such as Spar, Gala, Centra, and Filling stations sell pre-made sandwiches, snacks, alcohol, cigarettes, drinks, etc. Many offer a ‘Meal Deal’, whereby you get a packet of crisps and drink with your chosen sandwich or wrap for a cheaper price than if sold separately. Most are open from 07:00-22:00 although some such as Centra, located at petrol stations, may open 24 hours (although they will stop selling alcohol after a 22:00).
If using a petrol station convenience store late at night (i.e. after 23:00) some stores may be locked but you can order and pay through the external service window.
Cafes and tea shops
- 1 Kelly Lou Cakes, Kealew Business Park & Parkside Shopping Centre, ☏ 353 87 953 0681, ✉[email protected]. M-Sa 09:30-17:30, closed Su and Bank Holidays. Bespoke cakes, layer cakes, fairy cakes, cookies, brownies, macaroons and other delicious treats. Freshly made every day in her Portlaoise bakery.
- 2 Chocolate Brown, Main Street, ☏ 353 57 932 9950, ✉[email protected]. Serving tea, coffee, hot chocolate in lovely surroundings in a good central location. Their tagline is "Coffee from Heaven"
- 3 Brew Cafe, Dublin Rd., Kilminchy, ☏ 353 57 868 1000. Cafe inside Design Options furniture shop, serving selection of coffee, latte and teas, etc. A good selection of sweet treats too.
- 4 Caffe Latte, Lyster House & also Dunamaise Arts Centre, ☏ 353 57 866 3017, 353 57 866 3515. Serving gourmet sandwiches, salads, hot & cold daily specials and soups. Large selection of 'fair trade' teas and coffees also available.
- 5 Insomnia, Kyle Shopping Centre, ☏ 353 57 862 1937. A range of coffees, teas, lattes, iced lattes, etc. Wall features include tea cup clocks with cups bought from second hand shops in the Liberties, Dublin, coffee inspired messages, wall galleries and large bookshelves, they also have book swap system.
- 6 Rafters Cafe, Laois Shopping Centre, ☏ 353 57 866 6675, ✉[email protected]. M-Sa 09:00-18:00, Su 10:30-18:00.
- 7 Marie's Cafe, Unit 8, Dunnes Stores Shopping Centre, Green Road, ☏ 353 57 862 2461. Breakfasts, mini breakfasts, lasagne & chips, vol-au-vent & chips, fish & chips, chicken curry & chips, free newspapers to read with your breakfast. Free parking and Wi-Fi.
- 8 The Pantry, 13 Market Square, ☏ 353 57 868 1695. M-F 08:30-17:00; Sa 09:00-17:00. A wide selection of home baking in Ladonna McCartan and Mark Healy's welcoming coffee shop. High standards and helpful staff have everyone coming back for more.
- 9 Bull Lane Delicatessen, 4 Bull Lane, ☏ 353 57 866 6413. M-Sa 08:00-17:00. Stylish but with a strong attitude – no bull, just good food. Serving a range of dishes, desserts, salads and sadwiches with artisan breads and fresh roasted coffee.
- 10 Adelaide Café, Gandon court, Fairgreen, ☏ 353 57 865 6358. 8.30-18.00 M-Sat 10.00-18.00 Sun.
Restaurants
There are lots of great restaurants in Portlaoise along the Main Street and also in Kilminchy and Fairgreen areas.
Irish/European
- 11 [dead link]Kelly's Steakhouse, Jessop St., ☏ 353 57 867 8588. French bistro- and steakhouse-style options.
- 12 [dead link]Bloom Restaurant (formerly Relish Brasserie), 67 Main Street (Located opposite the courthouse), ☏ 353 57 868 1904. Open until 21:00 most days. Casual dining with a modern twist on Irish produce.
- 13 The Bay Tree, 8 Hynds Square (on Main St., 200 yards from Market Square, turn left), ☏ 353 57 863 0489. M-Sa 08:00-17:00, Su 10:00-17:00. Specialising in coeliac-friendly cooking with menus clearly marked. Gluten-free bread is baked every day. They serve a wide selection of desserts which are also gluten free. Normal diets are also well catered for.
