Things to Do in Portlaoise: Visit One of Ireland’s Fastest Growing Towns

Portlaoise (pronounced port-leesh) stands as one of Ireland's fastest-growing inland towns, yet it retains a distinct character that separates it from its Leinster neighbors. Originally a 16th-century British garrison town called Maryborough, Portlaoise holds the unusual distinction of being one of the first "planned towns" in Ireland, with its distinctive central square and radiating streets still evident in the modern layout.

Unlike many Leinster towns that grew organically around monasteries or trading posts, Portlaoise's development was deliberately engineered around Fort Protector, built in 1548 to control the territory of the O'More clan. This military heritage gives Portlaoise a uniquely structured town center compared to medieval layouts in places like Kilkenny or Carlow.

Must-See Portlaoise Attractions

Fort Protector

The recently restored Fort Protector sits at the heart of Portlaoise and represents the town's origin story. This Tudor fort has witnessed nearly 500 years of Irish history and recently underwent significant restoration.

Visitor info: Open year-round with guided tours available from April-September. Allow 1-2 hours for a proper visit including the interpretive center. Compared to the more famous Kilkenny Castle, Fort Protector offers a rawer, less commercial historical experience that many history buffs find more authentic.

Dunamase Arts Centre

Housed in a former church, this arts venue hosts everything from theater and music to visual arts exhibitions and film screenings.

Visitor info: Evening performances typically start at 8pm, while exhibitions are usually open Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-4pm. Budget 2-3 hours for performances.

The Rock of Dunamase

Just a short drive from town, these dramatic ruins sit atop a 150-foot rocky outcrop with spectacular panoramic views across the Laois countryside.

Visitor info: Open 24/7 with no admission fee. Most rewarding in morning or evening light when the stonework glows golden. Allow at least an hour to climb and explore the ruins properly. Unlike the more manicured Trim Castle in Meath, Dunamase offers a wilder, more atmospheric experience where you're often alone among the ruins.

Togher Woods

This beautiful broadleaf woodland area provides excellent walking trails just minutes from town center.

Visitor info: Best visited in spring for woodland flowers or autumn for spectacular foliage. The main loop takes about 40 minutes at a leisure pace. After rain, paths can get muddy, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

Portlaoise Prison Museum

For something different, visit the small but fascinating Prison Museum that documents the history of Ireland's oldest working prison.

Visitor info: Open Thursday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. Tours take approximately 1 hour. Book ahead during summer months as tours often sell out.

Kilvahan Graveyard

This ancient burial ground dates back to the 6th century and contains fascinating stone crosses and Celtic artwork.

Visitor info: Always accessible, though best visited during daylight hours. Allow 30-45 minutes to appreciate the historic gravestones and monuments fully.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Portlaoise Attractions

The Ridge Graveyard

Most tourists miss this atmospheric old cemetery on Ridge Road that contains graves dating back to the 1700s, including those of several famous local rebels. Look for the unmarked plot where prisoners executed in Portlaoise Prison were buried – local folklore says strange lights are sometimes seen here after dark.

The Downs Natural Heritage Area

This unique raised bog ecosystem just outside Portlaoise contains rare plant species and wildlife. What most visitors don't know is that locals historically had "turbary rights" here – specific family plots where they could cut turf for fuel. Some older Portlaoise families can still point out exactly where their ancestors harvested turf for generations.

Ratheniska Round Tower Base

This little-known archaeological site contains the base of a medieval round tower. Local historians believe this was once an important ecclesiastical center before Portlaoise became the dominant settlement.

The Old St. Peter's Chain

In St. Peter's Church on Main Street, ask to see the medieval chain that once stretched across the town's entrance. Used to control access to Maryborough (Portlaoise's former name), it represents one of the few surviving medieval town chains in Ireland. Most tour guides don't mention it exists!

Event Calendar for Portlaoise

Spring Events

Electric Picnic Launch Events (March) - While the main festival happens in September, numerous preview events and local artist showcases occur in Portlaoise venues during March.

Laois Walking Festival (April) - Group walks of varying difficulty levels exploring the countryside around Portlaoise and broader County Laois.

Summer Events

Portlaoise Street Food Festival (June) - Local and international cuisine takes over Main Street for a weekend of culinary delights.

Old Fort Quarter Festival (July) - A unique celebration centered around Fort Protector featuring historical reenactments, craft demonstrations, music and local food. This festival connects directly to Portlaoise's distinctive origin as a plantation town.

Autumn Events

Electric Picnic (September) - While technically happening in nearby Stradbally, this massive music and arts festival sees Portlaoise transform as thousands of attendees pass through and stay in town.

Leaves Literary Festival (November) - A celebration of literature with readings, workshops and talks by established and emerging writers with strong local connections.

Winter Events

Portlaoise Christmas Market (December) - Market Square comes alive with festive stalls, local crafts and seasonal food.

Winter Solstice at Dunamase (December 21st) - A local tradition where people gather at the Rock of Dunamase to watch the sunrise on the shortest day of the year – a practice with roots stretching back to prehistoric times.

Family Activities in Portlaoise

Roll n Bowl

This entertainment center combines bowling, arcade games, and a play zone suitable for different age groups.

Best for: Families with children aged 3-16 Tip: Weekday afternoons offer the best value and smallest crowds

Portlaoise Leisure Centre

With swimming pools (including a children's pool with slides), fitness classes, and sports facilities, this center provides all-weather entertainment options.

Best for: All ages, particularly good for younger children who enjoy water **Visit their website for current opening hours and special family sessions

Portlaoise Park (People's Park)

This recently redeveloped park includes a modern playground, walking paths, and open spaces perfect for picnics and games.

Best for: Families with children aged 2-12 Tip: The new inclusive play equipment makes this particularly suitable for children with mobility challenges

TreeTop Adventure Centre

Located a short drive from town in Stradbally, this outdoor adventure park offers ziplines, climbing walls and obstacle courses.

Best for: Children aged 7+ and teenagers Tip: Book morning sessions to avoid afternoon crowds, especially during summer

Old Fort Festival Activities

During the annual festival, special historical workshops for children offer hands-on experiences like archery, coin-making, and medieval games.

Best for: Children aged 5-12 with interest in history Tip: These workshops often sell out, so book when tickets are released in May

Local Portlaoise Business Highlights

Mulhall's Restaurant

A Portlaoise institution serving contemporary Irish cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Their slow-cooked Laois lamb with colcannon is legendary among locals.

Nook & Cranny

This independent bookshop specializes in Irish literature and local history publications that you won't find in chain stores. Their collection of books about Laois folklore and history is unmatched.

The Pantry

A family-run café where everything is made from scratch. Their coffee is roasted specifically for them by a small Carlow roastery, and their breakfast baps with black pudding from Granstown Farm (just outside Portlaoise) draw people from across the county.

Visit Portlaoise

Portlaoise offers a perfect blend of historical significance, cultural activities, and authentic local experiences without overwhelming tourist crowds in better-known Leinster destinations. 

Whether you're exploring the town's unique Tudor origins, timing your visit around one of the vibrant festivals, or simply enjoying the genuine hospitality of local businesses, Portlaoise rewards visitors who take the time to dig beneath the surface. The town's central location also makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider treasures of County Laois, from the Slieve Bloom Mountains to the grand estates of Emo Court and Abbeyleix.

Check out our guide about things to do in Tullamore.