Portlaoise, or Port Laoise, is a town situated in County Laois, in the Irish Midlands. It is the county town of Laois and the administrative centre of the county. The town is also the largest in the county, with a population of over 22,000. Portlaoise has a long and varied history, and has played an important role in Irish history for centuries.
The town was first founded in the 13th century by the Normans, and was known as Maryborough. The town was built on the site of an ancient Gaelic fort, and was named after the wife of the Earl of Ormond, who was granted the lands in 1207. The town was an important military stronghold during the Norman invasion of Ireland, and was used to protect the surrounding area.
In the 16th century, the town was renamed Port Laoise, and it became an important centre for trade and commerce. It was a major port for the export of wool and other goods from the surrounding area, and it was also the site of a number of battles during the Irish Rebellion of 1641.
During the 18th century, Port Laoise became a major centre of industry, and was home to a number of factories and mills. The town was also a major centre for education, with the establishment of the Port Laoise College in 1795.
In the 19th century, the town continued to grow and develop, and it became an important centre for rail transport. The Midland Great Western Railway Company established a line from Dublin to Port Laoise in 1847, and the line was later extended to Cork. This line was a major factor in the growth of the town, and it allowed for the transportation of goods and people to and from the town.
The 20th century saw the town continue to grow and develop, and it became an important centre for industry and commerce. The town was home to a number of factories and mills, and it was also a major centre for education and culture. The town is home to a number of cultural institutions, including the Laois County Museum, the National Museum of Ireland, and the Laois Arts Centre.
Today, Port Laoise is a vibrant and bustling town, and it is a popular tourist destination in Ireland. The town is home to a number of attractions, including the Laois Heritage Centre, the Laois Music Centre, and the Laois Shopping Centre. The town is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Port Laoise Festival, the Laois International Festival, and the Laois Arts Festival.
Port Laoise is a town with a rich and varied history, and it has played an important role in Irish history for centuries. It is a vibrant and bustling town, and it is a popular tourist destination in Ireland.