Major city · Ireland
MountmellickMóinteach Mílic
Skip as a base unless you are hiking the Slieve Bloom: one night, or a half-day stop between Portlaoise and Tullamore.
Mountmellick is a small County Laois town of about 4,900 people, once a Quaker industrial centre of breweries, mills and glassworks. Almost none of that survives; the embroidery museum is the one indoor sight and the Slieve Bloom Mountains to the west are the real reason to come. Most travellers pass through on the Bus Éireann 73 or use it as a cheap bed for a hiking day.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (wet, short days, trails muddy)
- Airport
- DUB
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen area; it sets its own entry rules and a Schengen visa is not valid for Ireland. Check Irish immigration for your passport.
- Ireland ↗Ireland and the UK form the Common Travel Area, with no routine checks on the land border. Visitors who are not Irish or British must still meet UK rules (including the UK ETA where it applies) to enter Northern Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Driving is on the left; rural roads are narrow with hedges and few passing places.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Mountmellick112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Mountmellick, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Ireland-wide
- SIM or eSIMVodafone, Three and Eir run the networks; prepaid SIMs (also 48, Tesco Mobile, GoMo) sell in phone shops and newsagents, no registration fuss.Ireland-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe; occasional local 'boil water' notices are posted by Uisce Éireann.Ireland-wide
- TippingRestaurant with table service: 10–15% if service is not included.Ireland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ireland-wide
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime town; the real risks are wet, unlit rural roads at night, muddy mountain trails and long waits if you miss the last bus back from…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in shopping centres, museums, pubs (as a customer) and many petrol stations; some public toilets charge 50c.Ireland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, ambulance, fire (gardaí) · 999 police, ambulance, fire (alternative)
- Sundays & holidaysShops open Sunday afternoons in towns; rural shops and some attractions close in winter (November–March).Ireland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDUB Dublin Airport (Bus to Portlaoise, then Bus Éireann 73 or a taxi; about 2–2.5 h door to door).
- Getting aroundThe town is walkable in 15 minutes end to end.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a café€3–4 (≈ US$4–5)
- BeerPint of stout in a local bar€5–6 (≈ US$6–7)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi Portlaoise to Mountmellick€18–25 (≈ US$25–30)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Budget bedSelf-catering house (per night), a night, per room€100 (≈ US$120)
- Mid-range bedB&B double room, a night, per room€100 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedB&B double room, a night, per room€140 (≈ US$170)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €45 (≈ US$55) · Mid €80 (≈ US$95) · High €150 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DUB Dublin Airport (Bus to Portlaoise, then Bus Éireann 73 or a taxi; about 2–2.5 h door to door)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (14 rain days), driest Jun (11). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Mountmellick: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
12 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Jul
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
13 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
14 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is walkable in 15 minutes end to end. For Glenbarrow, Brittas Forest or any Slieve Bloom trail you need a car or a lift: there is no local bus to the trailheads. Portlaoise, 10 km east, is the rail and bus hub.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Glenbarrow, Slieve Bloom Mountains
goDoor to door: About 20 min by car
Drive R422 west, then minor roads to the Glenbarrow car park
4 km (2.5 mi) riverside walk to the waterfall, or the 10 km (6.2 mi) Old Mill Loop; boots needed after rain.2.5 mi (4 km) riverside walk to the waterfall, or the 6.2 mi (10 km) Old Mill Loop; boots needed after rain.
Brittas Forest, near Clonaslee
goDoor to door: About 30 min by car
Drive north-west via Rosenallis and Clonaslee
Lowland lakeside trails; the 19th-century castle burned down in 1942.
Portlaoise
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Bus Éireann 73, or drive the R422/N80
Rail hub for Dublin, Galway and Cork, plus shops and restaurants.
Portarlington and Emo Court
cautionDoor to door: About 30 min by car
Drive east via the R422
The neo-classical mansion has had long restoration closures: check before you go.
Tullamore
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Slieve Bloom Coach 841, three times Monday–Saturday
Two distilleries and the Grand Canal; a half-day is enough.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (O'Connell Square, Market St)
Walk to pubs, shops and the bus stop; very few beds, so book ahead.
Irishtown / outskirts
Self-catering and B&B options 1 km (0.6 mi) out; you need a car for the mountains.Self-catering and B&B options 0.6 mi (1 km) out; you need a car for the mountains.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €45–70 (≈ US$55–85) excl. bed
- Mid
- €70–120 (≈ US$85–140) excl. bed
- High
- €120 (≈ US$140)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B double room1 × 1 night × €100 | €100 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €80 | €160 |
| Bus Éireann 73, Portlaoise to Mountmellick, one way2 × €4 · Two Monday–Saturday services and one on Sunday; check the timetable. | €8 |
| Taxi Portlaoise station to Mountmellick1 × €20 | €20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €32 |
| Trip total≈ €175 per person per day, bed included | €350≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in euro; transport to and from Mountmellick excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | €3–4 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Fish and chips or a burger | €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) |
| Chinese takeaway main | €9–14 (≈ US$11–17) |
| Pint of stout in a local bar | €5–6 (≈ US$6–7) |
| Taxi Portlaoise to Mountmellick | €18–25 (≈ US$25–30) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No train station: Portlaoise is the nearest, about 10 km (6.2 mi) east.No train station: Portlaoise is the nearest, about 6.2 mi (10 km) east.
- Local Link 558 from Portlaoise runs on Tuesdays only; check the timetable before you rely on it.
- The embroidery museum has been closed for long stretches: confirm it is open before travelling for it.
- Trail car parks at Glenbarrow fill on sunny weekends; go early.
Emergency numbers
- Police, ambulance, fire (Gardaí)
- 112
- Police, ambulance, fire (alternative)
- 999
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
MountmellickMóinteach Mílic
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Chuig an seoladh seo, le do thoilTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, ambulance, fire112
- Police, ambulance, fire (alternative)999
Embassy
No embassies in Mountmellick; most are in Dublin. US citizens: the US Embassy is in Dublin (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Éireann 73, Portlaoise → Mountmellick: about €4 (≈ US$5), 20 min
- Taxi Portlaoise station → Mountmellick: €18–25 (≈ US$25–30)
- Slieve Bloom Coach 841, Mountmellick → Tullamore: about €8–10 (≈ US$10–12), 1 h, Mon–Sat only
Say or show
- Dia duit — Hello (jeea gwit)
- Go raibh maith agat — Thank you (guh rev mah agut)
- Le do thoil — Please (leh duh hull)
- Cá bhfuil an stad bus? — Where is the bus stop? (kaw will an stad bus)
- Cé mhéad é? — How much is it? (kay vade ay)
- Sláinte — Cheers (slawn-cha)
Bus stop is central on Market Street; the nearest rail station is Portlaoise, about 10 km east.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Mountmellick. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (wet, short days, trails muddy) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for DUB: last bus and train times to Portlaoise, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Two walking clusters with rescue anchors: town centre, and Glenbarrow/Brittas with car access.
- Place pages with verified opening status (embroidery museum, Emo Court) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wet-day fixtures so the page still works when the mountains are in cloud.
Sources
- officialMountmellick official town website
- officialBus Éireann
- officialSlieve Bloom Coaches
- secondaryWikivoyage: Mountmellick, revision 4879572 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Mountmellick
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