Maryborough in Portlaoise in County Laois, Leinster, Ireland — Mid-East (and Dublin)

St Peter's Church

Church of Ireland

— Portlaoise Heritage Trail —

St Peter's Church Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

1. St Peter's Church Marker

Inscription. The church was built in 1803 and consecrated the following year. It replaced the original St Peter’s Church of c.1560. The church has a very striking obelisk spire designed by James Gandon, architect of the Four Courts in Dublin. St Peter’s Church is located on the site of the Great Green of Maryborough and was the first building on this ancient commonage.

Erected by Laois Heritage Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1803.

Location. 53° 2.032′ N, 7° 18.208′ W. Marker is in Portlaoise, Leinster, in County Laois. It is in Maryborough. It is on Grattan Street west of Market Square Roundabout, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 42 Grattan St, Portlaoise, Leinster, Ireland. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

on the Island of Ireland,

on the Celtic Fringe,

in the European Union,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in

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the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Main Street / Príomhshráid (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Portlaoise Heritage Trail / Slí Oidhreachta Port Laoise (about 210 meters away); James Fintan Lalor (about 240 meters away); Portlaoise Courthouse (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Old County Gaol (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Old St Peter’s Church (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Dún Phort Laoise / The Fort of Portlaoise (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Portlaoise Vocational School (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portlaoise.

Also see . . . Saint Peter's Church, Grattan Street, Coote Street, Maryborough, Portlaoise, Laois.

The simple stone church is rendered remarkable thanks to its obelisk steeple attributed to James Gandon. The church originally formed part of a significant architectural ensemble together with the former free-standing Town Hall located within the diamond of the market square. Nevertheless it maintains its status as one of the highlights of the architectural heritage of Portlaoise,
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

2. St Peter's Church
The photo was taken from the approximate location of the marker on Grattan Street.
with a spacious green setting facing Market Square, and greatly enhances the urban fabric of the town. While its significance is undoubtedly acknowledged, its vernacular setting, the Market Square, is potentiallyunder threat by inappropriate demolition and insensitive façade retentions, which will eventually alienate the church and its architectural context. With its adjoining graveyard and high quality stained glass it is also an important part of the social and religious history of the town.

(Submitted on July 5, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

3. St Peter's Church Marker

The marker is located at the entrance to the church.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 5, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.