Port Laoise

If you're already in town, the local 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.

By car

The M7 motorway connects Portlaoise with Dublin, Limerick and Cork (via the M8).

By train

is on the main train line from Dublin Heuston to Limerick and Cork. There are frequent services to and from Dublin.

By bus

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.

By 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
EuropcarDublin Road. +35357 866 2992. Europcar operate a pay-as-you-go car rental service from Portlaoise.

By Bicycle

Bike 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.

• 4th Leinster Regiment Great War Memorial

  address: 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.

• Captain James Fitzmaurice Memorial

  address: 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.

• The Fort of Maryborough

  address: 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.

• The Ridge of Maryborough Graveyard

  address: 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.

• Portlaoise Prison

  address: 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.

• The Rock of DunamaseA rocky hill with the ruins of Dunamase Castle, a defensive stronghold dating from the early Hiberno-Norman period.

• The Great Heath Barrow

  address: The Heath
  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.

• Saint Fintan's WellLittle 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.

• Colt 1916 MemorialPlaque 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.

• Old St Peters Church

  address: 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.

• Statue of James Fintin Lawlor

  address: 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

• Emo Court

  address: Emo
  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.

• Dunamaise Theatre and Centre for the Arts

  phone: +353 57 8663355
  address: Church St
  This facility contains a purpose-built theatre, exhibition space, and cafe.

• Odeon Cinema5 screen multiplex.

• O'Moore ParkThe county headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association and hosts hurling and Gaelic football events.

• Roll N' Bowl Entertainment Centre

  phone: +353 57 867 0005
  address: Clonminam Business Park
  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.

• Portlaoise Golf Club

  phone: +353 57-8661557
  address: Abbeyleix Road

• The Heath Golf Club

  phone: +353 57 864 6533
  18-hole golf course, pro shop, driving range, restaurant and other facilities.

• Portlaoise Leisure Centre

  phone: +353 57 868 1200
  address: Parkview
  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

• Togher Wood

  address: Togher
  Publicly owned wood, popular for walking, jogging and birdwatching.

• People's Park

  address: 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

• Streets of Portlaoise 5k road race

  address: Around Portlaoise
  Annual event around Portlaoise encouraging Ireland’s best male and female distance athletes to compete against each other.

April

• Photofest Ireland 2018 – ‘Photography & Imaging Trade Show’

  phone: +353 01 459 8088
  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.

May

• Rock Inn Vintage Run and Rally

  address: Dublin Rd.
  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.

• Laois Rose Final

  address: Jessop St.
  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.

June

• The Gordon Bennett Classic Road Run

  phone: +35386 128 7281 or +35387 988 5204
  address: Starting point, Treacey's, The Heath
  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.

• The Heartlands Rally

  address: Start/Finish, Main St
  The annual event commences on Saturday 9th with a ceremony on Portlaoise’s Main Street, with the racing on Sunday.

• Old Fort Quarter Festival

  address: 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.

• Celtic Con

  address: Dunamase Theatre, Church St
  Annual comic convention, featuring cosplayers, guest panel room, geek village, gaming zone, vendors, and major names in the comic industry .

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:

• 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.
• , anchored by Dunnes Stores, also features Argos Extra, Elvery Sports, Insomnia, TK Maxx and a McDonald's drive-through restaurant.
• 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:

• Dunamase Antiques

  phone: +353 85 765 7206
  address: 60 Main Street (Corner of Bull Lane)
  Specialists in pine and mahogany furniture, paintings, silver, and china.

• The Store Yard

  phone: +353 57 86 80088
  address: Kea Lew business park
  It has 25,000 sq ft of architectural salvage, vintage, period, retro furniture and curios.

• Celtic Comics

  phone: +353 833 976 871
  address: Railway Street
  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.

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

• Kelly Lou Cakes

  phone: +353 87 953 0681
  address: Kealew Business Park & Parkside Shopping Centre
  Bespoke cakes, layer cakes, fairy cakes, cookies, brownies, macaroons and other delicious treats. Freshly made every day in her Portlaoise bakery.

