Virtual Tour of Historic Portlaoise

A virtual tour of the historic core of Portlaoise town, County Laois, led by Michael Parsons of Laois Heritage Society and the Heritage Council.
The tour looks at the foundation of the town in the 16th Century, with the construction of Fort Protector and Old St Peter's Church in advance of the Plantations of Laois and Offaly. It also explores more recent history of the town, with the arrival of the railway in the late 1800s and the development of schools associated with the Presentation Order, the Christian Brothers and the opening of Portlaoise Vocational School. The contribution to the town of Col James Fitzmaurice is also remembered.
For those who cannot visit Portlaoise, this virtual tour was recorded as part of a "Heritage Unlaoised" series of virtual tours, as part of Heritage Week 2020.

[@schirwindt3146]

Wonderful to see someone speak about a subject they are passionate and knowledgeable about. Great job.

[@LaoisHeritageForum]

Thanks so much, glad you liked it! We hope to have more soon!

[@2fat2furious1]

This was so interesting!! we have been living in Ireland for almost 3 years now. in Co Laois. we drive past so many of these buildings daily, but we never even think off all the history some of these places hold

[@LaoisHeritageForum]

So glad you enjoyed it, thanks so much for taking the time to comment!

[@Katsem]

Lucky you! Hopefully this encourages an interest in more of the history.

[@RayBraymusic]

Nice to see and hear about home. Haven't been in so long due to lockdown.

[@andreaswahlberg100]

Fun to watch! I spent a few months in Portlaoise back in 2005.

[@LaoisHeritageForum]

So glad you enjoyed it, hope you can come back and visit Laois again some day!

[@marcelobeckmann9552]

Our beloved town could be better, with less litter.