Brought to you in association with Laois Tourism
This weekend it’s all about celebrating our local heritage as Heritage Week begins on Saturday.
The heritage office in Laois has been exceptionally busy organising over 70 events running throughout the county over the coming week.
Rich in history, Laois has been home to the Vikings, Quakers, French Huguenots to name but a few.
All have left their mark around the county making it a wonderful place to celebrate our heritage.
Take a trip around some of our grand estates like Emo Court, Stradbally Hall and Abbeyleix Estate for the Downtown Abbey experience. Get outdoors and discover bats, birds, pine martins, bees, bogs, waterways and woodlands with local experts.
Book a genealogy clinic in the Library and uncover your own family’s heritage. Learn of times gone by from women through history, tall tales and folklore.
Get into the spirit with Michael Moylan in your local library who brings history to life with costumes and artefacts of historic periods.
The list is large, days need to be planned and choices made but one thing is guaranteed, there are lots of great things to do in Laois not only this weekend but all week.
There is something for young and old and most events are free.
We’ve summarised the event listing to make it easier to plan your days but more information can be found here.
While most of the weekend is all about Heritage Week there are still some other events worth checking out.
THURSDAY AUGUST 16
Slieve Bloom Walking Club Guided Walk
The Slieve Bloom Walking Club’s next guided walk is Abbeyleix Bog. This walk is a 8km Grade B walk and takes 2 hours. Meeting point is Manor Hotel at 7pm. €5 per walk or €20 annual membership. For more information see http://www.slievebloom.ie/
Portlaoise table quiz
Portlaoise Gaelic for Mothers and Others football team will host a table quiz at De Brun’s bar, Portlaoise, at 7.30pm.
Laois GAA Fixtures
There are two big games down for decision this evening. A semi final place will be up for grabs when Borris-Kilcotton and Ballinakill clash in the senior championship. While a semi final place is also to be decided in the IHC with Ballypickas Gaels facing Camross. A link to full fixtures can be found here.
FRIDAY AUGUST 19
Laois GAA Fixtures
Avoiding relegation play-offs in the senior and senior A hurling championships is the name of the game tonight. The losers of Ballyfin Gaels and Abbeyleix will be in the senior relegation with the winners heading to the quarter final. The same applies in the Senior A where Portlaoise and Trumera clash. A link to full fixtures can be found here.
SATURDAY AUGUST 18
Laois Vintage Road Run
The Laois Vintage Road Run is in its 23rd year this this August and is hoping to break the €1 million mark this year for funds raised over the years for The Laois Hospice. The road run includes both vintage cars and tractors and is leaving Treacy’s Pub, The Heath at 10am. This year’s run is to Lullymore and any donations would be gratefully received to help reach the amazing €1 million mark. Make your way back to Treacy’s for food and entertainment and a really good night. To find out more contact Ger Whelan 087 2530124.
Laois GAA Fixtures
A bumper day. Semi finalists, quarter finalists and relegation finalists in the senior and senior A championship will all be known by the end of today’s games. A link to full fixtures can be found here.
SUNDAY AUGUST 19
Steam Trains
Steam trains will be up and running at Stradbally Hall from 12pm until 4pm. Children go free and adults are €5 with families going for €18.
Abbeyleix Estate Open Day
Abbeyleix estate will host an open day from 1pm to 6pm.
SVT Draw
The SVT Activity and Wellness Hub is holding a fundraising draw at the end of the Vicarstown Canal Fest and Beat the Barge. Tickets cost €5 each are available in Stradbally, Timahoe and Vicarstown.
Laois GAA Fixtures
With the All-Ireland hurling final on, there are no adult games on Sunday. There are a number of U-11 football finals down for decision though. A link to full fixtures can be found 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
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