Port Laoise, County seat at 139 meters elevation in County Laois, Ireland.
Port Laoise is a town in County Laois located at the intersection of major routes connecting Dublin, Limerick, and Cork. It serves as a central transportation hub in Ireland's Midlands region with the railway station among the most active transport centers outside Dublin.
The town was founded in 1557 as Maryborough, named after Queen Mary I, with the construction of Fort Protector to establish English control in the region. The name later changed to Port Laoise to reflect Irish history and language.
The Old Fort Quarter Festival brings together local artisans, musicians, and food vendors in the streets around the historic fort each summer. The event shows how the town celebrates its heritage through the participation of the community.
The railway station in Port Laoise is well connected by local buses and taxis, making orientation and getting around town straightforward. Most visitors find their way easily since the town center is compact and walkable.
The town is home to one of Ireland's largest correctional facilities, which generates substantial local employment. This institution has shaped the community's economic life for decades.
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