DINING in Ireland’s county Laois

County Laois offers a diverse dining scene, blending its rich agricultural heritage with culinary innovation. Laois’s dining scene reflects its agricultural roots, with many restaurants emphasizing local produce from farms and gardens, as seen at Ballyfin and Bramley. Ballyfin’s Michelin star and Cúán Greene’s new restaurant highlight Laois’s growing culinary prominence, with a focus on fine dining.

Fine Dining

These restaurants provide sophisticated dining experiences with high-quality ingredients, elegant settings, and exceptional service, often showcasing Laois’s local produce.

Ballyfin Demesne State Dining Room (Ballyfin). Located in the luxurious Ballyfin Demesne, a Regency-era manor house, this Michelin-starred restaurant (awarded) offers an opulent fine dining experience. The grand dining room, with its historic charm, complements a menu crafted by Executive Chef Richard Picard-Edwards. Diners can expect bold, expressive flavors from an €145 eight-course tasting menu, featuring ingredients from the hotel’s eight-acre walled garden and local suppliers like Duncannon Fish Company. The experience begins with pre-dinner drinks in a stunning public room, served by butlers, ensuring a seamless, elegant evening. Non-residents are welcome with reservations. Standouts include Jerusalem artichoke cream with pickled artichoke, caviar, and chicken jelly, as well as squab pigeon with foie gras and leg ravioli, noted for their depth and technical precision. Following its Michelin star win, Ballyfin is enhancing its tasting menu with new seasonal dishes, incorporating more foraged ingredients and expanding its wine pairings with a focus on natural wines. Address: Cappanrush, Ballyfin, Co. Laois, R32 PN34
Bramley (Abbeyleix). Sam and Emily Moody’s fine-dining restaurant in Abbeyleix is a beacon of precise, seasonal cooking. The intimate, elegant setting draws on Sam’s experience at Ballyfin and Bath Priory, offering a refined yet approachable atmosphere. Diners can expect meticulously crafted dishes using local, seasonal ingredients, with a focus on Irish produce. The service is warm and professional, ideal for special occasions. The menu often features creations like roasted lamb with garden herbs or seafood with local vegetables, showcasing technical skill and bold flavors. Bramley is introducing a chef’s table experience, allowing diners to engage with the kitchen team and explore new seasonal tasting menus. Address: Main Street, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois
Cúán Greene’s New Restaurant (Abbeyleix). Set to open at the Abbey Leix estate, backed by Stripe co-founder John Collison, this 32-seat restaurant by former Bastible chef Cúán Greene promises a fine-dining experience rooted in Irish terroir. The elegant setting within the historic estate will complement a menu emphasizing local, sustainable ingredients. Expect innovative dishes with global influences, reflecting Greene’s Noma pedigree, and a focus on creating a memorable dining experience. Expect creations like foraged herb-infused meats or seafood with estate-grown produce, blending Irish and international techniques. As a new opening, the restaurant will launch with a 16-bedroom guest house, offering a destination dining experience with a focus on sustainability and local sourcing. Address: Abbey Leix Estate, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois

Casual Dining

Casual restaurants in Laois offer relaxed atmospheres with high-quality food, blending local flavors with diverse cuisines, perfect for everyday dining or group gatherings.

