Eco Hotels in Mountmellick
Sustainable accommodation in Laois's heritage town of Quaker roots. Lowest price guarantee — 1 tonne CO₂ removed per booking. €5 free credit for new members.
Why Stay in Mountmellick
Mountmellick is one of Ireland's most distinctive small towns, a place where Quaker history, Georgian architecture and the quiet waterways of the midlands come together. Founded as a Quaker settlement in the 17th century, it grew into a prosperous milling and market town, and its legacy survives in the wide streets, Meeting House, and the famous Mountmellick embroidery — a white-on-white stitchwork craft that originated here in the 1820s and is still practised by local artisans today.
The town sits on the Owenass River, a tributary of the Barrow, and at the end of a branch of the Grand Canal that once carried its flour, beer and textiles to Dublin. Today the canal harbour and towpaths are peaceful green corridors, perfect for cycling and walking, while the town centre retains a handsome, unhurried Georgian character with independent shops, pubs and cafés. Mountmellick is a designated heritage town, and the community has worked hard to preserve and tell its story in the local museum and heritage centre.
For the eco traveller, Mountmellick is an ideal quiet base: the Slieve Bloom Mountains, one of Ireland's least-visited upland ranges, begin 20 minutes away with waymarked walking trails; Emo Court's restored gardens are a short drive; and the whole area is threaded with canal towpaths and quiet country lanes. It is also genuinely affordable, with some of the best-value accommodation in the midlands — and every IMPT booking removes a tonne of CO₂.
Mountmellick at a Glance
Getting the Most from Mountmellick
Mountmellick lies in the heart of the Irish midlands, 12 km south-west of Portlaoise, the county town of Laois, and about an hour and a half from Dublin. By car, take the M7 to Portlaoise and then the N80 towards Mountmellick. The town is served by Dublin Coach and other bus services via Portlaoise, and the nearest railway stations are at Portlaoise (with frequent services from Dublin Heuston) and Ballybrophy on the Limerick line. Dublin Airport is about 1 hour 40 minutes by road.
The best introduction to Mountmellick is on foot. Follow the heritage trail around the town's Georgian streets, the Market House, the Meeting House and the old mill sites along the Owenass. Then head for the Grand Canal: the Mountmellick branch, now a tranquil greenway, makes a lovely short walk or cycle out to the main line. In town, the Mountmellick Museum tells the story of the Quaker community and the embroidery industry, and the local heritage centre regularly hosts stitching workshops.
Mountmellick is also perfectly placed for the midlands' best days out. Emo Court, with its neo-classical house and celebrated gardens, is 15 minutes away; the Rock of Dunamase, a dramatic ruined castle above the Barrow valley, is 20 minutes; and the Slieve Bloom Mountains, with waterfalls, forest trails and the highest point in the midlands, are 25–30 minutes west. Birr Castle Demesne, with its great telescope, is 40 minutes, and Kilkenny city is an hour south.
Where to Stay — Areas
Town Centre
Georgian streets around the Market House and main square, close to the museum, pubs, cafés and the heritage trail.
Owenass Riverside
Guesthouses and B&Bs along the river, with the greenway and parkland right on the doorstep.
Canal Quarter
The old canal harbour and towpaths — peaceful stays with easy access to the Grand Canal greenway walks.
Laois Countryside
Farmhouses and country houses in the lanes around Mountmellick and towards Emo and the Slieve Bloom, 10–20 minutes by car.
Hotels in and Around Mountmellick
Maldron Hotel Portlaoise
Modern four-star in the county town, 15 minutes from Mountmellick, with a pool and leisure club.
Check Maldron Hotel PortlaoiseKilleshin Hotel
Popular four-star on the edge of Portlaoise with a spa and award-winning restaurant.
Check Killeshin HotelPortlaoise Heritage Hotel
Contemporary hotel in the centre of Portlaoise, close to the train station and shops.
Check Portlaoise Heritage HotelThe Abbeyleix Manor Hotel
Friendly three-star in the heritage town of Abbeyleix, 20 minutes from Mountmellick.
Check The Abbeyleix Manor HotelMidland Park Hotel
Good-value, well-run hotel in Portlaoise with a restaurant and bar, an easy base for Laois.
Check Midland Park HotelBallyfin Demesne
One of Ireland's finest five-star country estates, set in 600 acres near Mountrath, 25 minutes away.
Check Ballyfin DemesneThings to Do in Mountmellick
The town's museum in the old courthouse tells the story of the Quaker settlement, the mills and the famous Mountmellick embroidery.
See and learn the whitework craft that made the town famous — the heritage centre hosts workshops and exhibits historic pieces.
Walk or cycle the Mountmellick branch of the Grand Canal, now a quiet greenway connecting the town to the main canal line.
A magnificent neo-classical house with formal gardens, parkland and woodland, restored and open to the public, 15 minutes away.
A dramatic 12th-century castle ruin on a rocky crag above the Barrow valley, with superb views — one of Ireland's most photogenic ruins.
The midlands' highest range, with waymarked trails, waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints, 25–30 minutes west of town.
The castle demesne at Birr holds the 19th-century Great Telescope and 120 acres of gardens and science centre, 40 minutes away.
A self-guided trail around Mountmellick's Georgian streets, Meeting House, Market House and mill sites along the Owenass.
Recommended Walks & Guided Experiences
Canal Towpath Walk
5 km · 1.5 hrs · Easy
Follow the old Mountmellick branch of the Grand Canal out of town through meadows and hedgerows.
Owenass Riverside Loop
4 km · 1 hr · Easy
A gentle loop along the Owenass River through the town park and back via the main street.
Slieve Bloom — Glenbarrow Trail
7 km · 2.5 hrs · Moderate
A waymarked Slieve Bloom trail up the Glenbarrow valley with cascading waterfalls, 30 minutes from Mountmellick.
Nearby Cities & Towns
