As promised, we have compiled a list of many of the Laois businesses that have had to close their doors once again BUT have an online presence or can facilitate a purchase even while we are under Level 5 restrictions.
2020 has been a year like no other and we hope to play a small part in supporting Laois businesses and keeping the #LoveLaois spirit alive.
We hope that wherever possible this list will make it easier to spend locally and support those businesses in what has been and continues to be one of the most challenging trading environments of recent times.
Most businesses will also have the option for you to purchase a voucher.
So, if you have no specific need for a purchase right now, a voucher is a great way to show support while spending it will also be something to look forward to in the future.
Vouchers are also a great means of saving towards something so whether it’s towards your Christmas shop or a day in the spa, keep them in mind!
It goes without saying that the intention of this directory is nothing but good so if you’ve stumbled across this and found it useful or would just like to show support to the many Laois businesses, please share it on your social media and share the good intentions.
Filed into different categories and organised alphabetically within that, in each case, you can click on the business name to take you through to their website or social media page for more information. We #LoveLaois. We hope you do too.
Please note that while this list is as comprehensive as possible, it is not exhaustive and can be updated throughout these current restrictions.
We have particularly tried to focus on businesses with a retail element that have had to close their doors.
Get in touch with us here in LaoisToday if you want to have your business added. You can email emily.miller@laoistoday.ie with details.
Retail
Anthology
Anthology describes itself as “A curated selection of Irish art and design encompassing fashion, paint, print, home, kids and family products”.
Based in Abbeyleix and offering something different, this business hasn’t had a chance to open its doors yet as its opening was scheduled for October 31. Luckily, they have a website or follow their progress on social media for more information.
Blossom Time Boutique
This Portlaoise based ladies boutique carries many Irish and International brands including Avalon, Kate Cooper, Scorzzo, Pomadora, and Zilch. Check out their social media pages to see their current stock. Collection from store available, payment can be taken over the phone or postage available if necessary. Click through to their Facebook page above for more information.
Boutique LadyBelle
Owned and run by Mary McWey, this popular ladies boutique is located on Main Street, Abbeyleix. They ship nationwide, offer a click and collect service and can facilitate a virtual appointment if you’d like a more personalised shopping experience.
Breda’s Gift Shop
Breda’s Gift Shop is located in Mountmellick and prides itself in unique and quirky gifts. There is free local pick up with free shipping nationwide on orders over 50. Each item will be gift wrapped and a personalised note can be added if required.
Copa Jewellers
Copa Jewellers in Laois Shopping Centre have temporarily closed their doors. However, they are still offering a click and collect service from their website and also ship nationwide. With combined expertise of over 40 years in retail and customer service, they stock a wide range of quality jewellery and gifts at affordable prices. Click through to their website above.
Fifty-Seven Boutique and Gift Emporium
This family owned and run ladies boutique and gift emporium has everything you’ll need for a pick me up or a gift during lockdown.
Their new website is currently being added to so if you can’t find what you are looking for there, feel free to get in touch via social media. A click and collect service will also operate from both their Durrow and Athy stores during the course of the lockdown.
Finline Furniture
Emo based Finline Furniture have temporarily closed their showrooms for the duration of these restrictions but you can still browse their collection and make enquiries via their website. Click above for some interior inspiration.
Fortune’s Fashions
This Rathdowney-based clothing and drapery store is keeping it’s customers well up to date via social media during these restrictions. Find them on Instagram or click through above to their Facebook page for a peek at what they have in store.
FrankiesHairdressing.ie
Hair salons have once again been asked to close their doors during the current restrictions. Frankies in Mountmellick is one such salon but they are remaining open full hours for retail sales click/phone and collect. You can click above to view their full range on their website.
Gerry Browne Jewellers
Portlaoise-based family run jewellers providing for all your jewellery needs.
They can also facilitate any repairs you may have while the store is closed – see their website for more details. All purchases come beautifully presented upon delivery or click and collect is available should you prefer. Winner of National Jeweller of the Year 2020.
Handmade By Shauna
Handmade by Shauna, started as Hats by Shauna but during the Covid lockdown Shauna expanded her focus. Now making everything from face masks, to children’s clothes and memory bears. Find Shauna on Instagram or Facebook as Handmade By Shauna or click through to her Etsy shop.
Ken Blacks
For obvious reasons at this time of year, Ken Blacks is an important inclusion in our directory. Although the Portlaoise store is closed, they began working on their website during the initial lockdown and are now offering a number of options to complete a purchase.
Although their entire catalogue is not available to view online, you can still contact the store for specific requests. All contact details and further information is on their website now.
Machado.ie
Machado Mens Grooming are a Laois based business producing mens products including gift sets with beard and shaving oils. All products are handmade using natural ingredients. Check out their website above.
