Excellent Eateries in County Laois
Image: Blakes Restaurant at The Heritage Hotel
It’s nice to get out of the house and let somebody else do the cooking every now and again! We are very lucky to have such a wide variety of eateries in County Laois. Whether you are in search of a high-end dining experience, some casual pub grub, somewhere to celebrate a special occasion or a simple coffee with friends, there is something for every palate across Laois.
On our doorstep here in Killenard, you will find a number of different dining options in The Heritage Hotel, along with The Thatch Pub and The Rolling Plate Bistro, located in Killenard village. Keep reading to discover some much-loved Laois food gems across the county.
Comforting Coffee Stops
Mueller & O’Connell Bakery - Abbeyleix
Mueller & O’Connell’s award-winning Tunisian Orange Cake
People come from far and wide to Mueller & O’Connell Bakery in Abbeyleix. The award-winning artisan bakery specialises in sourdough, fresh yeast breads & pastries. Based in a stunning building that once housed the town’s bank, they have brought a new lease of life to the town since their opening in 2016.
They bake 11 different kinds of breads, including seven types of sourdough loaves and the must-try on the menu is their croissant-muffin hybrid; the cruffin.
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat 8am-4pm
Hummingbird Café - Portarlington
Located in Hummingbird Interiors on Main St in Portarlington, Hummingbird Cafe is a charming, cosy coffee shop with a wide assortment of food options. Whether you’re looking for a morning coffee with pastries or a hearty toastie paired with a delicious soup of the day for lunch.
The award-winning cafe is well-known for their custom occasion cakes and cupcakes. It is a lovely midday escape from the hustle and bustle and browse the interiors shop before heading for a lunch catch-up with friends.
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm
Sat 9am-5pm
Temptation Chocolates - Abbeyleix
Temptation Chocolates is a family affair! The multi-award-winning luxury Irish artisan hand-painted chocolate brand was created by twin sisters, Kate and Ruth O’Hara. The sisters are self-taught chocolatiers and all of their chocolate bonbons are handmade in small, thoughtfully curated batches, using ethically sourced, premium ingredients.
Their hobby turned into a business in 2021, with the Temptation Chocolate boutique opening in Abbeyleix in 2022, serving good coffee, delicious pastries, fresh acai bowls and tempting chocolates (hence their name!)
Opening Hours:
Mon & Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm
Sun 11am-3pm
Gastropub Goodness
Treacy's Pub and Restaurant: The Heath
Breakfast at Treacy’s
Situated on the outskirts of Portlaoise Town, Treacy’s Pub & Restaurant has retained its original, traditional thatched roof, giving it character and a nod to it’s history. It is one of the oldest, traditional Pub & Restaurants in Ireland, established around 1780.
The bar itself has retained its old style feel while the restaurant has a slight modern twist with an adjoining outdoor area that is dog-friendly! Vegetarian, Vegan, Coeliac, Diabetic and any special dietary requirements can catered for and they are committed to using the very best local and Irish ingredients in their hearty dishes.
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat 8am - 11:30pm
Sun 10am - 11:30pm
O'Gormans Bar & Restaurant: Portlaoise
O’Gorman’s Portlaoise caters to all tastes with an extensive menu that ranges from authentic woodfired pizza and top-quality steaks to exotic Thai dishes! O’Gorman’s is an award-winning Pub and Restaurant that can cater to over 100 patrons, but it has maintained a cosy and warm atmosphere that you get in an Irish pub.
From proper full Irish breakfasts to Sunday carvery roasts, the covered beer garden out the back provides a great gathering place for all ages, in all weather! It is a great spot to meet family and friends for a Sunday dinner or to watch the match with like-minded supporters.
Opening Hours:
Mon - Thurs 9am - 10pm
Fri - Sun 9am -12am
The Old Canal Bar & Kitchen: Mountmellick
The Old Canal takes its name from the historic canal that once ran behind the building, a nod to Mountmellick’s rich heritage. Award-winning Chef Barry Liscombe is at the helm in the kitchen and is known locally for creating modern Irish dishes and elevated pub favourites. The Old Canal is a great place for casual, delicious dinner with friends or a big family get-together!
Enjoy modern twists on classic favourites like bread & butter pudding, pie & mash and bramley apple pie.
Opening Hours:
Mon & Tues 5pm - 11:30pm
Wed & Thurs 4pm - 11:30pm
Fri & Sat 12:30pm - 12:30am
Sun 12:30pm - 11pm
Unique Dining Experiences
Ballyfin Restaurant
Set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Ballyfin is a treasure to behold in the Irish landscape. The 5* family-owned estate provides extraordinary settings for relaxed lunches in the Conservatory or a Michelin-starred dinner in the State Dining Room.
A dining experience in Ballyfin will exceed expectations and expand palates, with the freshest ingredients from their on-site gardens and the very best of Irish produce creating one-of-a-kind dishes.
Bramley
Image: Bramley Abbeyleix
Bramley is a multi-award-winning neighbourhood restaurant nestled in the heart of Abbeyleix that has earned its rightful place on the Michelin-guide. Run by husband & wife team Sam & Emily Moody, their simple yet diverse menu is shaped by the seasonal ingredients, harvested by local growers to bring you an exciting flavour experience.
Warm hospitality, seasonally curated menus and relaxing elegance is what diners can expect at Bramley. Choose from a 7-course tasting menu, fantastically curated á la carte or enjoy simpler but expertly crafted dining options at lunch time.