The Thatch (Ballinakill). This traditional pub and restaurant in Ballinakill offers a cozy, welcoming vibe with a menu that balances Irish classics and modern dishes. Diners can expect hearty portions, friendly service, and a warm atmosphere with wooden beams and a fireplace. It’s a local favorite for its quality and consistency, ideal for families or casual nights out. Standouts include steak with pepper sauce, fresh fish of the day, and homemade desserts like apple crumble, all made with local ingredients. The Thatch is introducing seasonal specials, focusing on local game and foraged ingredients, along with an expanded craft beer selection. Address: Main Street, Ballinakill, Co. Laois
Kelly’s Steakhouse (Portlaoise). Located in the heart of Portlaoise, Kelly’s offers a casual yet upscale dining experience with a focus on quality meats and seafood. The modern, relaxed setting is perfect for date nights or group dinners, with attentive service and a menu that caters to diverse tastes, including vegetarian options. The signature 10oz ribeye steak and seafood platter are popular, paired with homemade sauces and sides. Kelly’s is launching a new Sunday brunch menu, featuring local produce and creative dishes like smoked salmon eggs Benedict. Address: Main Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Mayur Indian Restaurant (Portlaoise). A well-loved spot for Indian cuisine, Mayur offers a casual dining experience with vibrant flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its authentic dishes, generous portions, and friendly staff, making it ideal for families or curry enthusiasts. Favorites include butter chicken, lamb rogan josh, and vegetable biryani, noted for their rich spices and fresh ingredients. Mayur is introducing a new vegan menu, with plant-based versions of classic Indian dishes to cater to growing demand. Address: Main Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Mulhall’s Restaurant (Portlaoise). Situated in the Midlands Park Hotel, Mulhall’s offers a casual dining experience with a modern Irish menu. The sleek, contemporary setting is ideal for relaxed lunches or dinners, with a focus on local ingredients and a welcoming vibe for both locals and visitors. Highlights include pan-roasted cod with herb crust and slow-cooked beef featherblade, showcasing Laois’s agricultural bounty. Mulhall’s is expanding its outdoor terrace dining, offering a scenic option for warmer months and new seasonal specials. Address: Midlands Park Hotel, Jessop Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Treacy’s Bar & Restaurant (The Heath). A traditional Irish pub with a modern twist, Treacy’s offers a casual dining experience with a focus on hearty, homestyle dishes. The warm, rustic atmosphere, complete with a cozy fireplace, makes it a great spot for locals and golfers visiting The Heath Golf Club. Expect friendly service and a family-friendly vibe. Popular dishes include Guinness-braised beef stew and fresh fish and chips, made with local ingredients. Treacy’s is introducing live music evenings, enhancing the casual dining experience with local entertainment. Address: The Heath, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
The Pantry (Portlaoise). A charming cafe and restaurant in Portlaoise, The Pantry offers a casual dining experience with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The bright, modern setting is perfect for leisurely lunches or coffee dates, with a menu that spans breakfast, lunch, and light bites. The roast vegetable salad and homemade quiche are favorites, paired with artisan coffee and cakes. The Pantry is launching a new evening small-plates menu, featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes and local wines. Address: Main Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
The Ash Tree (Portlaoise). Located in the Dunamaise Arts Centre, The Ash Tree offers a casual dining experience with a creative edge. The artsy, relaxed atmosphere is ideal for pre-theatre dinners or casual meals, with a menu that blends Irish and international flavors using local produce. Highlights include grilled chicken with herb sauce and vegetarian pasta dishes, known for their fresh ingredients. The Ash Tree is introducing a pre-theatre dining package, offering set menus for arts centre visitors. Address: Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Budget Dining

Budget-friendly restaurants in Laois provide affordable, tasty meals in laid-back settings, ideal for quick bites or casual outings.

Jade Garden (Portlaoise). A popular Chinese restaurant offering budget-friendly dining with quick service and a cozy atmosphere. Diners can expect a wide range of classic Chinese dishes, perfect for families or takeaway lovers. The restaurant is praised for its value and consistent quality. Crispy duck with pancakes and sweet and sour chicken are menu staples, known for their generous portions and authentic flavors. Jade Garden is introducing a new budget-friendly lunch special, offering set meals at reduced prices. Address: Main Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
The Square Cafe (Portlaoise). A quaint, budget-friendly cafe offering homemade breakfasts, lunches, and baked goods. The cozy setting and friendly service make it a great spot for a quick bite or coffee break. It’s popular with locals for its affordable prices and fresh ingredients. Homemade soup with brown bread and freshly baked scones are highlights, offering great value. The Square Cafe is expanding its takeaway offerings, with new grab-and-go sandwiches and salads. Address: Market Square, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
O’Gorman’s (Portlaoise). A traditional pub offering budget-friendly meals in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. The menu focuses on classic pub grub, with hearty portions and affordable prices, making it ideal for casual lunches or dinners with friends. Fish and chips and homemade burgers are popular, served with hand-cut fries and local sauces. O’Gorman’s is introducing a new weekday lunch deal, offering discounted meals for quick dining. Address: Main Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Apache Pizza (Portlaoise). A budget-friendly spot for pizza lovers, Apache offers a casual dining experience with a focus on quick, affordable meals. The laid-back setting is perfect for families or groups, with options for dine-in or takeaway. The menu includes pizzas, sides, and desserts. The Apache special pizza, loaded with local meats and vegetables, is a crowd-pleaser. Apache is launching new vegan pizza options, catering to plant-based diets. Address: Main Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
The Coffee Dock (Mountrath). A cozy, budget-friendly cafe in Mountrath offering homemade breakfasts, lunches, and baked goods. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great spot for locals and visitors seeking affordable, quality food. It’s ideal for a quick coffee or light meal. Freshly baked pastries and hearty sandwiches, made with local ingredients, are menu highlights. The Coffee Dock is introducing a new loyalty program, offering discounts for regular customers. Address: Main Street, Mountrath, Co. Laois

Dining in Ireland

Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow

Award winning restaurants

County Laois:

Ireland’s county Laois offers a serene blend of historic sites and natural landscapes, with the Rock of Dunamase providing panoramic views from its ancient castle ruins. Emo Court’s elegant Georgian mansion and gardens offer a peaceful retreat, while the Slieve Bloom Mountains provide hiking trails through rolling hills. Laois is Ireland’s ninth smallest county by size (1,719 square km) and tenth smallest by population (91,877). Population peaked at 153,930 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 44,595 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Laois is Ireland’s 27th most visited tourist county with around 52,000 international visitors per year.

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