Portlaoise Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, local culture, and safety tips for a memorable visit to Portlaoise, Ireland.


Introduction to Portlaoise

Located in County Laois on the East Coast and Midlands of Ireland, Portlaoise is a vibrant and historic town that’s often overlooked by visitors to the Emerald Isle. Portlaoise, or “Fort of Laois,” is steeped in history and culture, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Irish experience. From scenic drives to cultural attractions, outdoor adventures to local cuisine, Portlaoise has something to offer everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Portlaoise

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Heritage House - This beautifully restored building offers visitors a glimpse into Portlaoise’s past with exhibitions on local history, the Great Famine, and military barracks.
  • Dunamase Castle - Perched atop a rocky outcropping, this ruined castle offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The castle dates back to the 9th century and was once home to the powerful O’Moore family.
  • Emo Court House and Gardens - Located just outside Portlaoise, Emo Court is a grand country house surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland. The house was built in the late 18th century and is famous for its stunning architecture and art collection.

Natural Attractions of Portlaoise: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Heywood Gardens - A hidden gem with breath-taking walking trails, a rose garden, sunken garden and ancient forestry.
  • Slieve Bloom Mountains - These rugged mountains offer visitors a chance to explore Ireland’s stunning natural scenery. Hikers and cyclists will enjoy the numerous trails that weave through the mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Abbeyleix Bog - Nature lovers will appreciate the tranquillity of this peaceful bog area. Visitors can spot many rare birds and wildlife while surrounded by the serene beauty of the bog landscape.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Portlaoise

  • Slieve Bloom Way - This 70 km long-distance walking trail starts in Kinnitty Village on the Offaly side of the Slieve Bloom Mountains and continues through the mountains to the picturesque village of Glen of Aherlow in Tipperary.
  • Mountmellick Loop Walk - A peaceful and scenic walking trail that explores the countryside of Mountmellick, 5km from Portlaoise. The 10 Km walk takes you through woodlands, tracks, streams, and stunning views.
  • Countryside Cycle - The Portlaoise cycling route offers a delightful 22km circular route with views over the River Barrow, Laois countryside and close to several heritage attractions.

Best Things to Do in Portlaoise: Activities and Tours

  • Portlaoise Leisure Centre - Visitors can enjoy a swim, workout, or class at this modern leisure centre.
  • Midlands Paintball - An adrenaline-fueled activity for those looking for an exciting day out with friends or family
  • Stradbally Steam Museum - A fascinating attraction that is equally fun and educational. Visitors can discover the history of the steam engine and transportation in Ireland.

Week-Long Itinerary for Portlaoise

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Heritage House, Dunamase Castle, and the town square
Day 2 Explore the Slieve Bloom Mountains and hike through the rugged terrain
Day 3 Visit the Emo Court House and Gardens and wander through the gardens and continue the day at the hotel spa to relax
Day 4 Try out the local cuisine including traditional Irish dishes like cabbage and bacon, Irish stew at local restaurants
Day 5 Rent bicycles and explore the scenic countryside of Mountmellick
Day 6 Enjoy a day at Midlands Paintball or visit the Stradbally Steam Museum
Day 7 Visit Heywood Gardens and its ancient woodlands. Continue to Portlaoise Leisure Centre for a swim or a workout

Food and Drink Scene of Portlaoise

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cabbage and Bacon - a traditional Irish dish made with tender boiled cabbage, salty bacon, and potatoes.
  • Irish Stew - A comforting beef stew made with potatoes, carrots, and onions, and flavoured with herbs and spices.
  • Boxty - This is a traditional Irish potato pancake usually served for breakfast, made from grated potatoes, flour, and baking powder.

Local Beverages

  • Guinness - No visit to Ireland is complete without trying its annual export and Portlaoise has plenty of pubs to sample a pint of the famous dark stout.
  • Irish Whiskey - Not only is whiskey a popular tipple in Ireland, but it has a history deeply rooted in the country’s past. Visitors can visit local distilleries and learn about the whiskey-making process.

