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

Old St Peter’s Church

— Portlaoise Heritage Trail / Slí Oidhreachta Port Laoise —

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

1. Old St Peter’s Church Marker

Inscription. Built c.1560 for the inhabitants of the Fort in the reign of King Philip and Queen Mary. The belfry tower remains as the second oldest building in the town. Its most famous vicar was Rev Thomas Mosse whose son Bartholomew founded the Rotunda in Dublin, the first maternity hospital in the English-speaking world. The church was replaced in 1803. John Wesley preached here. Buried in the graveyard are members of the Jacobs’ famous medical family, and also the notorious Grant the Robber.

Erected by Laois Heritage Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1560.

Location. 53° 2.091′ N, 7° 17.956′ W. Marker is in Portlaoise, Leinster, in County Laois. It is in Maryborough. It is on Railway Street north of Main Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3 Railway Street, Portlaoise, Leinster R32 PV29, 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,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

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.

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

Also see . . . St. Peter's Church (Ask About Ireland).

John Wesley, founder of the Methodists, is said to have preached in only one Protestant Church. And, believe it or not, what remains of that Church, St. Peter's, is in Railway Street, Portlaoise.

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

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

2. Old St Peter’s Church Marker

The marker is located near the entrance to the grounds of the historic church and cemetery.

Old St Peter’s Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

3. Old St Peter’s Church

The graveyard and ruins of St. Peter's Church. The nave and tower can be seen in the distance of the photo.

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, 3. submitted on July 5, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.