Portlaoise Hotels

Once a relatively sleepy hamlet, Portlaoise has gone through a dramatic growth spurt over the years, with the expansion of Dublin and increase in traffic congestion on the Dublin-Cork corridor. A mere 90 km southwest of the cosmopolitan Irish capital, Portlaoise is now a veritable commuter suburb. Home to some 15,000 people (town and environs), the municipality is not a high-demand tourist destination. That is not to say, however, that Portlaoise or County Laois are devoid of first-rate attractions. Aside from the obvious allure of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, other points of interest to consider include the Rock of Dunamase, Emo Court and Gardens, Stradbally Steam Museum and Poet’s Cottage. Portlaoise is also a bit of a golfer’s paradise, with numerous high-caliber, yet affordable, courses in the vicinity of town. So while Portlaoise may not be close to the coast or flush with flashy landmarks and museums, if you dig a bit, there is abundant bucolic charm on hand.

Attractions

• Rock of Dunamase
• Emo Court and Gardens
• Stradbally Steam Museum
• Poet’s Cottage
• Slieve Bloom Mountains

Activities

• Heywood Gardens
• Heritage Walks
• The Heritage Golf & Spa Resort
• The Heath Golf Club
• Rathdowney Golf Club

Restaurants

• The Club House Restaurant
• Fiacri Country House Restaurant
• Kellys Foundry Grillhouse
• Kingfisher Restaurant
• Spagos Italian Bistro

Nightlife

• The Gate Bar & Restaurant
• Molly’s Bar
• The Charter Bar
• The Gandon Inn
• Kavanaghs Pub

Climate

Portlaoise has a temperate maritime climate, with moderate to heavy rainfall and temperatures between 3°C and 20°C for the year.