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Things to do in Portlaoise

Top Things to Do in Portlaoise - Portlaoise Must-See Attractions

Things to Do in Portlaoise

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Top Attractions in Portlaoise

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveller reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Historic ruins set atop a hill provide panoramic countryside views. Well-preserved walls and informative signs offer a glimpse into its strategic past.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Historical workhouse and agricultural museum with guided tours that weave personal narratives into the poignant history of the Famine era, highlighted by engaging storytelling.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Other Top Attractions around Portlaoise

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What travellers are saying

  • deni h
    Oakland, United States3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Upon my arrival in Portlaoise on 9 September 2024, I searched for a same-day private tour and found John Hayes of Green Island Tours. He graciously agreed to meet me at my hotel that same afternoon (it was his day off!), where he called a reliable taxi driver, and off we went! John is a local who knows the area and its history well; he was efficient, experienced, and friendly. The Rock of Dunamase is often overlooked by tourists, but there’s an advantage to that: no crowds, plenty of time to relax, explore, and enjoy the scenery, and let one’s imagination run free. John took me on a short walk down the road for a different view of the castle that was delightful. Other bonuses were the Round Tower of Timahoe and Treacy’s (on The Heath), one of the oldest traditional pubs in Ireland. It was a gorgeous day and a perfect afternoon.
    Written 25 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • barbjag
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went to the Famine Museum and were so lucky to have Michael as our guide. He was passionate, knowledgable and brought the sad history to life. There are not many existing workhouses in Ireland, and it is a story that continues to need to be shared, so many thanks to the Council, and especially Michael for keeping the story alive. And Michael turned the sad story into one of hope, as he shared a song, The Isle of Hope, which he sang to us, and told us the story of the first immigrant to Ellis Island, Annie Moore. We are so grateful to have had this experience.
    Written 11 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mary G
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were just passing by on the way to Galway and stopped in Portlaosie for a quick lunch I got attracted by this little beautiful shop on the main street. The guy in the shop was really friendly and helped us to choose some small souvenirs for out family. Thank you for the great experience.
    Written 6 June 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gerard J
    3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Food was great. The staff member got our requirements spot on so great listening there. Lovely environment unique. Will be back.
    Written 26 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mark R
    Dublin, Ireland3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Love going to O'Moore Park. Nice ground with good views from stands and terraces alike. It's a pretty accessible venue from many areas of the country though it can be a little congested getting into the area on match days. If they open up some of the playing fields there's tons of parking. Playing surface is top notch & kept in great condition through the summer (nice for a little puc-about afterwards with the kids). My only problem with O'Moore Park is that I never seem to come away from it with the right match result :S
    Written 5 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • IrishMD
    Dublin, Ireland211 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was pleasantly surprised by the venue and the quality of the show we went to (Guys & Dolls). Tickets are more attractively priced than in Dublin and the drinks at the bar were reasonably priced too.
    Written 9 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sarah H
    Portlaoise, Ireland36 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dragged three tweens away from the thrills of the internet to visit Poet's Cottage - it's about 25 mins away from me - we were all rather bemused. Nothing to leave home for.
    Written 17 June 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jim W
    Sindelfingen, Germany8,774 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My wife and I recently visited Ireland and enjoyed many of its beautiful cities. We deliberately planned a trip to Portlaoise to visit this church, as we were regulars during COVID-19. We became spiritually attached to its clergy, the musicians, the staff, and most importantly, its message of hope and love. We attended the daily Mass of the Feast of St Joachim and St Anne. This was fitting as we had just visited our granddaughter a week before. While we became familiar with the clergy virtually, we had no idea who our priest for the Mass would be. When Father Ciprian walked down the aisle, it was like seeing a "celebrity" for the first time in person. Of course, the Mass was beautiful as is the entire church. We were taking photos when Wincent saw us. He introduced himself and took us to the Parish Hall. There we met Monsignor John, Father Ciprian, and Father David, who would be moving to another church soon. We felt so in touch with all that is good about humanity. We hope to get back here again someday. If we don't, at least we let them know how much we appreciated them during the pandemic.
    Written 21 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • laurasden
    Tipperary, Ireland4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had the best day in Hogans last weekend celebrating a birthday with a group of family/friends. There were over 20 of us and we were very warmly welcomed by Lar Mary and all the staff. We all ate at various stages during the day and the food was excellent. It has such a lovely cosy atmosphere there and we had great fun with Mary as the evening went on ! The music that night was great and we had the best time visiting this gem of a pub! We cannot wait to return. Thanks so much for your wonderful hospitality
    Written 15 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kevin D
    Waterford, Ireland171 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Small selection, but well cooked homemade fare. Kids were happy, so can't really complain! Very nice staff and good service. Coffee not great.
    Written 7 April 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • philly41
    Dublin, Ireland9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was in Nook and Cranny looking for a particular gift but they did not have what I wanted but I have to say Sabrina that helped me went above and beyond to help me she even took my phone number and rang me back regarding my gift now that's service I was blown away well done
    Written 10 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tony M
    Portlaoise, Ireland15 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nicely run pub , good service and nice to see local sport memorable about.
    Saturday's good for a sing song
    Written 19 October 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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