- 14 Tynan's Restaurant (at The Storeyard), Kea Lew Business Park, ☏ 353 57 868 8343, ✉[email protected]. Irish restaurant in nice setting, surrounded by fabulous antiquities.
- 15 Chequers, Unit 7 Gandon Court, Fairgreen. Su-Th 12:00-00:00, F Sa 12:00-01:00. Italian pizzeria serves a wide range of dishes including Aloha Pizza, Cheeky BBQ Chicken pizza, The Fish One pizza, etc. Penne Napolitana, Tortellini Spinach & Ricotta, Penne Pollo Funghi pastas are also served freshly.
- 16 Treacy's Bar & Restaurant, The Heath, ☏ 353 57 864 6535. Established in 1780, although it's believed to be 300 years old. What makes the pub even more unique is that it has been in the Treacy family all this time, eight generations. The pub is one of the few remaining original thatched premises in Ireland. They have launched their own gin. ‘Treacy’s Irish Gin’ is described as being extra dry.
- 17 Grain & Grill Bar and Restaurant. Bar & restaurant in the Maldron Hotel.
- 18 La Lola, 37 Main Street, ☏ 353 57 868 6222. Spanish tapas & pintxos restaurant.
- 19 Mulhall's Restaurant, Kellyville Park (Upstairs over Supervalu), ☏ 353 57 866 0353, ✉[email protected]. M-Sa 08:00-18:00. Catering for lunches and afternoon bites.
Thai
- 20 Krabi Thai, 17 Main Street, Portlaoise, ☏ 353 57 866 0696. Su-Th 12:30-22:00, F Sa 12:30-22:30.
- 21 LANA (formerly Forty), 40 Main Street, ✉[email protected]. Daily 12:30 - 22:00. Asian Street Food. Delicious food put together passionately by a team from Thailand, Indonesia, China and Malaysia. Authentic Asian street food at reasonable prices in a fresh, vibrant and bold atmosphere.
Indian
- 22 [dead link]The Indian Prince, 16 Kilminchy Court (Dublin Rd), ☏ 353 57 866-8233, 353 57 866-8234. The menu features all aspects of India, showcasing hot and spicy foods from the south, seafood dishes and foods representing the Kashmiri region in the north.
- 23 Mayur Indian, ☏ 353 57 866 6000, ✉[email protected]. €10-15.
- 24 Mezbaan Restaurant, Dublin Rd. (opposite Portlaoise Hospital), ☏ 353 57 866 8440. 1-3pm & 5-11pm daily. Serving an Indian Buffet on lunchtime. Reopens from 5pm to 11pm. Meat is 100% Irish and Halal
Pakistani
- 25 Shalimar, 2 Bank Place, ☏ 353 57 8683000, ✉[email protected]. Pakistani/Indian restaurant. Serves a wide range of items such as lamb madras, Chicken Balti and the all-time favourite, Korma. Takeaway also available.
Chinese
- 26 Emperor's House, James Fintan Lawlor Avenue, ☏ 353 57 866 5500. M-Sa 17:00-23:00; Su 12:30-23:00. Chinese but also Thai and Japanese, If spice is what your after you must try the Roast Duck Szechuan
- 27 Portlaoise Chinese, Church Avenue (20 m NE from Lower Square), ☏ 353 57 862 2873. M-F 17:30-23:30. Serves a wide range of modern and classic Chinese dishes. The 'BBQ pork & roast duck with beansprouts' is highly recommended.
- 28 Rose Palace, Well Road, ☏ 353 57 868 8318. Daily 17:00-00:00. Chinese restaurant.
- 29 Oriental City, Mountmellick Rd., ☏ 353 57 866 6608. Chinese & Thai restaurant.
American
- 30 Eddie Rocket's Diner, Laois Shopping Centre, ☏ 353 57 866 4992. Classic 1950s American food freshly prepared and brought to you in a unique, fun diner experience.
Fast food
- 31 Nino's, 48-49 Main Street, ☏ 353 57 862 2840. Traditional Italian chipper takeaway and eat-in dining area.
