Portarlington Leisure Centre

Negative experience: This place use to be great but gone down hill fast. we had my daughter in lessons here but we had to pull her out as the teacher she had the last 3 times was so bad and was actually holding her back and we had her assessed elsewhere and they said she was well able to pass and he still failed her. We sent an email and it was ignored so don’t waste your money.

Negative experience: If you are joining be aware it's closed to the public and members on a lot of occasions. Wednesday and Friday it closes at 330pm for 4 hours which is a bit ridiculous considering members pay 475 per annum for the facility. Saturday and Sunday there are lessons, private hire and inflatable sessions which means the pool is gone for up to 3.5/4 hours and the pool is open reduced hours on those days anyway. It's not really a public facility in that respect as all lessons are paid for to my knowledge. A lot of private pools are not that more expensive and are a lot more available. This aspect should be looked at by management cause the yearly fees do not reflect the level of closure in my opinion. Lots of people have commented on the cleanliness , however I don't find that aspect too bad. A lot of Lockers are broken or keys missing unfortunately.

Positive experience: Very good swimming pool with steam room and sauna next to it. Friendly staff and life guards. Changing rooms a bit small and many of the lockers don't lock, hence dropping a star.

Fantastic experience: Have been a member here for some time , and when it came to renewing my membership this month I thought long about why I would. The gym equipment is old, damaged and outdated, the treadmills are always out of order. There is more kids in the place just on their phones sitting around taking photos or videos. It doesn't even feel like a real gym, like a playground for kids, the communal changing rooms are dirty and the showers are almost always out of order as is the steam room. Lockers always broken and the private showers are for some reason always closed. The staff at reception lack experience, and when you ask them a question it's usually responded with "i don't know" or ' I need to ask my manager" On numerous occasions I asked about why the facilities had fallen into such bad quality, and the response was always the same....We don't know, we just work here. Cant really blame the staff, it's the management responsibility to have the place in order. To renew my membership for 1 year it was 450euro, going by what I have experienced over the last 12months , I wouldn't even pay half of that for what they offer. The only positive thing I can say is the fitness classes are good and they should offer more of them on a weekly basis. If your looking for a top quality leisure centre, this is certainly not it. Keep your money and look elsewhere

Negative experience: The opening times are wrong on Google. Says it closes at 7pm on sat and website says 530pm. They know about it but haven't done anything about changing it. Very irish ! Could close to the public last minute with no notice or updates on their website or FB for a private hire. Meaning the pool isn't open to the public for an hour. Which is such a disgrace for a town with little to no amenities for kids (bar the park). A women in front had 2 kids in the pool and told to leave for the party coming in. She was going to look for a refund because the kids weren't in the pool for that long. It's very outdated and can be dirty at times especially after the huge volume of kids swimming lessons and groups in midweek. But I believe it's getting revamped which will be welcomed and we'll needed.

Fantastic experience: Lovely as always

Negative experience: Hi, I just wanted to raise a few issues that have really been affecting my experience at the gym lately. To be honest, the lack of hygiene is quite worrying. In some areas, it’s so bad that it could even be a health hazard. As you’ll see in the photos I’ve attached, there’s a serious lack of cleaning most things are dirty, greasy, and in bits. I always try to avoid using the toilets while I’m at the gym because they’re usually filthy or soaking wet. A lot of things are broken too for example, the hand dryer looks rusted and in desperate need of replacing, and most of the lockers are either broken or filthy. The carpet at the entrance to the gym smells awful, like something’s either dead or rotting it’s genuinely hard not to gag. Please don’t say it’s the smell of paint, as the painting is nowhere near the carpet. Also, painting the walls while members are training just feels a bit off it’s awkward and definitely not ideal. There’s also a massive wooden ladder left in the core workout area that’s just dangerous. It could fall and seriously hurt someone. That really shouldn’t be happening in a place where safety should be a priority. The equipment itself is quite old compared to what you’d see elsewhere, although it still works fine. But for a membership that’s nearly €50 a month by direct debit, you’d expect better conditions and service. It’s really disappointing to see such poor upkeep, especially when this gym is the only one in town. It feels like the lack of competition is being taken advantage of, which isn’t fair on paying members. (Removed as advised by the management)I’ve attached a few images to give a better idea of what I’m talking about. I really hope the place gets the attention it needs members deserve better.