Where to Stay in Portlaoise: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Heritage Golf and Spa Resort - A luxury hotel in the heart of Portlaoise that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • The Killeshin Hotel - A modern and comfortable hotel in a prime location for visitors to easily explore the town.
  • Kilminchy Lodge Guest House - A peaceful guest house located in a quiet neighbourhood, within walking distance of the town centre.
  • The Rock of Dunamase - For a unique and memorable accommodation experience, visitors can stay in a refurbished stone cottage located near the famous Dunamase Castle.

What to Buy in Portlaoise: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Irish linens - High-quality linen is a well-known export of Ireland, and visitors should visit the local shops to purchase beautiful Irish linen products.
  • Irish Whiskey - Visit the local distilleries and buy a bottle of one of the local whiskeys to enjoy back home.
  • Knockanroe Woods handcrafted candles – These natural candles that have been handcrafted to embody a piece of the Irish countryside with an exquisite scent to remind visitors of their trip to Portlaoise.

Local Culture and Customs of Portlaoise

Portlaoise is known for its friendly locals and warm hospitality. Visitors should also be aware of the importance of family and community in Irish culture, as well as Irish folklore and mythology. Traditional Irish music and dance are also an integral part of the culture, with many festivals and celebrations taking place throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit Portlaoise

The best time to visit Portlaoise is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is mild and there are many outdoor events and festivals. Autumn and spring nearing the offseasons are also a good time to visit for cooler temperatures and quieter attractions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Portlaoise

Do:

  • Engage with the locals, they are friendly and happy to share their knowledge about the town and the region.
  • Respect the natural environment, especially when hiking through the mountains and forests.
  • Sample the local cuisine at one of the many great food spots

Don’t:

  • Litter in the streets or countryside, visitors must dispose of trash in the designated bins in keeping with local environmental conservation practices
  • Underestimate the importance of local cultural customs, it is virtuous to show respect and take the time to learn and participate in traditional activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Portlaoise

Portlaoise is a relatively safe destination for visitors, with low levels of criminal activity. Visitors should take normal precautions as with any unfamiliar location whilst travelling but not neglecting to engage with the community.

Health in Portlaoise

Visitors should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance and bring any required medication with them. Visitors are also advised to check for any local health advisories before travelling. At present, all visitors are required to have a negative PCR test prior to arrival and abide by the country’s Covid-19 guidelines.

Getting to Portlaoise: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Portlaoise

Dublin Airport is the nearest airport to Portlaoise, approximately 81 kilometres away. Public transport links are available via Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann.

Bus Stations Near Portlaoise

Portlaoise has regular bus services from Dublin, Cork, Limerick and other major Irish regional services. The Dublin-Portlaoise route is serviced by Dublin Coach, Bus Eireann, and Irish Rail.

Other Options

Visitors driving themselves or with hired vehicles may opt to take the scenic route on the N80 or the M7 motorway out of Dublin. Trains are also available that go directly into Portlaoise from Dublin or Cork.

How to Get Around in Portlaoise

Portlaoise town centre is compact, making it easy to get around on foot. Alternatively, visitors can hire a bicycle and explore the town and surrounding areas. Taxis and bus services are also available for those travelling further afield.

Where to Go Next from Portlaoise: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Dublin - The bustling capital city of Dublin is just an hour’s train ride away from Portlaoise. Visitors can explore the famous sights, including the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
  • Galway - Located on Ireland’s west coast and rich in culture and history, Galway is an excellent choice for a day trip from Portlaoise.

Conclusion

Portlaoise may not be on the typical Irish itinerary, but it offers visitors a unique and authentic Irish experience with its beautiful countryside, rich history, and friendly locals. From the historic castles and museums to outdoor activities and local cuisine, there is something to suit every traveller in this charming town.

Rock of Dunamase Rock of Dunamase Emo Court Emo Court Timahoe Round Tower Timahoe Round Tower "Usurpation and tyranny!" - James Fintan Lalor harangues County Hall Stradbally Woodland Railway Stradbally Woodland Railway Electric Picnic in 2006 Electric Picnic in 2006 Ballyfin Demesne is now a hotel Ballyfin Demesne is now a hotel