Naturally at the Wrens Nest
Danielle Doody is the owner of Naturally at the Wrens Nest and she makes natural, aromatherapy soaps & skincare products, using flowers grown in her own garden, with plant based oils & butters.
Nook and Cranny
This Portlaoise based store is dedicated to providing inspiring gifts and is the winner of the Retail Excellence Ireland, National Gift Store of the Year – 2019.
The website is regularly updated with options for everyone and if you’re looking for inspiration, take a stroll past their window! Click and collect service also available.
Pretty Woman Boutique
This family run boutique is run by Laois sisters Mo and Tara Nerney. They stock clothing in sizes 8-24 as well as footwear, handbags, scarves, hats and other accessories.
Having only had a small number of months trading with their second store on Portlaoise’s Main Street before the pandemic arrived and changed life as we know it, the sisters took the decision to close again and put their focus into developing online. Check out their website or find them on Instagram or Facebook under the same name.
Q & R Sublime
The Portlaoise based hairdressing duo of Bernadette and Meghan may have their doors closed for now but the phoneline is still attended and you can contact them for all your retail hair care needs. Christmas sets in stock too. Have a look at their facebook page for more information.
SoapSisters
Sisters Samantha and Sinead are the duo behind this new start up business which went online in May.
They hand make natural products such as bath bombs, pillow mists, lip balm, body scrub, bath salts, soy wax candles & soy wax melts.
There are also numerous gift box options. Soap Sisters offers a click and collect service within the Portlaoise area and free shipping on orders over 100 euro.
The Hair House
This Rathdowney based hair salon is owned and run by Darren Farrell. Although the doors are closed you can still contact Darren for all you retail hair care needs such as hair care products, brushes, electrical etc. Click through to his Facebook page above.
Treasures
This gift shop is based on Main Street, Portlaoise and carries an array of gift ideas for all occasions. Keep up to date on current stock by checking out their Facebook page linked above. Louise is doing click and collect at the moment and customers can order through Facebook or Instagram via message or else by calling 0578621293.
Yvonne’s Florist
Mountmellick based florist – Yvonne’s Florist will be open for bouquet deliveries and collections from their store and also sympathy work via online orders and telephone orders.
Have a look at their inviting website if you’re in need of some wonderful blooms to brighten the days ahead.
Food and Beverage
12 Acres Brewing Co.
12 Acres Brewing Company is located in Killeshin and was set up by brothers Patrick, Ian, Barry & Rory McDonald on their family farm.
According to their website, it is the first commercial brewery to have been set up in Laois since the closure of Perrys in Rathdowney in 1966. Their range of beers are available to purchase online with free delivery to Co. Laois.
Abbeyleix Manor Hotel – Food Truck
The Food Truck in the car park of The Abbeyleix Manor Hotel made it’s appearance during the last lockdown and has quickly become a firm favourite amongst its clientele.
The Food Truck provides takeaway teas, coffees, treats, sandwiches, ciabattas and pizzas and is conveniently located next to the entrance of the Abbeyleix Bog walk. Another excellent service provided by a family run business.
Ballykilcavan Brewery
Family run and based in Stradbally, Ballykilcavan has been a farm for many generations but the brewery is a relatively new addition by David and his family.
Visit their website to hear about the history of the farm, the future plans and check out the shop where you can purchase produce for collection or local delivery can be arranged.
Brew Café
Brew Café, located in Design Options on the Dublin Road in Portlaoise remains open from 8am-4pm for takeaway only with reduced menu offerings. Call 057-8681000 for call and collect. Click through to their Facebook page above for more information.
Croft Alley
Located on Main street, Portlaoise and celebrating their first year in business, Croft Alley serves up traditional Neapolitan wood fired pizzas.
They’re doing takeaway from Thursday to Sunday which you can order and avail of their call and collect service through Whatsapp on 083 0385064. You can check out their menu online.
O’Gorman’s – The Bog Road and Kilminchy
O’Gorman’s in Kilminchy and The Bog Road in Fairgreen on the Mountmellick Road in Portlaoise are two very popular establishments but with their doors now closed again they are back doing takeaway.
And they have a very good menu with a range of choices.
G’s jams
One of Laois’ success stories – you can shop their range online including gift bags for delivery nationwide and if you’re lucky enough to be close by takeaway is available from G’s farm shop located in Ballypickas, just outside Abbeyleix.
It stocks freshly baked bread, homegrown vegetables, artisan chocolates and of course their range of jams, marmalades and chutneys.
Kavanagh’s Bar and Venue
Kavanagh’s Home Bar Delivery Service proved a novel and popular service during the first lockdown and PJ is back with the offering this time around. PJ, Niamh and team, like many other publicans and restaurant owners, put in every effort to create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere at Kavanagh’s once they opened their doors again.
Although, for now, we are on the other of those doors again, this service is one you can avail of.