• Chocolate Brown

  phone: +353 57 932 9950
  address: Main Street
  Serving tea, coffee, hot chocolate in lovely surroundings in a good central location. Their tagline is "Coffee from Heaven"

• Brew Cafe

  phone: +353 57 868 1000
  address: Dublin Rd., Kilminchy
  Cafe inside Design Options furniture shop, serving selection of coffee, latte and teas, etc. A good selection of sweet treats too.

• Caffe Latte

  phone: +353 57 866 3017, +353 57 866 3515
  address: Lyster House & also Dunamaise Arts Centre
  Serving gourmet sandwiches, salads, hot & cold daily specials and soups. Large selection of 'fair trade' teas and coffees also available.

• Insomnia

  phone: +353 57 862 1937
  address: Kyle Shopping Centre
  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.

• Rafters Cafe

  phone: +353 57 866 6675
  address: Laois Shopping Centre

• Marie's Cafe

  phone: +353 57 862 2461
  address: Unit 8, Dunnes Stores Shopping Centre, Green Road
  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.

• The Pantry

  phone: +353 57 868 1695
  address: 13 Market Square
  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.

• Bull Lane Delicatessen

  phone: +353 57 866 6413
  address: 4 Bull Lane
  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.

• Adelaide Café

  phone: +353 57 865 6358
  address: Gandon court, Fairgreen

Restaurants

There are lots of great restaurants in Portlaoise along the Main Street and also in Kilminchy and Fairgreen areas.

Irish/European

• Kelly's Steakhouse

  phone: +353 57 867 8588
  address: Jessop St.
  French bistro- and steakhouse-style options.

• Bloom Restaurant

  phone: +353 57 868 1904
  address: 67 Main Street
  Casual dining with a modern twist on Irish produce.

• The Bay Tree

  phone: +353 57 863 0489
  address: 8 Hynds Square
  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.

• Tynan's Restaurant

  phone: +353 57 868 8343
  address: Kea Lew Business Park
  Irish restaurant in nice setting, surrounded by fabulous antiquities.

• Chequers

  address: Unit 7 Gandon Court, Fairgreen
  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.

• Treacy's Bar & Restaurant

  phone: +353 57 864 6535
  address: The Heath
  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.

• Grain & Grill Bar and RestaurantBar & restaurant in the Maldron Hotel.

• La Lola

  phone: +353 57 868 6222
  address: 37 Main Street
  Spanish tapas & pintxos restaurant.

• Mulhall's Restaurant

  phone: +353 57 866 0353
  address: Kellyville Park
  Catering for lunches and afternoon bites.

Thai

• Krabi Thai

  phone: +353 57 866 0696
  address: 17 Main Street, Portlaoise

• LANA

  address: 40 Main Street
  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

• The Indian Prince

  phone: +353 57 866-8233 or +353 57 866-8234
  address: 16 Kilminchy Court
  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.

• Mayur Indian

  phone: +353 57 866 6000

• Mezbaan Restaurant

  phone: +353 57 866 8440
  address: Dublin Rd.
  Serving an Indian Buffet on lunchtime. Reopens from 5pm to 11pm. Meat is 100% Irish and Halal

Pakistani

• Shalimar

  phone: +353 57 8683000
  address: 2 Bank Place
  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

• Emperor's House

  phone: +353 57 866 5500
  address: James Fintan Lawlor Avenue
  Chinese but also Thai and Japanese, If spice is what your after you must try the Roast Duck Szechuan

• Portlaoise Chinese

  phone: +353 57 862 2873
  address: Church Avenue
  Serves a wide range of modern and classic Chinese dishes. The 'BBQ pork & roast duck with beansprouts' is highly recommended.

• Rose Palace

  phone: +353 57 868 8318
  address: Well Road
  Chinese restaurant.

• Oriental City

  phone: +353 57 866 6608
  address: Mountmellick Rd.
  Chinese & Thai restaurant.

