Portlaoise Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Scott Kirwan
Photo by Jeffery Baumann
Photo by Jason Healey
Photo by William Copico
Oncean ancient Irish settlement, Portlaoise is now oneof Ireland’s fastest growing modern towns, with ayoung and vibrant population. Located in the stunning Irish midlands in CountyLaois, Portlaoise is a bustling town with an international community,a unique culture and a stunning history that will ensure your visit here isunforgettable.

Portlaoisehas a fascinating past and its location at the foot of the colourful SlieveBloom means it’s a nature lover’s paradise. However, the town alsoboasts a variety of lively cultural activities and attractions: there istheatre and performance art at the Dunamaise Arts Centreand an eclectic range of annual festivals and shopping.

Shoppingin Portlaoise

Portlaoiseoffers some of the best shopping in County Laois.For high street shops with a charming touch of small-town twee – complete withhanging baskets – you could visit the historic shops on Main Street. If you’relooking for something a bit more exhaustive, then LaoisShopping Centre is close by as well as numerous other shopping malls and aretail park on the Timahoe Road.

VisualArts in Portlaoise

DunamaiseArt Centre, located on Church Street in the centre of Portlaoise,is a great place to immerse yourself in some local culture. Opened in the 1990sto host the town’s emerging cultural scene, Dunamaise Art Centre contains a 240seat theatre, a top-notch gallery space and a state of the art cinema, as wellas a rather fine restaurant. It offers a diversity of local and international performances,such as opera, contemporary dance and live music.

Festivals in Portlaoise

The Halloween Howls Comedy Festivaltakes place annually in October at a lively comedy venue on Main Street, promisingsome of the biggest names in comedy. The regional finals for the wonderfully traditional‘Rose of Tralee’ beauty contest also takes place here. Last but not least, the ElectricPicnic, dubbed ‘Ireland’s Glastonbury’, is a fantastic festival foralternative music lovers. Hosted annually in September and located in thestriking grounds of the nearby StradballyHall, this award-winning festival has met with international acclaim.

HistoricRuins in Portlaoise

Novisit to Ireland would be complete without some local history. The remains ofthe 16th century fort around which Portlaoisebegan life now stand at its centre, serving as a vivid reminder of this town’shumble beginnings. Other heritage attractions nearby include Sheffield House, astriking Queen Anne mansion about two miles outside of Portlaoise,and Dunamaise Castle, an Anglo-Norman ruin with fantasticviews over the nearby mountains.

Naturein Portlaoise

Naturelovers should pay a visit to the SlieveBloom. The mountains are some of the oldest in Europe and offer some impressiveviews. On a clear day, you can even spot the four high points of the ancientprovinces of Ireland. For the birdwatchers and wildlife lovers out there, thenatural heritage area of Clonreher Bog is alsonearby – but don’t forget your wellies!

VisitPortlaoise Today

Withall this on offer, and more, don’t wait. Let Expedia help you book your trip toPortlaoise today.

Midlands Park Hotel
Midlands Park Hotel
4 out of 5
Jessop Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
The price is £101 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
£101
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Portlaoise. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (601 reviews)
"Staff courteous ,friendly"

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2025

Midlands Park Hotel
The Killeshin Hotel
The Killeshin Hotel
4 out of 5
Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Laois
The price is £98 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£98
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Portlaoise. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (546 reviews)
"Room was a nice size and very comfortable. Great bar downstairs and very friendly staff."

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2025

The Killeshin Hotel
Maldron Hotel Portlaoise
Maldron Hotel Portlaoise
3 out of 5
Midway Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Laois
The price is £92 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
£92
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Portlaoise. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Portlaoise Golf Club and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (451 reviews)
"Convenient and clean with excellent breakfast"

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2025

Maldron Hotel Portlaoise
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ewings Bar & Self-Catering Accommodation
Ewings Bar & Self-Catering Accommodation
3 out of 5
Hay Market, Carlow, Carlow
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Carlow. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Carlow Town Park and Gold Rush Casino ...
8/10 Very Good! (2 reviews)
"Nice place to spend the nights"

Reviewed on 7 May 2025

Ewings Bar & Self-Catering Accommodation
The Curragh Studio
The Curragh Studio
2 out of 5
Ballysax, Cut Bush, County Kildare
Stay at this apartment in Cut Bush. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions The Curragh Golf Club and Kilcullen Playground are located ...
The Curragh Studio
3-bedroom apartment in wonderful Athy with WiFi
3-bedroom apartment in wonderful Athy with WiFi
Athy, County Kildare
Stay at this holiday home in Athy. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Athy Heritage Centre-Museum and Athy Par 3 Golf Course are located nearby.
3-bedroom apartment in wonderful Athy with WiFi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Portlaoise

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 27%
4 - Good
7
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 27%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

No safe in rooms, shower no bath, portable fridge for 4 cans of coke. I would not rate this hotel 4 stars. Very quiet.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The Killeshin Hotel is a couple of miles from Portlaoise town centre. A longish walk for those who are able to do so. But a nice town if you can get there by car and can find a parking space.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Didn't really experience Portlaoise, came for the Neil Young and Bob Dylan concert at Nowlan Park in Kilkenny.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Seems like a great town people friendly and helpful plenty of shops.