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

Presentation Convent

— Portlaoise Heritage Trail / Slí Oidhreachta Port Laoise —

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

1. Presentation Convent Marker

Inscription. The Presentation Sisters came to Portlaoise on the invitation of the parish priest, Very Rev. Nicholas O’Connor, in 1824. They were at first housed in the Old Infirmary at the Stone House, the oldest building in town, which is now part of the convent buildings. A local girl, Anna Brennan, entered the convent in its first year and to mark the event, her father gave over the house in which he lived, the garden and a field to the community for their use. The Sisters have provided free education for girls in Portlaoise ever since.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Religion & Religious Structures • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1824.

Location. 53° 2.103′ N, 7° 17.811′ W. Marker is in Portlaoise, Leinster, in County Laois. It is in Maryborough. It is on Church Avenue north of Main Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3 Church Avenue, 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,

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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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dún Phort Laoise / The Fort of Portlaoise (a few steps from this marker); SS Peter and Paul Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Fitzmaurice Place (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); Odlums’ Mills (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Cuidíonn siúinéir Sasanach leis an Dún a thógáil / An English Carpenter Helps to Build the Fort (about 90 meters away); Fort of Maryborough (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portlaoise.

Also see . . . Presentation Convent (Ask About Ireland).

Rev. Fr. Nicholas O'Connor of Maryborough
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026

2. Presentation Convent Marker
The marker is located on a building on the convent grounds.
cordially invited Sisters of the Presentation Order from Carlow to come to the town. Three Sisters arrived, by coach, from Carlow on the 3rd July 1824. By a remarkable act of providence the occupant of the adjoining house, Peter Brennan, had a daughter who wished to join the community.

(Submitted on July 9, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 9, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.