Fantastic experience: Well maintained place with lots of activities for everyone

Fantastic experience: Did aqua fit and it was amazing

Negative experience: Very unsatisfactory facilities. The showers have been freezing cold now for 4 weeks. Can't even shower the kids after their swimming lessons. Iv spoken to staff and sent my concerns to the manager which have been ignored.

Negative experience: Do not go to this place . Payed for my children to use the pool and when they had changed into the swimming gear and about to use the pool they were told no that's lessons were starting and that we had to go and get a refund . No apology from the manager and left us standing there with two upset kids for about ten minutes !! Then to be told they don't give cash refunds even though we payed with cash ! The manager should be fired he was that rude ! Zero customer service skills . Avoid this place especially if you have kids !

Negative experience: I've been going to the gym in this leisure centre for about 2 years, and never was there an issue with the age of members coming in. I had to take a break for a while so i couldn't attend the leisure centre. I came back 2 weeks ago, signed up and was told to just sign my name and give my date of birth, and was told nothing else apart from that. today i show up and i get rejected from being able to use the gym because i was "underage". without disclosing this information anywhere, i was supposed to KNOW that there is a rule where the gym is only available to over 18s after 7.30pm. i was never told about this when paying for my membership. i am very upset about not being informed in any way about this new rule. I've always used the gym after 7.30 and there was NEVER an issue. not to mention the staff are incredibly rude here. i do NOT recommend signing up with leisure centre. powerhouse does not have this issue. if i could give it negative stars i WOULD. I'm a few months off of 18, and i've seen under 18s coming out of the gym as i know them. i find this extremely unreasonable.

Negative experience: Hate this place.Pool is always cold Toilets are either broken or dirty.Floors are dirty too.I dont reccomend coming here for swimming I Went for a swim for 1 hour Paid And the staff told us There is a party.Didint get a refund and only got 10 minutes Scam.

Negative experience: Well, let’s start. The bathrooms are very dirty. this even the swimming pool it’s dirty and I think it’s full of bacteria. It’s dangerous for the kids. How can the staff work there and them not to be shy Customer to come in there and to see how dirty is staff should be embarrassed. But I guess this is how they live in their own house .

Negative experience: Gym facilities aren't the best.. Few, old equipment selection in a small space can be uncomfortable at times. The lockers are always broken and toilets are dirty. The pool is OK.

Negative experience: Dirtiest swimming pool facilities I have ever used. I will never use again! Changing rooms are not maintained at all. Smell of stall urine that could be smelt from the swimming pool. Toilets are vile and would risk even sitting on them. Showers are boiling hot to the point they’re uncomfortable to stand under. Wouldn’t recommend for anyone with small children/babies. Lifeguards wearing dirty shoes at poolside - spreading bacteria.

Fantastic experience: Сауна і баня працюють весь час, коли відчинений центр.

Fantastic experience: Great pool amazing swim coaches! Very kind energy very near to a bank!

Negative experience: Changing area and toilets quite dirty and worn out. Staff (most of them I have dealt with) not really interested in the job they do. It is dissapointing to see that approach and when you are leaving your small child for a swimming class there. Very unprofessional communication, like they don’t care what they do at all.

Positive experience: I went to the gym to workout and to the swimmingpool with my grandchildren. It was great! I Will come back next time I'm in Portarlington.

Negative experience: terrible stench of urine in the changing rooms

Negative experience: I am a member for over a year now, I only use the gym and I must say that the price they charged is not adequate to the standards it’s offered. The equipment is very poor, most of the treadmills are damaged or out of service. With 7 treadmills maybe 2 of them are working ok. Lighter free weights are not available, for example 5kg none there, they are mostly use by women so should be provided. Have no comments about the changing area, very dirty. Lockers areas so dirty. I hope management are looking at these comments as this is very disappointing to charge so much and do not care about basic things.

