Historic portico being restored to Laois landmark building in Portlaoise

Work has begun in Portlaoise to reinstall the eyecatching portico at the front door of the landmark Port Leix House in Portlaoise.

Construction workers began the painstaking task of restoring the portico to the front of the famous building on Tuesday, September 26.

Local developers Grahams have been working on the project of restoration of the building since that latter half of 2022. Since then windows have been replaced, new roof installed and the exterior has has been repaired.

Extensive work is ongoing inside with a view to it becoming a building that will have commercial use as offices.

Early on in the development the portico was removed and some wondered if would it ever reappear. The original porch had to be secured to the building with straps soon after the property was purchased from Portlaoise Parish. It was subsequently removed. 

The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH), which is administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, says the substantial detached townhouse built by Dr John Jacob, of the noted Jacob family of doctors and founder of the County Infirmary. It says that from 1912 the house was used as the Parochial House.

"It occupies a prominent position in the town and retains a wealth of original fabric both externally and internally," says the inventory.

It says the Doric portico and doorcase, which the inventory described as "one of the finest in the town".

The inventory described the building as a highlight that needs careful restoration.

"Although in need of sensitive maintenance and conservation, the house along with its boundary walls and courtyard outbuildings is one of the highlights of Portlaoise's architectural heritage," it says.

The building is stop 21 on the Portlaoise Heritage Trail. A plaque was erected on the building by the Portlaoise Heritage Society supported by Laois County Council and Ireland's Heritage Council to denote this status.

The building is part of the property that was formerly owned by Portlaoise Parish. The house, stables, and two bungalows were sold along with property owned by the Presentation Sisters along the Ridge Road.

Laois Councillor says teens can drive seven tonne tractors without lessons but not cars

Grahams began a process in 2023 to develop the land to the rear of the house also.