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

Portlaoise Courthouse

— Portlaoise Heritage Trail / Slí Oidhreachta Port Laoise —

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

1. Portlaoise Courthouse Marker

Inscription. The courthouse, with its Morrison facades, was built in 1782 as its predecessor was destroyed by fire. It was the scene of many famous trials. Queens Co. (Laois) County Council held its inaugural meeting here in 1899. It was Laois County Council headquarters until 1983. Courts are still held here.

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 1782.

Location. 53° 2.048′ N, 7° 17.993′ W. Marker is in Portlaoise, Leinster, in County Laois. It is in Maryborough. It is at the intersection of Main Street and Church Street, on the left when traveling east on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 67 Main Street, 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.

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

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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old County Gaol (within shouting distance of this marker); Main Street / Príomhshráid (within shouting distance of this marker); Old St Peter’s Church (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Portlaoise Vocational School (about 90 meters away); Dún Phort Laoise / The Fort of Portlaoise (about 120 meters away); Colonel James Fitzmaurice (about 180 meters away); St. Mary’s C.B.S. (about 180 meters away); a different marker also named Dún Phort Laoise / The Fort of Portlaoise (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portlaoise.

Also see . . . Portlaoise Courthouse, Main Street, Church Street, Maryborough, Portlaoise, Laois.

This neo-classical courthouse is one of the finest public buildings in the town with its symmetrical façade composition, limestone doorcase and curious curved corner. Built at the beginning of the nineteenth century to replace a mid-eighteenth century building. Its design has been attributed to Richard Morrison, one of James Gandon's protégés, on the basis of similarities with
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

2. Portlaoise Courthouse
The marker can be seen entering Main Street.
the courthouses in Naas and Wexford. It was remodelled by J Rawson Carroll, 1875. Recently restored, together with the adjoining former gaol, it remains one of the most significant set-pieces in Portlaoise, maintaining a key presence on the corner of Main Street and 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.)

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

3. Portlaoise Courthouse Marker

The courthouse façade and limestone door.

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 9 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.