Positive experience: Not the cleanliness level you would expect from the swimming pool. Staff walking poolside with dirty shoes on. Leaves swimming in the pool. Poor hygiene.

Negative experience: Have been a member here for some time , and when it came to renewing my membership this month I thought long about why I would. The gym equipment is old, damaged and outdated, the treadmills are always out of order. There is more kids in the place just on their phones sitting around taking photos or videos. It doesn't even feel like a real gym, like a playground for kids, the communal changing rooms are dirty and the showers are almost always out of order as is the steam room. Lockers always broken and the private showers are for some reason always closed. The staff at reception lack experience, and when you ask them a question it's usually responded with "i don't know" or ' I need to ask my manager" On numerous occasions I asked about why the facilities had fallen into such bad quality, and the response was always the same....We don't know, we just work here. Cant really blame the staff, it's the management responsibility to have the place in order. To renew my membership for 1 year it was 450euro, going by what I have experienced over the last 12months , I wouldn't even pay half of that for what they offer. The only positive thing I can say is the fitness classes are good and they should offer more of them on a weekly basis. If your looking for a top quality leisure centre, this is certainly not it. Keep your money and look elsewhere

Negative experience: Place has been badly run for many many years which seem to let . Dirty , unclean. Gym equipment run down. Stay clear

Negative experience: The gym facilities aren't the best. Paid 10 euro to get in to see broken mirrors, scratched flooring, dirty walls and rusty weights. The price for what you're getting is ridiculous and the facility need a face lift. Machine seats are torn and there isn't even toilet paper in the bathrooms. Very disappointed.

Fantastic experience: Good location.nice staff

Positive experience: V nedeľu treningy deti super tréner 14.7. Mal zaujem naučiť ich a pekne vysvetľoval. Teraz bol lepsi trener ako minule. 30minut je krátky čas na kurz podľa mňa. Chceli sme kavu a automat na kávu nebol pripraveny- na recepcii povedali ze to musia nachystať. Kávy sme sa nedočkali ani do odchodu z plavárne. Ak chcete v nedelu rano kavu - radsej si ju prineste so sebou = bude to istejšie. Velmi mladí personal evidentne nemal záujem aby sa káva predávala.

Negative experience: Did a swimming lesson class here a couple years ago. I was in beginners class but when I arrived it seemed they didn’t get enough numbers of beginners so they threw us in with the intermediates. I’m very nervous around water and still am and I still can’t swim(we’ll get into that). The teacher paid most of her attention to the intermediate groups while I tried to figure it out with the other beginner beside me. I ended up getting confused and almost drowning while the other learners had to get the teachers attention away from the intermediates to come get me. I left the class, never got a refund and was too scared to ever step foot near a pool since. I was properly traumatised. As of recent I think I’ll give swimming another go but not a chance will I do it in this place and I’ll never recommend it either.

Negative experience: I've had very bad experience with staff in this Leisure Centre. My kids go swimming lessons here over a year. My husband was there in the morning and asked the staff if we had to book in for family and the lady said that normally its free in the afternoon for families. So we came at 2pm. I paid at the desk. I had 3 children dress/undress. After 10 minutes we were told to get out as they had a party booked and that the staff member was unaware of it!!!?? I asked what was the point in taking a family and asking them to pay. Staff did not even apologise. I asked for money back and to speak to the manager. Manager didn't appear. I complained by email haven't received ever an answer. Staff should have more common sense and be trained. Also when they want kids to pay for the next lessons they send emails it's time to pay. But to reply back on an occasion like this they do not have time- ridiculous.

