Portlaoise (older spelling Portlaoighise; former name Maryborough), is the county town of County Laois in the midlands of Ireland. The name is Irish for "Fort of Laois", and properly ; however, a more anglicised pronunciation of "Port Laois" (/pɔrtˈliːʃ/) is common. The population in 2006 was 14,275. History The present town originated as a settlement around the old fort, 'Fort of Leix' or 'Fort Protector', the remains of which can still be seen in the town centre. I… (More on Portlaoise)