Welcome to a visual journey through the streets of Portlaoise. This site brings together restored and reimagined photographs that focus on the buildings and architecture of the town as they have changed over the years. Each image has been carefully edited to highlight the character and detail of Portlaoise’s streetscapes from times past. It’s an ongoing project, so images may change as better sources appear or techniques improve and new images will be added to over time.
In restoring these images, some artistic liberties have been taken and, as a result, colours and finishes may not always be historically exact.
If you have old photographs or postcards of Portlaoise that you would like to see restored and reimagined, or would like to get in touch then please email us at info@thetown.ie.
Click or touch the images below to explore the street you would like to view and see how the town may have once looked.
For deeper history, stories and background on the people and buildings of Portlaoise, we highly recommend visiting John Dunne’s excellent website, Portlaoise Pictures. While John does not endorse this project, or the techniques used to digitally manipulate and colourise the pictures he has very kindly allowed the modified images sourced from his site to remain, with full accreditation.
This project focuses solely on the architectural and built heritage of Portlaoise over the years. It should not be taken as a definitive or historically accurate representation of how the town appeared at any given time. Rather, it is a highly subjective, creative re-imagining, intended to explore and celebrate the town’s buildings through a different lens.
This site and the edits to the images will not be to everyone’s taste, and that’s perfectly fine. Hopefully though, it will bring a bit of enjoyment to some people, and maybe even rekindle memories of days gone by in the town.
Bridge Street
Bridge Street, Portlaoise, a key thoroughfare shaped by the River Triogue, local trade, and the town’s development over the centuries.
Main Street
Main Street, Portlaoise, the historic heart of the town, lined with shops, landmarks, and buildings that reflect its commercial and social life through the years.
Church Avenue
Church Avenue, Portlaoise, formerly known as Chapel Lane, a historic street closely linked to the town’s religious, social, and architectural heritage at the heart of local life.
Church Street
Church Street, Portlaoise, a historic street shaped by places of worship, local businesses, the courthouse and everyday town life over generations.
Market Square
Market Square, Portlaoise, a historic focal point of trade and community life, surrounded by landmark buildings and central to the town’s development.
Coote Street
Coote Street, Portlaoise, a historic street linking the town centre to surrounding areas, shaped by local commerce, housing, and everyday life over generations.
Grattan Street
Grattan Street, formerly Coburg Row and Quality Row, tracing its changing names from the 1840s, census records, and its link to Henry Grattan.
Dublin Road
Dublin Road, Portlaoise, one of the town’s main routes, linking the town to Dublin and reflecting the growth of housing, trade, and transport over time.
Abbeyleix Road
Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, a key route connecting the town to Abbeyleix and further afield, reflecting the growth of transport, housing, sports and local life over time.
Tower Hill
Tower Hill is a historic area of Portlaoise, closely associated with the town’s early development and defensive past. Overlooking the surrounding landscape, Tower Hill reflects Portlaoise’s origins as a fortified settlement and remains an important feature in the town’s historical and architectural heritage.
About Town
Portlaoise is a historic Midlands town and the county town of Laois, known for its rich heritage, strong community spirit and central location. With roots stretching from the Fort of Maryborough to a modern thriving urban centre, Portlaoise combines culture, sport, industry and accessibility, making it one of the most important towns in the Irish Midlands.
Portlaoise Industry
Industry in Portlaoise has evolved from its traditional roots in agriculture and brewing to a diverse modern economy. Over the years the town grew around key sectors including food production, engineering, logistics and retail distribution. With its central location and strong transport links, Portlaoise has attracted national and international firms while supporting local craft and small business industries.
Railway Station
Portlaoise Railway Station is a key transport hub in the Midlands, connecting Portlaoise and County Laois with Dublin, Cork and Limerick. Opened in the 19th century, the station has played a vital role in the town’s growth, supporting industry, commuting and regional development while remaining central to daily life in Portlaoise.
Rock of Dunamase
The Rock of Dunamase is one of Ireland’s most dramatic historic sites, rising above the plains of Laois near Portlaoise. With origins stretching from early Christian times to the Norman period, the rock offers panoramic views and stands as a powerful symbol of Ireland’s medieval history and ancient landscape.
Dysart Enos Church
Dysart Church is a historic landmark in Portlaoise, with origins dating back to the early medieval period. Set within a traditional graveyard, the church reflects centuries of local religious life and heritage and remains an important site in the historical landscape of Portlaoise