Negative experience: ### Review for Leisure Center I recently visited this leisure center and was quite disappointed with the facilities. The cleanliness was subpar, making the experience less enjoyable. Additionally, the center lacks a Jacuzzi, which is a significant drawback for those looking to relax. The showers are not separate, which can be inconvenient and uncomfortable. Overall, It's ok if you don't have any other options otherwise I don't recommend it.

Fantastic experience: Very nice place Swimming Centre and more

Positive experience: It's clean and likely the best swimming pool in the area. The main showers are push button only and the temperature is not always proper, but other than that, it does what it says on the tin. They have an app to book your swim or gym sessions in advance.

Fantastic experience: I attended Aquafit every Monday & I enjoyed swimming

Negative experience: A lot of lockers not working,One disability shower closed for about 2 months apparently waiting on parts the other one closed for 3 weeks than got fixed than closed again,so can't shower after gym before I go to work,mens changing room reserved for schools during the week fair enough but locked on the weekends and after school hours,3 of 7 treadmills not working needs serious management,go for an adult swim in the evening people jumping in and diving like there on holidays in Spain have to cancel my membership had enough

Fantastic experience: Pool, gym and pitches. Very nice place. On the weekends they have inflatable sessions on the pool and it's a lot of fun.

Fantastic experience: I just take steroids

Fantastic experience: Me and my daughter loves the public swim here. Training her myself at the moment, but they do have many programs for all ages! ❤️ Clean and good services, sauna -available too!

Fantastic experience: the water is fairly wet and is proper liquid

Fantastic experience: My daughter is enjoying very much weekly in the past 2 years. Margaret is the best instructor!

Positive experience: By golly the pool is painfully cold in the winter! The facilities are always in great order and clean! I really do enjoy coming here f9r aquafit classes with a very special shout out to Mary the aquafit instructor as she seems to have a better understanding of the aging body and what it needs.

Fantastic experience: Great sauna and steam room plus a decent size gym plus pool

Negative experience: Guys you need to maintain this pool , floor's dirty , windows dirty , cubicles not cleaned , bins not emptied ,toilets discusting, its really poor for something that is needed for the community , who maintains this pool hourly /daily ?

Fantastic experience: Хороше місце для покупок, тільки чеки зберігайте)

Positive experience: Itu good

Positive experience: A well organised centre for swimming, exercise classes and gym. Friendly staff, which is always important in any centre to establish a common theme and collective enjoyment.

Fantastic experience: Great gym and fantastic pool

Fantastic experience: Have to say thae staff and the pool are lovely

Fantastic experience: Super

Fantastic experience: Lp

Positive experience: Jest ok

Fantastic experience: I went here to go swimming

Positive experience: Had to attend meeting here in relarion to Derryounce Lake 10 yr project plan but building was nice and per notice board in reception seems to be a lot going on here. Parking was fine with no issues and the room we were in was quite bright and airy despite a karge amount people present. Only saw small amount of the centre but was impressed so

Fantastic experience: Great place for activities for adults snd children

Fantastic experience: Grand

Positive experience: It's alright... For 50e a month it needs more, and new equipment. If it's busy at all it's hard to get a workout done as you're waiting for something. Nice staff and all but the gym needs more

Fantastic experience: very good swimming facilities, offers swimming lessons for adults and kids

Positive experience: Вода комфортной температуры, хорошая зона отдыха с мягкими диванами и столиками. Раздевалки чистые, персонал с различным уровнем вежливости. Наблюдала случаи недружественного и грубого поведения со стороны персонала.Бассейн часто перегружен людьми, в результате чего не соблюдается безопасное расстояние между плавающими.

Positive experience: Lovely place, and the staff are great.

Positive experience: Love going here with my daughters, I just wish they would bring pool times back to pre covid to make it feel like a decent swim again.

Positive experience: Its ok swimming pool is ok, gym is ok, the other towns are a bit better & staff are ok (not the friendliest)

Fantastic experience: My two attend weekly for swimming lessons. The instructor is always patient, kind and encouraging. She is understanding in their apprehension of new moves but always makes it fun for them to try.

