Brought to you in association with Laois Tourism
It’s the long weekend, the sunshine is forecast to return and there are lots of things to do around Laois. The beauty of Laois is that everywhere is so accessible, festivals are well run, parking is easy and events don’t cost a fortune.
All in all it’s the recipe for great days out. So there’s no need to head anywhere other than your home county this weekend.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2
The GAA and the War of Independence
‘The Laois Heritage Presents…….’ series of talks continues on Thursday, August 2nd 2018 in the Midlands Park Hotel at 8 pm, with a presentation on ‘The GAA and the War of Independence’ by Cormac Moore
Durrow Scarecrow Festival
The Scarecrow Festival continues today. Come along and visit all the great scarecrows, the scarecrow village, workshops and art and crafts. Thursday also sees the Duck Derby take place at 7pm with great prizes to be won. See more here.
Slieve Bloom Walking Club Guided Walk
Another chance to take in the Leafy Loop Walk in Durrow. The Slieve Bloom walking club have a number of walks this month. This walk is a 10km Grade B walk and takes 3 hours. Meeting point is Castle Arms Hotel Durrow at 7pm. €5 per walk or €20 annual membership. For more information see here.
Hidden Sessions – Ciaran Tourish and Kevin Doherty
On Thursday August 2, Ciaran Tourish and Kevin Doherty return to fill the library in Roundwood House with tunes from their new album. Participation from members of the audience has become a feature of these fantastic nights, so bring an instrument. Tickets are €25, and includes show & gourmet pizza. For more visit here.
An Sean Chistin Traditional Music & Dance Festival
An Sean Chistin in Ballyfin is host to a lovely week-long festival of traditional music, dance, poetry, stories, laugher, friendship and fun. Now on its fourth day, today’s event is “Laois Matters” a celebration of the people of Laois, their music, songs, stories and dance. Call in and enjoy the craic and a cuppa. For more information contact Maureen on 087 6482038.
101% Panthera – Live music
In the mood for some heavy metal? Then make your way to Kavanagh’s Bar and Venue and see 101% Panthera. 101%Pantera are the only Pantera tribute act endorsed and supported by Dean Guitars. Gig starts at 9.30pm and tickets are €12. For more see here.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3
Durrow Scarecrow Festival
The festival continues today with highlights being Bee Pollination Talk 7pm, Clancy Hurleys – Hurley making demonstration and hurls made to order on the day. Live music from Ray O’Sullivan 3-5pm & Dave Furey 6-8pm and family entertainment with Clown Jeca 3-6pm. For full programme see here.
Céilí Mór
As part of the An Sean Chistin Traditional Music & Dance Festival day 5 sees the Céilí Mór. This will be held in Ballyfin Community Centre. Music by Johnny Reidy Céilí Band. Tickets €10. For more information contact Maureen on 087 6482038.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 4
Durrow Scarecrow Festival
The festival continues today with highlights being Wobbly Circus and Street Theatre Company – who preform two shows at 11.15am and 1pm. The food and craft fair returns from 11am to 6pm. Scarecrow Village Music features ‘Away with the Fairies’ from 2-4pm and Woodbine 4-6pm. For full programme see here.
Cottage Market Mountrath
The monthly artisan market returns this Saturday with lots of good food and crafts. All market goods will be homemade, home grown and/or home crafted. This market is growing month on month and is really worth checking out. Open from 10am to 2pm in the Macra Hall.
Sean Nos and Brush Dancing Workshops
Sean Chistin is back today for Sean Nos and Brush Dancing Workshops. These great workshops are suitable for all ages and abilities and a great way to learn new skills in a friendly environment. Running from 11am to 4pm so bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided. Tickets €10. For more information contact Maureen on 087 6482038.
Mack Fleetwood
Mack Fleetwood is Ireland’s premier tribute to the Supergroup Fleetwood Mac. What better way to liven up your Saturday night. Playing in Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue from 9.30pm and tickets are €15. For more information see here.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 5
Durrow Scarecrow Festival
The festival is entering its penultimate day but there is no shortage of things to do. The festival village will be alive all day with, food fair, crafts, workshops, live music, animal farm and of course loads of scarecrows. The All-Ireland Scarecrow Championship Awards Ceremony will take place in the Scarecrow Village from 4.30-5pm.
54th National Stradbally Steam Rally
A stalwart in the Laois calendar, the steam rally always guarantees a great day out. See 30 full size steam engines, vintage cars, tractors and commercial vehicles. Evening celebrations in the town return this year so why not make a night of it in Stradbally.
Lots to see during the day as well as the steam engines, including MGA Ireland pony games, agility dogs, sheepdog demo, live music, food tent and much more. Keep the kids amused at the Steam Rally with craft workshops for children. This event is being held under the big tree on Cosby Lawn from 10am on Sun and Mon. Gates open 10am and cost €10 per person. Children under 12 are free.
Stradbally Woodland Railway
Another favourite is the Stradbally Woodland Railway that’s open from Saturday to Monday this weekend. The Trains are running on Saturday from 2pm-7pm to coincide with a special steam parade and music show in the town centre that evening. Gates for the rally open at 10am on Sunday and Monday with trains running almost non-stop between 11am and 5pm. Tickets cost €3 for children with under 5s going free, €7 for an adult and €18 for a family ticket.
Slan Abhaile Session -An Sean Chistin Traditional Music & Dance Festival
The closing evening of the festival takes place in An Sean Chistin with a Slan Abhaile Session of music, dance and craic. Session kicks off at 7.30pm and is not to be missed!
Camross Parish Social & Dance
The annual Camross Parish Social takes place in the Community Centre from 9pm. A great night is always guaranteed with music by Glen Flynn. Tickets are only €8 and includes supper.
Slieve Bloom Walking Club Guided Walk
Enjoy the Slieve Blooms with a Guided Walk of Glendine West this Sunday morning. It’s a Grade A 10K and takes approx. 4 hours and is suited to experienced walkers. Meeting point is Kinnitty Community Centre at 11am. €5 per walk or €20 annual membership. For more information see here.
Live Music at Pedigree Corner
Musician David Butler will be performing at Pedigree Corner at 10pm.
MONDAY, AUGUST 6
Durrow Scarecrow Festival
This is the last day of the festival so final chance to catch this great event. All the daily events are back today and the festival is really in full swing. The highlight today is the IWW Wrestling with Six Shows over the day from 12.30-5.30pm. The food and craft fair continues with lots to do for all the family.
54th National Stradbally Steam Rally
The steam rally continues today with steam trains, thrashing, dog trials, pony shows and lots of family entertainment. The Woodland train will also be running. Tickets €10 with under 12s free.
Abbeyleix Garden Fete 2018
The annual fate will be held in Abbeyleix Rectory and is a wonderful family day out. Now in its 56th year the fate includes favourites like Wheel of Fortune, Cake stalls, Bottle Stall, Kids Korner, Raffles and lots more. Starting at 2pm a lovely way to pass the afternoon.
Slieve Bloom Walking Club Guided Walk
Today’s guided walk takes in Paul’s Lane/ Spink Mountain/ Silver River walk. It’s a Grade B 10K walk and takes approx. 3 hours and is suited to moderately fit walkers. Meeting point is Cadamstown Car Park at 11am. €5 per walk or €20 annual membership. For more information visit here.
If you would like to have something included in our What’s On Guide email us on info@laoistoday.ie or call 057 8670722
SEE ALSO – Visually impaired Laois teen not letting lack of sight keep him from his passion for wrestling