- 32 Thanh loi, 51 Main St., ☏ 353 57 862 0531. Chinese takeaway food.
- 33 [dead link]Golden Spring Chinese, Gandon Close, ☏ 353 57 866 0002, 353 87 193 5188. Takeaway and delivery.
- 34 Golden Grill, 98 Main Street (Head East from Lower Square, on RHS), ☏ 353 57 862 2149. Traditional Italian chipper.
- 35 Malik's Takeaway, 1 Dublin Road, ☏ 353 57 860 1444. 15:00-01:00. The menu has a wide variety of foods including pizzas, kebabs and traditional fish & chips.
- 36 Francesco's Takeaway, Fairgreen & Kilminchy Village, ☏ 353 57 866 8898. Traditional Italian chipper.
- 37 Mezza Pizza, 8 Market Square, ☏ 353 57 868 0948. 17:00 til Late. Takeaway pizza.
- 38 Laois Kebab, 1 Coote St,, ☏ 353 57 866 0118. 16:00 til late. Predominantly a kebab house, but also offer a wide range, such as burgers, chips, subs, pizza and chicken. The 'Donner Wrap' is highly recommended.
- 39 Mizzoni's Pizza (formerly Fat Bob's Diner), 6 Meehan House, James Fintan Lalor Avenue,, ☏ 353 76 888 8320, 353 57 867 2330, ✉[email protected]. 12:00 til late. Italian pizzeria. Antonio Mizzoni opened the first Mizzoni pizzeria in the mid 1970s in Dublin, making Mizzoni’s Pizza the oldest pizza company in Ireland.
- 40 Supermac's Family Restaurant, James Fintan Lalor Ave., ☏ 353 57 866 0889, 353 57 866 0700, ✉[email protected]. Serving burgers, chips, etc. They do a wonderful full Irish breakfast, and also great fish & chips.
- 41 Apache Pizza, 5 Meehan House, James Fintan Lalor Ave., ☏ 353 57 867 2994.
- 42 Royal Garden, Dublin Rd., ☏ 353 57 866 3618. Takeaway Chinese food.
- 43 Best Choice (formerly Abrakebabra), 77 Main St., ☏ 353 57 863 4444. 16:00 til late. Restaurant and takeaway for pizzas, kebabs, traditional fish & chips and burgers.There is a special €9.99 deal for any size pizza (offer valid from 4PM to midnight).
- 44 Chipmongers (formerly Donie's Takeaway), 62 Main St., ☏ 353 57 862 1419. Traditional chipper specialising in fish'n'chips, chipper nippers and Irish burgers.
Midway Foodcourt
- 45 O'Briens Sandwich Cafe, Abbeyleix Road, ☏ 353 57 867 0888, ✉[email protected]. Daily 07:30 - 19:30. Cafe serving gourmet coffee, tea, salads, soup and handcut sandwiches including Rachel Allen's signature range.
- 46 Chopstix Noodle Bar, Abbeyleix Rd.. Freshly cooked noodles and sides served with natural, good quality ingredients.
- 47 Freshii, Abbeyleix Rd.. Convenient healthy food option, serving breakfast, soups, salads and wraps, burritos, frozen yogurt and a selection of juices & smoothies
- 48 Dijon Cafe, Abbeyleix Road, ☏ 353 57 866 6499. Delicious traditional and not so traditional (made to order) dishes like crepes, omelettes, eggs benedict/florentine & french toast, range of freshly ground and frozen coffees. French and Irish pastries, tartes & pies, Also carvery lunch, hot sandwiches & wraps, savoury & sweet crepes, homemade frittatas, quiches and salads.
- 49 The Bakewell, Midway, Abbeyleix Rd. (south from Centre, left 200 m before M7), ☏ 353 57 8681766. Serving freshly made gourmet sandwiches, artisan bakes, carvery meats, salads, soups and hot dinners.
