Things To Do
in Port Laoise
Portlaoise is the county town of Laois, located in the Irish midlands along the M7 corridor. It blends Georgian-era market-town charm with modern shops, eateries, and friendly pubs. The town serves as a practical base for exploring the Midlands, including scenic countryside, nearby castles, and the Slieve Bloom mountains.
With easy rail and road links to Dublin and Kilkenny, Portlaoise offers a compact, welcoming gateway to rural Ireland.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey with a leisurely breakfast at a local café in Port Laoise, savoring traditional Irish fare. Afterward, take a stroll through the town’s charming streets and visit the historic Dunamaise Arts Centre. Be sure to explore the nearby Portlaoise Heritage Centre to learn about the local history.
In the afternoon, indulge in some retail therapy at the local shops or head out to nearby Emo Court, a stunning neoclassical mansion set in beautiful gardens. Take a guided tour of the mansion to uncover its fascinating past and then enjoy a picnic in the picturesque parkland. Wrap up your visit to Emo by taking a leisurely walk along its scenic trails.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a traditional Irish pub, where you can taste local specialties and perhaps enjoy some live music. After your meal, take a stroll through the town square, which is lively and welcoming in the evenings. End the night with a cozy drink at a local bar, soaking in the friendly atmosphere of Port Laoise.
Take a scenic drive to Kilkenny, where your first stop will be Kilkenny Castle, a magnificent 12th-century structure with beautiful gardens. Explore the castle’s history as you wander through its opulent rooms and grounds, immersing yourself in the captivating past. After touring the castle, grab a coffee at a nearby café to refuel for the day ahead.
Spend the afternoon meandering through the medieval streets of Kilkenny, pausing to visit the stunning St. Canice's Cathedral and its Round Tower for panoramic views of the city. Continue exploring the local artisan shops and galleries, where you can pick up unique souvenirs to take home. Savor a hearty lunch at a local eatery, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this charming city.
In the evening, catch a live performance at one of Kilkenny's many venues, showcasing local talent and perhaps some traditional Irish music. After the show, dine at one of the city's acclaimed restaurants, sampling the best of local cuisine. Conclude your day with a stroll along the River Nore, admiring the peaceful waters illuminated by evening lights.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚌One-way public transit ticket | $2-4 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel/hostel per night | $60-120 |
| 🍷Beer or pint | $5-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact town with easy access to rural Midlands attractions
- Good base for day trips to Emo Court, Rock of Dunamase, and Slieve Bloom walks
- Friendly locals, straightforward transport links to Dublin and beyond
- Smaller nightlife scene compared with Ireland’s bigger cities
- Busy traffic around peak times on major routes
- Limited high-end dining options within town limits
- "Dia dhuit" - Hello
- "Sláinte" - Cheers
- "Le do thoil" - Please
- "Go raibh maith agat" - Thank you
- "Cad is ainm duit?" - What is your name?
- "An bhfuil Gaeilge agat?" - Do you speak Irish?
- "Cá bhfuil an leithreas?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Port Laoise
Visit one of these nice places.
A dramatic hilltop site with ancient ruins and sweeping views over the surrounding plains—excellent for wide landscape shots at golden hour.
Impressive neoclassical house and landscaped grounds with lakes, statues, and formal gardens ideal for classic portrait and nature photography.
Historic town center with traditional shopfronts, stone façades, and lively street life—great for architectural and street photography.
Food in Port Laoise
Port Laoise Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty slow-cooked stew with lamb or mutton, potatoes, and root vegetables, commonly found in pubs and traditional eateries.
Must-Try!
Irish potato pancakes often served with a variety of toppings; common in Irish pubs and casual dining spots.
Creamy mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage and butter; a comforting side dish in many traditional meals.
Potatoes mashed with scallions and milk or butter; a simple, classic accompaniment in the region.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market in the town center offering fresh produce, baked goods, and regional treats on market days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Irish etiquette emphasizes friendliness, politeness, and orderly queuing in shops and services. A short greeting goes a long way.
A handshake is common when meeting someone new; small talk about weather or local sports is typical.
Safety
Tipping in Port Laoise
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. In restaurants, 5-10% is common if service isn’t included; in pubs, rounding up is appreciated but not expected.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. Cash is still useful at smaller shops and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild weather with blooming hedges and gardens; great for outdoor strolling and photography outdoors.
Longer days and pleasant temperatures; expect occasional showers but ideal for outdoor markets, walking tours, and hill walks in the Slieve Bloom area.
Golden light and turning foliage; perfect for landscape and countryside photography around the Rock of Dunamase and surrounding lanes.
Cool, damp days with the chance of frost; indoor visits to Emo Court and museums are ideal, with festive markets possible around holidays.
Port Laoise at Night
Hiking in Port Laoise
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A prominent range to the west of Portlaoise offering forested trails, scenic viewpoints, and moderate to challenging hikes.
Rural trails and scenic routes near Rock of Dunamase and Emo Court—perfect for short hikes and photography.
Airports
How to reach Port Laoise by plane.
The region’s main international gateway; well connected by road (M7) and rail to Portlaoise; a range of international and domestic flights.
A large international gateway further west; additional choices for transatlantic and European flights, reachable by car or rail connections via Dublin.
Another regional option with flights to the UK and Europe; longer drive from Portlaoise but feasible for extended trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families, professionals commuting to Dublin or nearby towns, and students from regional colleges; the community is welcoming to visitors.
A growing diversity with EU nationals and new residents contributing to local culture and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Part of Laois GAA tradition; local clubs and matches can be a great cultural insight and a social activity.
Another staple of Irish sport with local club presence and occasional matches accessible to visitors.
Rural Laois has a strong equestrian culture with nearby track days and rural riding opportunities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Port Laoise.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most places in Portlaoise offer vegetarian options; look for vegetable-based mains, vegetarian pub meals, and dishes labeled as meat-free. When in doubt, ask staff for the kitchen’s vegetable-forward specials or sides.