Negative experience: This gym is the worst gym Ive ever seen , the gym is tiny and had about 50 people in there. The hygiene was so badd too. Went to try get a refund they didn’t give me it either

Positive experience: Swimming pool was not cold but it wasn't warm either, 8 year old said she was freezing

Negative experience: Web page not working last 2 months

Negative experience: They are providing the lessons for schools, during 3 lessons rules changes 4 times. There is few more lessons left, how many more changes? Kids are not assessed properly for sure. My son and his friend , who are well advance were put in the group with kids who were not on the same level. After few minutes they were allowed to swim outside of the allocated zone. During second lesson the senior instructor add extra child to that group. Suddenly during 3rd lesson kids from "outside zone" are put back to group with lower level skills and told that they can swim their own laps, and after a while they are not allowed swim their laps. Could you make the rules clear enough?? please ! And do not confusing the kids, as they suffer the most on that. They are not corrected when it's needed. So they are not taught correctly then. They are just numbers which parents/schools paid for. There is a public viewing zone, which as a parent I could access before suddenly I can't??. Its apparently inappropriate but it is OK to everybody else to look at kids through big glass windows. I was told I have to be safeguarded and vetted to seat there. When I requested to be vetted then my request was ignored. I have level 1, 2 and 3 of safeguarding provided by Sport Ireland ( I am more then happy to provide you with copy on your request) Are you providing your own training for that? I am happy to attend it. When is the next session? But as much as I am aware only one certificate is needed and is accepted by all Sport bodies. Other thing The devices are not allowed there, which is absolutely acceptable, but everybody can seat in lobby with phone and take the pictures??? During 2nd lesson member of public was going to sauna? Adult man only in swimming outfit. Is he vetted and safeguarded ? Or because he paid membership it's OK for him to go on deck and to the same changing village as the minors??? I was told to talk to general manager but i was told as well that he will not tell me anything more or different. So I'm taking my requests would be ignored as well again? I hope you gonna make your rules clear for next time and safety of the kids will be priority!

Positive experience: Not great hours for the gym

Positive experience: Great amenity for everyone

Negative experience: Two issues which I think should be addressed. First issue, I spoke to a really professional staff member on reception, she said I needed a card to book a family session. I explained that I didn’t have money on my card today but I did have cash. She said unfortunately she couldn’t take our booking. I don’t think this is a very fair system. I could go further and say it feels like class discrimination, not everyone is lucky enough to have money in the bank when they depend on social welfare payments. Second issue, I explained I wanted to bring my daughter with Autism & complex medical needs (but not a wheelchair user) and could we reserve a special needs changing room, the receptionist said she was new to the role but she would check with manager and call me back. I explained that this was always facilitated before Covid. She called back about an hour later and said she spoke with the manager and the manager said that the special needs changing room was open for families to use and if it was busy we should wait our turn to use. I explained that waiting with a child with ASD is not ideal but the lovely staff member said this was the feedback directed from the manager and there was nothing else she could do. I decided to have my mam mind my daughter as it came across that Portarlington Swimming Pool isn’t very inclusive anymore. I think this is a real shame as I recall a number of years ago they ran special needs swim sessions. Maybe some inclusion training wouldn’t go a miss. Finally we got to bring my 2 young sons for a swim and when we arrived we were told that the swimming pool was fully booked for the day. Zero stars!!!!

Negative experience: My niece has been going swimming here for the past two weeks and everything was fine but we were left extremely disappointed with the staff service today. We had to queue for 20 minutes just to get one child's swim ticket. The staff was sorting out memberships/swimming lessons with other clients and told us to wait because they weren't sure if there is enough space in the pool. The pool did not seem full and had a lot less adults and children in it compared to the last couple of days. After the long wait my niece was left with only a 25 minute slot for swimming as the rest of the time was wasted waiting at reception. No apologies from staff and no reduced fee was offered. I really hope the staff will become more consistent, pleasant and organised because today's experience was a huge letdown...