Drink
In common with nearly all Irish towns, Portlaoise offers a wide range of bars and pubs, some of them new, some of them old favourites with locals. Most of them are located in the town centre, running from the Top Square down the length of the Main Street, though there have been new establishments in other areas such as Kilminchy and Fairgreen.
Pubs
- 1 The Sally Gardens.
- 2 Liam Casey & Son. A family-run public house.
- 3 E.J Morrisey (formerly Bar Mondays), 15 Market Square. The pub has made a name for itself having been mentioned on The Guardian’s Top 10 Traditional Pubs in Ireland. The pub is cosy and everything you would expect of a traditional Irish pub. E.J. Morrissey’s is on the main Dublin to Cork and Dublin to Limerick roadways, making it a popular stopping place. The pub’s walls are lined with old memorabilia and there is live traditional music playing regularly. Morrissey’s also have a pub in Abbeyleix in about 7 miles south of Portlaoise.
- 4 Square Bar. Live music almost every night, mainly Rock, Indie, Metal in the Square Hall at the rear of the pub.
- 5 Humes.
- 6 Ramsbottoms'.
- 7 The Welcome Inn.
- 8 [dead link]The Funky Munky, 67 Main St, ☏ 353 87 298 9446, ✉[email protected]. M-F 16:00-23:30; Sa Su 12:00-01:00. Cocktail and gin bar. A variety of live music most weekends. The clientèle are young and the atmosphere is very friendly.
- 9 Kavanagh's Bar & Venue (The Wren's Nest), 28 Main Street, ☏ 353 57 862 1744, ✉[email protected]. A warm traditional pub on the ground floor for a relaxing pint, great for sports enthusiasts with all major matches shown. The first floor venue is a comedy club and live music venue.
- 10 The Rock Inn, Dublin Rd. (3 km northeast from centre), ☏ 353 57 862 1505. Bar and lounge. Popular for groups and parties.
- 11 The Office Bar & Venue, 81 Main St..
- 12 O'Donoghues, Market Square, ☏ 353 57 8621199.
- 13 Bergins, Main St.. Famous for being the smallest pub in Portlaoise.
- 14 Ryans (formerly Lewis).
- 15 Maggie May's, 11 Market Square.
- 16 Peig's, 12 Market Square, ☏ 353 57 868 8630.
- 17 [dead link]Charles Keegan (Bernie Keegan's), 16 Main Street, ☏ 353 57 862 1243. Bar and lounge, popular with older clientele.
- 18 Whelans, Dublin Rd, The Heath.
- 19 Deadman’s Inn, Ballyfin, ☏ 353 57 875 5388.
- 20 D.M Shellys Bar (Dog Man Shellys), 68 Main St, (Same door as (but under) The Funky Munky). Old world-style pub with many old advertisments and signage.
Gastro pubs
- 21 O'Gorman's, Kilminchy Village, ☏ 353 57 868 2921, ✉[email protected]. Bar and restaurant, also serve a good Thai menu,
- 22 [dead link]The Charter Bar, Coote Street (part of the Midlands Park Hotel) (200 m N from Market Square), ✉[email protected]. It is decorated to reflect the historical links with Co. Laois, it is a discrete relaxing Portlaoise pub, perfect location to meet for lunch or early morning refreshments.
- 23 The Bog Road (formerly The Mile Bush), Fairgreen Village. Bar and restaurant. They also have a really good Thai menu.
- 24 Jeremiah Grant Bar & Eatery (formerly Lethean), 64-65 Main St., ☏ 353 57 866 3544. Jeremiah Grant-themed pub based on the 18th-century highwayman (nicknamed 'The Captain'). He was the last person in Maryborough (Portlaoise) to be publicly executed. He was hanged in 1816 across the street from the pub.
Late night
- 25 Manhattan Mixer (formerly The Market House). Late bar specialising in cocktails.
- 26 SoHo (formerly Coppers). Nightclub.
- 27 Lilly's Bar (formerly Egans). Restaurant, late bar & nightclub.