American

• Eddie Rocket's Diner

  phone: +353 57 866 4992
  address: Laois Shopping Centre
  Classic 1950s American food freshly prepared and brought to you in a unique, fun diner experience.

Fast food

• Nino's

  phone: +353 57 862 2840
  address: 48-49 Main Street
  Traditional Italian chipper takeaway and eat-in dining area.

• Thanh loi

  phone: +353 57 862 0531
  address: 51 Main St.
  Chinese takeaway food.

• Golden Spring Chinese

  phone: +353 57 866 0002, +353 87 193 5188
  address: Gandon Close
  Takeaway and delivery.

• Golden Grill

  phone: +353 57 862 2149
  address: 98 Main Street
  Traditional Italian chipper.

• Malik's Takeaway

  phone: +353 57 860 1444
  address: 1 Dublin Road
  The menu has a wide variety of foods including pizzas, kebabs and traditional fish & chips.

• Francesco's Takeaway

  phone: +353 57 866 8898
  address: Fairgreen & Kilminchy Village
  Traditional Italian chipper.

• Napoli Pizzeria

  phone: +353 57 866 65857
  address: 45 Main St.
  Italian pizzeria.

• Mezza Pizza

  phone: +353 57 868 0948
  address: 8 Market Square
  Takeaway pizza.

• Laois Kebab

  phone: +353 57 866 0118
  address: 1 Coote St,
  Predominantly a kebab house, but also offer a wide range, such as burgers, chips, subs, pizza and chicken. The 'Donner Wrap' is highly recommended.

• Mizzoni's Pizza

  phone: +353 76 888 8320 or +353 57 867 2330
  address: 6 Meehan House, James Fintan Lalor Avenue,
  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.

• Supermac's Family Restaurant

  phone: +353 57 866 0889 or +353 57 866 0700
  address: James Fintan Lalor Ave.
  Serving burgers, chips, etc. They do a wonderful full Irish breakfast, and also great fish & chips.

• Apache Pizza

  phone: +353 57 867 2994
  address: 5 Meehan House, James Fintan Lalor Ave.

• Royal Garden

  phone: +353 57 866 3618
  address: Dublin Rd.
  Takeaway Chinese food.

• Best Choice

  phone: +353 57 863 4444
  address: 77 Main St.
  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).

• Chipmongers

  phone: +353 57 862 1419
  address: 62 Main St.
  Traditional chipper specialising in fish'n'chips, chipper nippers and Irish burgers.

Midway Foodcourt

• O'Briens Sandwich Cafe

  phone: +353 57 867 0888
  address: Abbeyleix Road
  Cafe serving gourmet coffee, tea, salads, soup and handcut sandwiches including Rachel Allen's signature range.

• Chopstix Noodle Bar

  address: Abbeyleix Rd.
  Freshly cooked noodles and sides served with natural, good quality ingredients.

• Freshii

  address: Abbeyleix Rd.
  Convenient healthy food option, serving breakfast, soups, salads and wraps, burritos, frozen yogurt and a selection of juices & smoothies

• Dijon Cafe

  phone: +353 57 866 6499
  address: Abbeyleix Road
  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.

• The Bakewell

  phone: +353 57 8681766
  address: Midway, Abbeyleix Rd.
  Serving freshly made gourmet sandwiches, artisan bakes, carvery meats, salads, soups and hot dinners.

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

• The Sally Gardens

• Liam Casey & SonA family-run public house.

• E.J Morrisey

  address: 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.

• Square BarLive music almost every night, mainly Rock, Indie, Metal in the Square Hall at the rear of the pub.

• Humes

• Ramsbottoms'

• The Welcome Inn

• The Funky Munky

  phone: +353 87 298 9446
  address: 67 Main St
  Cocktail and gin bar. A variety of live music most weekends. The clientèle are young and the atmosphere is very friendly.

• Kavanagh's Bar & Venue

  phone: +353 57 862 1744
  address: 28 Main Street
  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.

