Pollen count in Portlaoise today
Part of County Laois
Updated 08:29. The forecast updates every six hours.
Portlaoise pollen forecast for today and the next two days
Sunday, 4 October
Quiet season
Pollen season is over for now in Portlaoise. Tree pollen usually returns in February.
120 days until tree pollen season usually starts.
- Grass
- Low
- Tree
- Low
- Weed
- Low
Dry, 18°C high, Breezy
What to do today
- NowNothing to plan around outsidePollen stays very low until the tree season.
- IndoorsSneezing in winter?It is often dust mites or mould. Air rooms for ten minutes a day, dry clothes away from bedrooms and wash bedding hot each week.
- JanuaryGet ready earlyIf spring is hard for you, ask your pharmacist or GP in January about starting treatment before the season.
- Any timeGet a heads-upSign up for alerts and we'll email you the evening before the first High day.
Monday, 5 October
Quiet season
Pollen season is over for now in Portlaoise. Tree pollen usually returns in February.
119 days until tree pollen season usually starts.
- Grass
- Low
- Tree
- Low
- Weed
- Low
Rain expected, 18°C high, Breezy
What to do tomorrow
- NowNothing to plan around outsidePollen stays very low until the tree season.
- IndoorsSneezing in winter?It is often dust mites or mould. Air rooms for ten minutes a day, dry clothes away from bedrooms and wash bedding hot each week.
- JanuaryGet ready earlyIf spring is hard for you, ask your pharmacist or GP in January about starting treatment before the season.
- Any timeGet a heads-upSign up for alerts and we'll email you the evening before the first High day.
Tuesday, 6 October
Quiet season
Pollen season is over for now in Portlaoise. Tree pollen usually returns in February.
118 days until tree pollen season usually starts.
- Grass
- Low
- Tree
- Low
- Weed
- Low
Rain expected, 15°C high, Breezy
What to do on Tuesday
- NowNothing to plan around outsidePollen stays very low until the tree season.
- IndoorsSneezing in winter?It is often dust mites or mould. Air rooms for ten minutes a day, dry clothes away from bedrooms and wash bedding hot each week.
- JanuaryGet ready earlyIf spring is hard for you, ask your pharmacist or GP in January about starting treatment before the season.
- Any timeGet a heads-upSign up for alerts and we'll email you the evening before the first High day.
Your outings
Tell us when you're usually outside, like the school run or a lunchtime walk, and we'll check each one against the pollen. Saved on this device only.
How Portlaoise compares with the rest of Laois
Portlaoise usually gets more pollen than the Laois forecast suggests. In 2026 it had 38 High or Very high days, against 23 in the Laois forecast.
Your season in Portlaoise
Pollen season is over for now. Tree pollen usually returns in February.
When each pollen is in the air
- Tree: February to May, birch peaks in April.
- Grass: May to July, the main hay fever season.
- Weed: June to September.
Help in Portlaoise
Allergy services near you
- Fitzwilliam Food Test Clinic
Online and telehealth, Dublin 2
All 1 places in the Laois directory
Not sure where to start? A pharmacist can suggest what might help. See your GP if symptoms are hard to manage.
Tip of the week
Hypoallergenic Halloween
Pumpkins and decorations can sometimes harbour mould. When carving pumpkins, store them in a cool, dry place and choose hypoallergenic face paints for costumes to avoid skin irritations.
Questions about pollen in Portlaoise
Is pollen in Portlaoise different from the rest of Laois?
Portlaoise usually gets more pollen than the Laois forecast suggests. In 2026 it had 38 High or Very high days, against 23 in the Laois forecast.
What are the common hay fever symptoms in Portlaoise?
Hay fever symptoms in Portlaoise are influenced by the county's varied terrain and inland position. The Slieve Bloom Mountains support extensive conifer plantations with pine pollen in spring. The surrounding lowlands are intensively farmed with high grass pollen. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy and watery eyes, and an itchy throat. During prolonged dry spells, symptoms may be more persistent. The rural setting means exposure to agricultural pollen sources is common during farming activities.
When is pollen season in Portlaoise, Ireland?
Tree pollen season typically runs from February to May. In Portlaoise, the key local trees are oak, beech, Scots pine, which affect spring pollen levels. Grass pollen season peaks in June and July, with the Slieve Bloom Mountains and bogland contributing to local concentrations. Weed pollen, including nettle and dock, can be present from June to September. Our daily forecasts help you track these changing conditions throughout the seasons.
How does weather affect pollen levels in Portlaoise?
Laois's central location means variable weather with no coastal influence. The Slieve Blooms can trap weather systems, creating localised conditions. Without coastal influence, pollen can concentrate during calm, dry periods. Warm, dry, and windy days typically see higher pollen counts as conditions favour pollen release and dispersal. During dry spells, pollen levels can build up over several days.
Does rain reduce pollen levels in Portlaoise?
Yes, rain generally reduces airborne pollen levels in Portlaoise by washing particles from the air. During the drier periods common in Portlaoise, rain showers provide welcome relief. However, thunderstorms can break pollen grains into smaller particles that penetrate deeper into the lungs. Light, steady rain is best for pollen relief. Check our daily forecast to plan activities around weather patterns.
How can I manage hay fever in Portlaoise?
The higher Slieve Bloom trails often have cleaner air than the lowland farms. Portlaoise offers good pharmacy access for the region. General tips include checking our daily pollen forecast before planning outdoor activities, staying indoors during peak pollen times (usually mid-morning and early evening), wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors, and showering after being outside. Consider heading to higher ground or nearby coastal areas on high pollen days. Consult your pharmacist or GP about antihistamines and other treatments tailored to your symptoms.