- 28 Grellan Delaney's, 67 Main Street, ☏ 353 57 862 2916, ✉[email protected]. 5 bars spread out over two levels including Bar2@ Grellan Delaney's with The Vault Niteclub and Liquid Cocktail Bar in the smoking area. Ideal for a quiet pint during the week and is transformed at the weekend to a late night bar with live music every Sunday and top DJs Friday and Saturday night.
- 29 Caesar's Card Club, 34 Main Street (entrance on Railway St.), ☏ 353 87 9676863, ✉[email protected]. Open until 07:00. Casino and bar featuring roulette, blackjack, poker and other games.
Sleep
Budget
- 1 [dead link]Laois County Lodge B&B, Dublin Road, ☏ 353 57 862 0472. €50-80.
- 2 Maher's B&B, Rathleague, ☏ 353 87 212 9236. €45-90.
- Oakville Bed & Breakfast, Mountrath Road, ☏ 353 57 866 1970, ✉[email protected]. Family-run B&B. Free Wi-Fi and parking. 10-min walk from town centre. €30-60.
- 3 Fairgreen B&B, 63 Cosby Avenue, Fairgreen.
- Willow Lodge B&B, Kilminchy, Dublin Road,, ☏ 353 57 8621251.
- Chez Nous B&B, Kilminchy, Dublin Rd., ☏ 353 057 862 1251.
- Rosedene B&B, ☏ 353 57 862 2345.
- 4 Richy Lodge B&B, 152 Ashewood Walk,Summerhill Lane.
- 5 Social Eire, 2 Everette House,Chantier Gate.
Mid-range
- 6 Midlands Park Hotel (formerly the Portlaoise Heritage Hotel), ☏ 353 57 8678588, ✉[email protected]. 4-star hotel & conference centre in the centre of town. The hotel features a leisure club and a number of bars & restaurants.
- 7 Maldron Hotel Portlaoise, Midway, Abbeyleix Rd (Beside Junction 17, M7), ☏ 353 57 8695900, ✉[email protected].
- 8 The Killeshin Hotel, Dublin Rd, ☏ 353 57 8631200, ✉[email protected].
- 9 O'Loughlin's Hotel, Main St, ☏ 353 57 8621305.
- 10 Ivyleigh House, Bank Place, Church Street, ☏ 353 57 862 2081, ✉[email protected]. It's within walking distance of the town centre and very close to the Dunamase Theatre.
- 11 The Gandon Inn, Emo, ☏ 353 57 862 6622, ✉[email protected]. An 18th-century coach house designed by James Gandon who also designed Emo Court (also the Customs House and Four Courts in Dublin) is now a hotel and restaurant. Impressive building with lots of character.
Splurge
- 12 Ballyfin Demesne (Ballyfin House), Ballyfin (10 km NW, via Ballyfin Rd. (R423)), ☏ 353 57 87 55866, ✉[email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, however, you can arrive from noon onwards, check-out: noon. They will to store your luggage should you wish to stay on into the afternoon. 5-star luxury country house hotel set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
Cope
24-hour services
Fuel
- 1 Texaco (Downey's), Dublin Road, ☏ 353 57 8671200. 24 hours. Filling station and supermarket.
- 2 Applegreen, Dublin Rd., ☏ 353 57 866 6800. 24 hours. Filling station, shop and food counter.
- 3 Great Gas, Mountmellick Rd., toll-free: 1800 336 633. 24 hours. Filling station and shop.
Supermarket
- 4 Centra, Dublin Rd. & Mountmellick Rd., ☏ 353 57 867 1200. 24 hours. Supermarket with deli counter and ATM.
Laundrette
- 5 Revolution Laundry, Laois Shopping Centre & Fairgreen. 24-hour self-service laundrette kiosk. 30-min washing cycle, Non-Bio detergent included, no need to bring in your own. Large capacity dryer (18 kg) and is great for drying heavy loads in the worst of weather and only takes 15 minutes, depending on the load capacity. Starting from €2 to dry and €4 for an 8 kg wash €8 for an 18 kg wash..
Connect
The local area code for Portlaoise is 057. Some of out-of-date literature still carries the old (0502) area code. Dial 057 86X XXXX instead of 0502 XXXXX. The area code can be left out when using a landline.