Mountmellick Embroidery & Heritage Museum
Review
Co. Laois is steeped in story, and on my recent travels I’ve been delving deeper into its past. Choosing attractions for my books is never done lightly, and the Mountmellick Embroidery & Heritage Museum is one of the county’s brightest jewels. Set in Mountmellick, a 15th-century settlement on the Owenass River, “River of the Falls” in Irish – this intimate museum brings local heritage to life with real warmth. You’ll discover how the English Quakers, who settled here from 1657, helped feed and support the town, and you’ll also explore the embroidery boom that saw Mountmellick dubbed the “Manchester of Ireland”. Beautiful stitched pieces, fascinating stories, and a strong sense of place make this visit genuinely rewarding. The team are friendly, welcoming, and impressively knowledgeable. If you can, book a guided tour for the richest experience. It’s a hidden gem that deserves your time.
- Top 100 Review
Contact Us
Irishtown
,
Mountmellick, Co. Laois
, R32 A0PK
Image Gallery
Click on a photograph to view in a larger format
Location
View the map below to see where we are and to get directions.
Nearby Eating Out

The Hare’s Corner
The Hare’s Corner Restaurant is the sort of place you stumble upon once, then plan your next day around. Sitting right beside the Mountmellick Embroidery & Heritage Museum, this gem is housed in a beautifully restored, historic corn mill that oozes character the moment
Nearby Accommodation

The Forum
In the historic town of Mountmellick, once famously hailed as the ‘Manchester of Ireland’ for its Quaker embroidery legacy, the Forum delivers accommodation with real character. Set within a beautifully converted former Presbyterian church,
















