Architecture of Laois

1889 – School, Vicarstown, Co. Laois

“Our illustration with present number shows a perspective view of the schools recently erected on the Vicarstown Estate,

1891 – Former Munster & Leinster Bank, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Architect: J.J. O’Callaghan

Built as a branch for the Munster & Leinster Bank in redbrick with limestone dressings. It is a fine Victorian gothic building with manager’s accommodation alongside with a separate entrance.

1895 – Church, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois

Architect: William Hague

1906 – Market House, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois

Unusual market house from the early twentieth century in a curious hybrid of styles. Shown prior to its conversion to a library by deBlacam &

1909 – Bank of Ireland, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois

Architect: J.P. Wren

A wonderfully eccentric design for the Hibernian Bank which mixes a myriad of architectural features. The small tower with corner window and copper dome is the entrance to the manager’s residence above the branch.

1935 – Hospital, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Architect: Scott & Good

In 1935 Scott & Good designed Portlaoise General Hospital. This building unlike its predecessor at Tullamore,

1950 – ESB Power Station, Portarlington, Co. Laois

Portarlington Power Station was opened in 1950 as Ireland’s peat-fired power station, by Minister for Industry, Daniel Morrissey TD, ESB Chairman R.F.

1962 – Christ the King Church, Cooleragh, Co. Laois

Architect: André Zakrzewski, Lardner & Partners

Foundation stone laid in 1961, opened in 1962, with seating for 500 parishioners.

1971 – ESB District Offices, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Architect: Robinson, Keefe & Devane

Including a service yard as well as an office building for the region, the use of concrete with brick is amongst the main themes of Robinson Keefe Devane’s work at the time.

2009 – Abbeyleix Library, Co. Laois

Architect: deBlacam & Meagher

Historically there are four phases of development of the Market House, the original retangular plan with a small central capola on the ridge,