The town of Portlaoise is situated in the South Midlands and is the largest town in County Laois, part of the province of Leinster. It is the most populous and also the most densely populated town in the Midland Region, making it the fastest growing of the top 20 largest towns and cities in Ireland.
Portlaoise’s central location within Ireland and its concentration of restaurants, pubs, bars and nightclubs around Market Square, Main Street and the Church Street area of the town centre and other nearby facilities such as paintball, golf, bowling and other amenities make it a popular destination for hen & stag parties and other weekend breaks.
Additionally, Portlaoise is the home to many tourist attractions. The Rock of Dunamase, a hill-top castle which dates from the 12th century, Emo Court, a large Georgian estate designed by James Gordon, and the Slieve Bloom Mountains are among the most popular.
If you’re in need of some retail therapy, Kildare Shopping Village is a short 20 minute drive. Or if it is a place to treat to after a day at the races that you require, Portlaoise is a short distance away from Punchestown, Mondello Park, the Curragh and the Irish National stud racecourses!
Traveling to the growing town for your day trip or weekend away is made simple with it’s excellent transport systems. The major road, the M7, bypasses the town and will bring you either up to Kildare or down to Limerick city in no time. Portlaoise railway station is one of the busiest train stations outside of Dublin and is served by intercity trains between Dublin and Cork and by Dublin commuter services. Additionally, Bus Eireann operates through Portlaoise bringing you to Dublin and Cork.
And, let’s not forget the festivals and events the town hosts each year! Every August The Butterfield Estate plays host to the Tullamore Show, Ireland’s premier agricultural event. September is an exciting time in the county as, very close by, Stradbally Hall holds Ireland’s largest music and arts festival, Electric Picnic and Ratheniska sees thousands travel from all over the country for the National Ploughing championships!
Book your stay with us at the Maldron Hotel Portlaoise and experience the best of Portlaoise!