Fantastic experience: Clean, nice helpful staff, great entering and leaving the pool system in place. Great place for a swin or gym depending on your choices. Membership if required, your choice.

Fantastic experience: We only use the pool facility here but a gym is also available. The pool and dressing room area is well maintained and you see staff cleaning it regularly.

Fantastic experience: Excellent facilities and very clean all the time.one of the best in Leinster

Positive experience: Friendly staff all helpful..but Main entrance doors very grubby a shame..glass not cleaned ..

Positive experience: Great pools. Teachers for the swimming lessons are lovely!

Positive experience: Nice facilities and the staff are great , the pool changing area is sadly not the cleanest and usually smells like it needs a proper clean, lost 2 stars for that.

Positive experience: Fun time gad by us all today.

Fantastic experience: Excellent curtious staff nice pool parking

Fantastic experience: Great spot,friendly staff.very clean.

Fantastic experience: Great time with my granddaughter. Staff very helpful and friendly. Very clean.

Positive experience: Great place to relax..very friendly staff..

Fantastic experience: One of the best around

Fantastic experience: Love this pool. Gradual deep end. Sauna, steam. And love the beach balls available for public swim

Fantastic experience: Brilliant staff spotless clean great facilities

Fantastic experience: Good place to go for a swim with the family,

Positive experience: Could be cleaner

Fantastic experience: A youthful staff, accommodating and courteous at every turn. Great pool with sauna/steam room a few steps away. . Most importantly, outstanding swimming instructors looking after toddlers!

Positive experience: Great staff

Fantastic experience: Love the upgrade in the Library

Positive experience: Friendly staff very clean facilities Just need to improve their process for re-booking the swimming lesson sessions.

Fantastic experience: Love the upgrade in the Library

Fantastic experience: one of the best Leisure centers I've ever had the good fortune to visit! the staff were extremely friendly and helpful, I don't think I've ever felt more safe and accomodated in a swimming pool. the pool is absolutely lovely with just a really clean and enjoyable atmosphere. never considered myself one for a gym membership before visiting this place, would HIGHLY recommend.

Fantastic experience: Great facility worth a visit!!

Fantastic experience: Kids enjoying swim camp. Staff are great.

Negative experience: Unfortunately, this is by far the worst GYM I have ever been a member of. The GYM equipment is damaged all the time, and left that way for months. The treadmills are all damaged, with the suspension systems gone in all of them. I see a lot of the good reviews are based on the swimming pool and not the GYM. When I sent in a formal complaint because I had injured my ankle on exposed metal bars at the end of the benches, and was constantly looking for paper towel and disinfectant to wipe down the machines. I was told by the manager that they bought new bikes, which has no relevance to the GYM equipment or the condition of same. Also, there are many European grants for sports in Ireland, the majority of these are grants, however the upkeep of equipment is out of their pockets, hence the reason things are never fixed. The manger also spoke about Portlaoise GYM and the good work they're doing there, once again making absolutely no relevance to Portarlington GYM. The GYM equipment is a risk to people and this was pointed out too, yet this didn't seem to bother the manger who referred to bikes and Portlaoise GYM, everything besides the complaint. They also have no issues charging the same price as GYM'S like the one is Athy, which is on another planet for quality and excellence for GYM equipment and technology. Overall, I feel the GYM is in disrepair and dangerous and you would join at your own risk. Of course they know there is no competition in the area for locals, so best of luck seeing work being carried out anytime soon.

Positive experience: A nice big indoor pool. A small kids pool and a really big adults pool. Seen a little bit of dirt in the pool which put me off. Also didn't think it was worth the money for a half hour swim. Think the swim could be longer.

Positive experience: Really enjoy going there. The kids love it. Unfortunately dont find the online booking very user friendly. Apart from that I would recommend it.

Positive experience: Lovely Hotel, fantastic food great service would definitely recommend this hotel

Fantastic experience: Best pool in the county!

Fantastic experience: Great staff and facilities