• The Rock Inn

  phone: +353 57 862 1505
  address: Dublin Rd.
  Bar and lounge. Popular for groups and parties.

• The Office Bar & Venue

  address: 81 Main St.

• O'Donoghues

  phone: +353 57 8621199
  address: Market Square

• Bergins

  address: Main St.
  Famous for being the smallest pub in Portlaoise.

• Ryans

• Maggie May's

  address: 11 Market Square

• Peig's

  phone: +353 57 868 8630
  address: 12 Market Square

• Charles Keegan

  phone: +353 57 862 1243
  address: 16 Main Street
  Bar and lounge, popular with older clientele.

• Whelans

  address: Dublin Rd, The Heath

• Deadman’s Inn

  phone: +353 57 875 5388
  address: Ballyfin

• D.M Shellys Bar

  address: 68 Main St,
  Old world-style pub with many old advertisments and signage.

Gastro pubs

• O'Gorman's

  phone: +353 57 868 2921
  address: Kilminchy Village
  Bar and restaurant, also serve a good Thai menu,

• The Charter Bar

  address: Coote Street (part of the Midlands Park Hotel)
  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.

• The Bog Road

  address: Fairgreen Village
  Bar and restaurant. They also have a really good Thai menu.

• Jeremiah Grant Bar & Eatery

  phone: +353 57 866 3544
  address: 64-65 Main St.
  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

• Manhattan MixerLate bar specialising in cocktails.

• SoHoNightclub.

• Lilly's BarRestaurant, late bar & nightclub.

• Grellan Delaney's

  phone: +353 57 862 2916
  address: 67 Main Street
  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.

• Caesar's Card Club

  phone: +353 87 9676863
  address: 34 Main Street
  Casino and bar featuring roulette, blackjack, poker and other games.

Budget

• Laois County Lodge B&B

  phone: +353 57 862 0472
  address: Dublin Road

• Maher's B&B

  phone: +353 87 212 9236
  address: Rathleague

• Oakville Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +353 57 866 1970
  address: Mountrath Road
  Family-run B&B. Free Wi-Fi and parking. 10-min walk from town centre.

• Fairgreen B&B

  address: 63 Cosby Avenue, Fairgreen

• Willow Lodge B&B

  phone: +353 57 8621251
  address: Kilminchy, Dublin Road,

• Chez Nous B&B

  phone: +353 057 862 1251
  address: Kilminchy, Dublin Rd.

• Rosedene B&B

  phone: +353 57 862 2345

• Richy Lodge B&B

  address: 152 Ashewood Walk,Summerhill Lane

• Social Eire

  address: 2 Everette House,Chantier Gate

Mid-range

• Midlands Park Hotel

  phone: +353 57 8678588
  4-star hotel & conference centre in the centre of town. The hotel features a leisure club and a number of bars & restaurants.

• Maldron Hotel Portlaoise

  phone: +353 57 8695900
  address: Midway, Abbeyleix Rd

• The Killeshin Hotel

  phone: +353 57 8631200
  address: Dublin Rd

• O'Loughlin's Hotel

  phone: +353 57 8621305
  address: Main St

• Ivyleigh House

  phone: +353 57 862 2081
  address: Bank Place, Church Street
  It's within walking distance of the town centre and very close to the Dunamase Theatre.

• The Gandon Inn

  phone: +353 57 862 6622
  address: Emo
  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

• Ballyfin Demesne

  phone: +353 57 87 55866
  address: Ballyfin
  5-star luxury country house hotel set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

24-hour services

Fuel

• Texaco

  phone: +353 57 8671200
  address: Dublin Road
  Filling station and supermarket.

• Applegreen

  phone: +353 57 866 6800
  address: Dublin Rd.
  Filling station, shop and food counter.

• Great Gas

  address: Mountmellick Rd.
  Filling station and shop.

Supermarket

• Centra

  phone: +353 57 867 1200
  address: Dublin Rd. & Mountmellick Rd.
  Supermarket with deli counter and ATM.

Laundrette

• Revolution Laundry

  address: 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.

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.