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

Fort of Maryborough

— Portlaoise Heritage Trail / Slí Oidhreachta Port Laoise —

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

1. Fort of Maryborough Marker

Inscription. Constructed between 1548–56 to underpin the plantation of Laois-Offaly. From 1547 to 1607 there were thirty armed uprisings against the plantation. The Fort and town survived most of the uprisings but the town was burnt down in 1580 during the Geraldine Uprising. In the wars of the 1640s the Fort was first held for the King but surrendered to Owen Roe O’Neill in 1646. The Fort was reduced by Cromwellian forces in 1650.

Erected by Laois Heritage Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Wars, Non-US. A significant historical year for this entry is 1556.

Location. 53° 2.147′ N, 7° 17.867′ W. Marker is in Portlaoise, Leinster, in County Laois. It is in Maryborough. It is at the intersection of Millbrook and Church Avenue, on the left when traveling west on Millbrook. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Millbrook, 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,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

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: Cuidíonn siúinéir Sasanach leis an Dún a thógáil / An English Carpenter Helps to Build the Fort (a few steps from this marker); Odlums’ Mills (a few steps from this marker); Tá Cailín Óg ina Cónaí Taobh Amuigh den Dún / A Young Girl Lives Outside the Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); Eitilt (within shouting distance of this marker); Cláirseoir ag seinm do thaoisigh na háite / A Harper Performs for the Local Chieftains (within shouting distance of this marker); Tá trodaire Gaelach timpeall an Dun / A Gaelic Fighter Surrounds the Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Mary’s C.B.S. (within shouting distance of this marker); Fitzmaurice Place (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portlaoise.

Also see . . . The Old Fort (Downtown Portlaoise).

The Old Fort in Portlaoise is a significant historical landmark dating back
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

2. Fort of Maryborough Marker
The marker is affixed to a restored bastion tower.
to the mid-1500s. Built by the English as a military stronghold, also known as a Fort Protector. It marks the origins of the modern town and played a key role in Ireland’s colonial history. It was one of Ireland’s first plantation forts and laid the foundations for the modern town — its name, Port Laoighise or “Fort of Laois,” reflects these origins.

(Submitted on July 6, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

3. Fort of Maryborough Marker

Fitzmaurice Place is a small park dedicated to an aviation pioneer and the history of the fort.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 6, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.