PORTLAOISE

also called Port Laoise ("Fort of the Descendants of Laois"), or Maryborough county town (seat) of County Laoighis, Ireland, on the River Triogue. Established as Fort Protector during the reign of Mary I (1533-58), it was granted a charter in 1570. The main industries of the town are flour milling and the manufacture of worsteds and sports equipment. The Rock of Dunmase, just to the east, was the seat of the ancient kings of Leinster. Pop. (1986) 3,773.