There is an amount of activity planned around the county over Easter Weekend and we’ve compiled some of the best of what’s on offer.
Email info@laoistoday.ie if you have an event that you would like included.
GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 14
Graiguecullen Lenten Lunch
St Fiacc’s House are holding a Lenten Lunch in aid of the Carlow-Kilkenny home care team on Friday.
Maureen Culleton – An Sean Chistin Set
Maureen Culleton’s newly-composed dance, An Sean Chistin set, will be launched on Good Friday, April 14, in An Sean Chistin. All welcome to enjoy music, song, dance and light refreshments.
Portarlington GAA Poker Classic
Portarlington GAA Club are hosting their annual Poker Classic on Good Friday in the GAA Centre. The event starts at 8.30pm. Early Bird entry is €20 or €25 on the night. Refreshments served and tickets can be got from Joe Whelan on 087 2529977 or Cam McGettrick on 087 7799520.
Rathdowney Passion Cross
The Passion Cross will be carried from Rathsaran Church to Our Lady Queen of the Universe Church. The ceremony will begin at 11am. The cross will be carried in the first instance by the confirmation class of Scoil Bhride Rathdowney and then by the confirmation class of St Colmcille’s NS.
St Michael’s AC Forest Run
Portarlington club St Michael’s AC have an 8KM forest run/walk in Emo Court. Registration is from 4.30pm in Emo Community Centre and walkers start at 5.30pm with runners off at 6pm. Changing facilities are available and refreshments will be served afterwards as well as presentation of prizes.
EASTER SATURDAY, APRIL 15
Rathdowney Kids Disco and Easter Egg Hunt
A kids disco will be held in the Parochial Hall in Rathdowney from 2pm to 4pm in Scoil Bhride. Children will be transported to Scoil Bhride where the Easter Bunny will be waiting. Cost €5. Contact Aidan on 089 4459528 or Mary on 087 2849268.
Killeshin Football Club – Lip Sync Challenge
Killeshin FC are holding a Lip Sync Challenge at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel Carlow. The event kicks off at 8pm and tickets are still available.
EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 16
Ballintubbert House Easter Egg Hunt
Ballintubbert House have a big day of Easter action planned. Hundreds of hidden Easter eggs, access to all gardens, bouncy castle and Easter craft activities. Admission is €8 for children, €5 for adults and under 3s are free. There is also a competition if you can find the magical golden chocolate egg. The person who finds this egg will win a Glamping experience in Ballintubbert Gardens and House. For further information, contact 087 3127639.
Courtwood GAA Easter Egg Hunt
Courtwood GAA would like to extend an invitation to all primary school children in the area (and their mammies and daddies) to their club grounds in Kilbracken for their first ever Easter Egg Hunt.
Of course, any of our supporters who live away from the area are most welcome to come along on the day with their family too.
The Easter Egg Hunt will begin at 11.15 am and there will be a cup of tea or coffee for all the parents too along with a few Easter treats.
SVT Community Sports Hub Easter Egg Hunt
The SVT Community Sports HUB invites you to their FREE Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt at the Heritage Centre in Timahoe at 11am. They ask participants to let them know how many children they’ll be bringing to the Easter Egg Hunt so that we can make sure they have enough prizes for everyone. Participants can message the SVT Community Sports Hub Facebook page to register or contact them at info@laoissports.ie or at 057 867 1248.
Ben and Jake Trust Auction
An auction in aid of the Ben and Jake Trust will take place in the Sports Complex in Mountmellick between 2pm and 6pm on Easter Sunday. If you have items to donate for auction (no bedding or books) the contact Rose McEvoy on 087 5159586, PJ Dempsey on 087 1301330, Con Farrell (10am to 5pm) on 057 8624435 or Deirdre Connolly (Portarlington) on 086 1635239.
EASTER MONDAY, APRIL 17
Dunamaise Arts Centre – Laois Cruinniu na Casca
A new national day of culture and creativity will take place nationwide on Easter Monday as part of the Creative Ireland programme. Dunamaise Arts Centre is the venue hosting the Laois Cruinniú na Cásca programme that will be held from 3pm on Easter Monday, April 17.
For the Laois celebration, a showcase of young people across various artforms, hosted by members of Laois Youth Theatre promises to be a stimulating afternoon for all to enjoy. Events on the day include performances by highly acclaimed singer songwriter John Spillane, the Laois Dance Ensemble, young musicians and singers from Music Generation Laois National Schools Choir, the Junior Jammers, Lonrach and Senior Infant children from the Holy Family School, Rath and Barnashrone NS.
An animation inspired by the song and created by students from Paddock NS will be screened as the backdrop to John Spillane’s song. This has been specially commissioned for the occasion and the artist leading the participating children is Caroline Conway.
Stradbally Hall – Laois Hunt Point to Point
The Laois Hunt Point to Point will take place in Stradbally Hall on Easter Monday. A great family day out in a beautiful setting where you can get really close to the action and see some of the stars of the horse racing world before they get famous! Read full piece here.
South Laois Tourism – MacGiollaphadraig Way
If you are looking for a way to burn off the Easter weekend excess then a 17k walk along the beautiful MacGiollaphadraig Way on Monday could be ideal.
South Laois Tourism has extended an invitation for people to take part in the 17km linear walk on Easter Monday. It starts at 12 noon in Durrow and concludes at Gathabawn North Kilkenny.
Timahoe Ladies Football Club Fun Run
The Timahoe Ladies Football Club are holding a family fun run in aid of the Cuisle Centre and Suicide Awareness.
The run gets underway at 11am in Timahoe village and there will be refreshments and a cake sale afterwards.
Portlaoise Macra Tractor Run
The Portlaoise Macra na Feirme club is holding a Tractor Run on Easter Monday in aide of Pieta House. Registration is from 12noon at The Rock Inn and entry is €20. There will be refreshments served and a table quiz will be held afterwards. For further information, contact Andrew on 085 1497601 or James on 086 1717188.
