Portlaoise

Portlaoise is a destination in Leinster, Ireland. Portlaoise is a town/place in Leinster, Leinster, Ireland. This charming locale offers visitors a genuine glimpse into Irish life, with its own unique character and attractions. Whether you are passing through or planning a longer stay, Portlaoise provides an authentic experience of Irish hospitality and culture.

By Car

The most practical way to reach Portlaoise is by car. Leinster has Ireland's best road network, with motorways connecting all major towns to Dublin. The M50 ring road encircles Dublin, while the M1 serves the northeast (Dundalk, Drogheda), the M4/M6 serves the midlands (Mullingar, Athlone), the M7/M8 serves the south and southwest (Kilkenny, Carlow, Portlaoise), and the M11/N11 serves the east coast (Bray, Wicklow, Wexford).

By Train

Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) operates frequent services from Dublin Connolly and Dublin Heuston stations to all major Leinster towns. The DART commuter line serves coastal suburbs from Howth to Greystones, and commuter rail extends to towns like Dundalk, Drogheda, Mullingar, Athlone, Portlaoise, Carlow, Kilkenny, and Gorey.

By Bus

Bus Éireann and private operators like Dublin Express, Aircoach, and Citylink provide extensive intercity and regional bus services. Bus connections are often more frequent and cheaper than rail, though journey times can be longer.

By Air

Dublin Airport (DUB) is Ireland's largest and busiest airport, with flights to over 200 destinations worldwide. It is located about 10 km north of Dublin city centre and is accessible by bus, taxi, and the Dublin Bus Airlink service.

Portlaoise is compact enough to explore on foot. For exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions, a car or bicycle is recommended. Leinster has a well-developed network of regional roads, and the flat terrain of much of the province makes it ideal for cycling. Local bus services operate in most towns, though schedules can be limited on Sundays.

Maryborough Fort survives only as a corner tower on Fitzmaurice Place and a couple of sections of wall. It's been adjoined to modern buildings and you can't go inside.

Captain James Fitzmaurice (1898-1965), who gives his name to the square, was co-pilot on the first east-to-west transatlantic flight, in Bremen a Junkers W 33. On 12-13 April 1928 they flew overnight from Baldonnel near Dublin to Greenly Island off Quebec. Gloop! — so they'd flown all that way from Ireland just to find themselves in a bog, which wrecked the aircraft. The Fitzmaurice memorial is shaped like an aircraft wing, though Bremen didn't flop at quite such an angle.

Ridge of Maryborough Graveyard is perched atop an esker, a small but steep hillock. The church has gone but the graveyard contains various 18th-to 19th-century headstones and tombs.

4th Leinster Regiment Great War Memorial commemorates the 17 officers and 160 men of the regiment who died in the First World War. It's in Memorial Park, a narrow green strip at the junction of Church St and Ridge Rd.

Old St Peter's Church is a fenced-off ruin on Railway St. It was built around 1556 as an RC church, but when Catholic Queen Mary was

Dunamaise Arts Centre ,

Church St R32 W93P ,

☏

+353 57 866 3355 ,

[email protected] .

Box office Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM .

This contains a theatre, exhibition space, and cafe.   ( updated Jun 2021 )

Odeon Cinema is a multiplex on Church St.

Gaelic games: Laois GAA play football and hurling at O'Moore Park, capacity 22,000, on N77 half a mile south of town centre. Laois unusually are a "dual county" with a strong showing in both sports.

Roll 'n Bowl ,

Clonminam Business Park ,

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+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.   ( updated Jun 2021 )

Portlaoise Leisure Centre ,

Parkview ,

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+353 57 868 1200 .

25-m swimming pool, plus 10-m teaching pool and kiddy-pool. Plus gym, Astro turf pitches and a playground.   ( updated Jun 2021 )

Portlaoise Golf Club ,

Abbeyleix Road ,

☏

+353 57 866 1557 ,

[email protected] .

Parkland course, blue tees 5124 m, par 69, visitor round €15.   ( updated Jun 2021 )

Heath Golf Club ,

Greatheath R32 WR52 ,

☏

+353 57 864

Local restaurants and trattorias serve regional cuisine featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Traditional dishes reflect the local culinary heritage.

Cafes and bars in the town centre serve coffee, wine, and local beverages. Regional wines and spirits are worth sampling.

Hotels, guesthouses, and bed-and-breakfast establishments offer accommodation. Advance booking is recommended during peak season.

Local shops offer regional products, handicrafts, and everyday necessities. Markets may be held weekly in the town square.

Nearby towns and natural attractions are within easy reach by car. Public transport connections are available to major cities in the region.