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

Old County Gaol

— Portlaoise Heritage Trail / Slí Oidhreachta Port Laoise —

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

1. Old County Gaol Marker

Inscription. Maryborough Gaol was attached to the Courthouse on the site now occupied by Dunamaise Theatre and Arts Centre. The Gaol was the scene of public executions (as many as ten a year). The most notorious of those executed were Grant the Robber and the highwayman Cathair na gCapaill. Severe overcrowding due to agrarian unrest led to its replacement in 1830. It then became a Bridewell and police barracks.

Erected by Laois Heritage Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.

Location. 53° 2.075′ N, 7° 18′ W. Marker is in Portlaoise, Leinster, in County Laois. It is in Maryborough. It is on Church Street north of Main Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 12 Church 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 the Anglosphere.

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Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Portlaoise Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Old St Peter’s Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Portlaoise Vocational School (within shouting distance of this marker); Dún Phort Laoise / The Fort of Portlaoise (within shouting distance of this marker); Main Street / Príomhshráid (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Colonel James Fitzmaurice (about 120 meters away); St. Mary’s C.B.S. (about 150 meters away); Odlums’ Mills (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portlaoise.

Also see . . . Dunamaise Arts Centre, Church Street, Maryborough, Portlaoise, Laois.

This impressive façade with its unusual vermiculation and giant Doric order is essentially all that remains of the Old County Gaol, built in 1789 by Richard Harman, James Gandon's clerk of works at the Custom House in Dublin. Its recent conversion to a theatre and arts centre removed almost the entire interior, except for some timber A-frames.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

2. Old County Gaol Marker
The marker is located near the end of the Dunamaise Arts Center building.
With part of the building in use by the adjoining court house on Main Street, the two buildings form one of the most significant set-pieces in Portlaoise, maintaining a key presence on Church Street and greatly enhancing the architectural landscape of the historic town core.

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

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 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 5, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.