Huge landmark Laois pub in Portlaoise could soon reopen

placeholder image — Laois pub in Portlaoise.

Immediate tenant for Portlaoise pub could by 'hybrid' of 'publican, hospitality guru, investor and developer'

A landmark pub in Portlaoise could soon be trading again but also has the potential for redevelopment, according to estate agents who have put the premises on the rental market.

Peavoy Auctioneers are inviting interested parties to rent the No 24, 25 & 26 Main Street at an "negotiable" rate. The sale of the Portlaoise property was confirmed in February 2026 to the Leinster Express / Laois Live by Ivor O'Loughlin, whose family previously ran O'Loughlins Hotel on Main St.

The premises, which also include a shop, was put on the market by the O'Loughlin family in May 2025, soon after the operators of Nanny Kelly's ceased trading. The Chris Kelly Group were the most recent tenant. It hasn't been open since.

Peavoy say the property could be attractive to a range of potential tenants

"This impressive offering provides obvious scope for all facets of property speculation to include owner occupiers, publicans, hospitality gurus, investors and developers or perhaps a hybrid of them all," says the description. More below photo.

The agents say the property extends to circa 1,579 square metres (17,000 square foot) over ground and first floor and is presented in "turnkey" condition.

They describe the internal area as predominantly open plan with several snug areas, along with a sports bar/function area on the first floor. The building is also fitted out in a modern style with fine features such as an oval bar with individual nooks and crannies.

"The property comprises a spacious ground floor bar, restaurant and carvery service area. In addition, there is a fully fitted and equipped catering kitchen along with ample stores, a new walk-in fridge and freezer, new ventilation units and all other equipment to run a commercial kitchen.

"Upstairs includes a large sports bar complete with 20 TVs, professional sound system, lighting, along with a separate private function bar and outdoor area. The property has the benefit of a separate ground-floor commercial unit suitable for various uses adding extra income," said the description.

The agents also highlight its attractive location in the heart of Portlaoise, which they say is one of the fastest growing towns in Ireland, with multiple State employers. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

After many years of trading as one of Portlaoise's best-known pubs, Egan's closed in 2014. It would reopen for a short time as The Blue Door, where Mr Lillis, a former Laois GAA player, co-operated the Manhattan Mixer for a time.

Mr Lillis returned to the Portlaoise premises in 2018 when he went into business with Alan Clancy from the NolaClan pub group to open the business as Lilly's. Former Dublin footballer Bernard Brogan also had an involvement.

Lilly's Bar & Kitchen officially announced closure in February 2024 due to what was described as an "untenable, challenging economic landscape, marked by escalating costs".