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19 Jan 2026

PICTURES: Portlaoise cafés embrace late night opening

PICTURES: Portlaoise cafés embrace late night opening

Photos: Michael Scully

Reporter:

Laura McLoughlin

01 Aug 2025 8:23 PM

Email:

news@leinsterexpress.ie

Portlaoise nightlife got a boost earlier this week when two prominent cafés in the town opened their doors with live music drawing crowds.  On Thursday, July 31, Main Street businesses Square Coffee and LemonNick Café availed of  Laois County Council’s ‘Café Late Opening Grant Initiative’. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO
USE ARROWS OR NEXT BUTTON TO SEE MORE PICTURES
 
The Square Coffee hosted local band Byro with The Coffee House Session. The band packed the café, as well as the street outside. LemonNick Café hosted DJ General and the café was transformed into a relaxing evening lounge. Following on from the success of this event this initiative will be advertised again in September. This grant initiative was launched in a bid to boost the evening economy and support local businesses, offering financial support to cafes looking to trial or establish later opening times.
Funding could be used for events, entertainment or partnerships with local artists and performers to help attract evening footfall, with the aim of: Diversifying Nightlife: expanding evening options, offering an enhanced experience for residents, workers, and visitors alike. Stimulate the Economy: increasing dwell time, encouraging additional footfall, and increasing revenue streams for cafés during evening hours.
Angela McEvoy, Director of Services at Laois County Council said: “Laois County Council is delighted to see the success of this initiative and we would love to see more businesses getting involved and applying for the next round of funding.
Our aim is to enhance the experiences of locals and visitors but also boost the local economy. These events bring together residents, local businesses and entertainers and they are key to a thriving and diverse nightlife”.

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