Kelly Lou Cakes
Well-known, Portlaoise-based, bakery, cakery and cafes – for the duration of these restrictions the Parkside cafe will remain open for takeaway only.
All online and cake orders can also be collected from here. So, if you still have an occasion to mark at home or just fancy a treat, click through to the KellyLou website for more information.
Kelly’s Steakhouse
The much-loved steakhouse attached to the Midlands Park Hotel is offering a take away menu seven days a week. So, if you, like many others had plans of less cooking over mid-term Kelly’s at Home is your answer.
The smallies are well catered for too. Click through to their website for contact details and menus.
Mueller O’Connell Bakery
The Abbeyleix bakery which creates artisan bread and pastries also has an option to order their sourdough bread online with the more recent addition of their coffee beans as an additional option too.
If you’d like to send a gift of “real bread unlaoised” just click through to their website.
The Merry Mill
A lot of people found that they were using more local suppliers during the initial lockdown. Hopefully this trend continues and The Merry Mill might be one to come into its own as we head into colder months.
Supplying 100% organic, gluten free oats and with bundle deals and overnight oat options, this website is worth a look.
The Pantry
The sister business to Nook and Cranny gift shop. The cafe will be open Tuesday through Saturday for takeaway and click and collect.
You can view their menu online and treat yourself to breakfast or lunch.
Stradbally Fayre
Located on Main street in Stradbally, this restaurant and coffee shop provides a great menu.
Initially they are remaining open for takeaway until Sunday October 25 as a trial and all going well will continue from there. Take Away orders available by contacting 0578641697 or click through to their Facebook page for more information.
Health and Fitness
Blackhill Woods
As we know, these restrictions not only mean the closing of retail doors but also doors across all business categories including health and fitness.
If you’re going to miss your daily/weekly fitness class then there are some good online options available including this Abbeyleix and Portlaoise based yoga business.
Operated by Eilish and Simon, you can log on any time to avail of their yoga and meditation classes. They offer a free 3 day trial to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Boley Hurleys & Sportswear
Boley Hurleys & Sportswear is a family business based in Shanahoe since 2008.
As well as being hurley-makers, they also stock a large selection of sports gear and are agents for Cooper, Precision and raydonsports in Laois.
They launched their website earlier this year and are currently offering free delivery.
Colgan Sports
With retail stores in both Portarlington and Portlaoise (and Naas for anyone in Kildare), Colgan Sports is a long established family owned and operated sports shop. Catering for all your sports and equipment needs, both Laois stores are now offering click and collect.
Cuddy Sports
If Cuddy Sports are good enough for Limerick hurlers Declan Hannon and Cian Lynch, then they must be good!
They’re selling a large selection of hurleys on site as well as sliotars, grips and socks.
DS Sports
Well known Laois footballer, Darren Strong from Emo now runs DS Sports which stocks a range of sports clothing and equipment.
They are currently having a big stock sale at the moment running into Christmas. Click above for the link to the sale. DS Sports also caters for bespoke designs.
Fitz Hurleys
Owned by Joe Fitzpatrick, the former Laois hurler and six-time Laois SHC winner with Rathdowney-Errill, Fitz Hurleys has a very wide selection on site.
Take your pick from hurleys, sliotars, jerseys, socks, face guards and face masks.
Golden Egg Holistic
Golden Egg Holistic is continuing to offer training in many areas of holistic therapy during these restrictions. The training is being offered online, via Zoom and with pre-recorded tutorials. To find out more on what courses are available click through to their Facebook page above or find their website here.
Pearson Performance and Fitness
Even though the PFP gym is closed under the current restrictions, live online classes are available to both members and non members alike. See their website for more information and to book your place.
Accommodation
Glamping Under The Stars
Glamping Under The Stars is a beautiful, boutique glampsite in Co. Laois. With a mix of wood lodges, bell tents, and a gorgeous shepherd’s hut, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing break with family or friends. Put campfires & stars under the tree this Christmas, with a glamping gift voucher from: www.glampingunderthestars.ie/
Maldron Hotel
Maldron Hotel Portlaoise is open for essential workers during level five restrictions. Gift Vouchers are also available to purchase (057) 8695900 or www.maldronhotelportlaoise.com
Inch House Ireland
Inch House Ireland is an exclusive guesthouse between Stradbally and Vicarstown offering 5-star service. Though closed now also, they do have a very good section on their website with all their voucher options.
The Heritage
The Killenard hotel is fully closed for the duration of these restrictions but if you’re already looking forward to a break, consider a gift voucher which are available to purchase online. Click through to their website for more details.
The Killeshin
The Killeshin hotel in Portlaoise has remained open during this time to facilitate essential workers only. Their selection of vouchers are also available for purchase online.
The Midlands Park Hotel
The Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise is currently open to provide for essential workers only. Vouchers are available to purchase online.
