Brought to you by Laois Tourism
It’s another very busy weekend in Laois with lots of Christmas events taking place right across the county.
There are lots of musicals on this weekend with Portlaoise College performing The Wizard of Oz, the Musical and Coláiste Íosagáin performing Legally Blonde – The Musical, both exceptionally high quality shows.
There’s book launches, table quizzes, live music of all genres, walks, markets and of course Santa.
Our very own Laois Camino will be launched this Sunday in Timahoe and is a wonderful way to get out and explore our very scenic county. How will we fit everything in!
THURSDAY DECEMBER 6
Legally Blonde – The Musical
A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams.
Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances .
Running in Coláiste Íosagáin from the December 5 to 7 at 7.30pm each night. Tickets are €10 and are on sale at the school reception.
Winter Wedding Showcase
The Killeshin Hotel is holding a winter wonderland wedding showcase for all prospective couples looking for a winter wedding.
Come along and see all that’s on offer for your special day. There’s no cover charge and it runs from 7pm to 9pm.
Santa Claus is coming to Portarlington Pharmacy
Portarlington Pharmacy is in the festive mood and has invited the big man himself to call in and catch up with the children of Portarlington.
Santa will be giving out some special gifts and collecting letters and good wishes. There’s no cover charge and Santa will be there from 2pm-5pm.
Christmas Cracker Night – Kilminchy Pharmacy
Kilminchy Pharmacy is having their Christmas evening instore this Thursday evening.
There will be 25% off everything (excluding prescriptions), nibbles, spot prizes, dress-up.
There will be a prize for the best dressed, music & loads of festive fun. This is no cover charge and it runs from 7pm to 9pm.
Portarlington Concert Band/ Portarlington Male Voice Choir – Concert
Portarlington Concert Band will be giving their first performance, as part of an evening of music with Portarlington Male Voice Choir.
The audience can look forward to a mix of Dixie and classical tunes. Event begins at 7.30pm in Portarlington Golf Club and tickets are €10.
Equestrian Clearance Sale
The Manor Hotel in Abbeyleix is the place to be for all things Equestrian.
Doagh Equestrian is hosting a massive equestrian sale and there will be massive discounts across a wide range of top brands. Entry is free and it runs from 4pm-9pm.
Walk for ChildLine (5k Christmas walk)
The crew in Adrian Dunne Pharmacy, Portarlington have organised a fundraiser walk in Derryounce Woods with all proceeds going to ChildLine.
The walk begins at 6.30pm afterwards. The starting point is at the Pharmacy.
Entry is €5 per person or €10 per family and you can sign up in store or on the night. Refreshments will be served after the walk.
Traditional Music -The Heritage Hotel & Spa
Enjoy traditional music in the bar of the Heritage Hotel & Spa every Thursday night in December.
It’s a lovely way to welcome the weekend. There is no cover charge and the guys will be playing from 9.30pm-11.30pm.
For more information contact the hotel on 057 8645500.
The Wizard of Oz – Portlaoise College
The much loved Wizard of Oz is the chosen musical for this year’s musical production by Portlaoise College.
It promises to be an evening of family fun and entertainment and is running for 2 nights, December 6 and 7 in the school.
Tickets cost €10 per adult, €5 for OAPs & students and doors open at 7pm. Tickets available from the school office or from All Books, Lyster Square.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 7
Book launch – ‘Whisperings of My Soul’
Fr. Seán Hyland launches his book, ‘Whisperings of My Soul’, with the help of Bishop Denis Nulty.
There will also be festive carols & hymns sung by the Finnegan-Newell Choir and an Irish Dancing exhibition.
So come along to the Portarlington GAA Centre at 8pm to support Fr Sean and enjoy a good night out. Contact Fr. Seán at hylandjohnliz@yahoo.ie or phone 087 948 6769.
Durrow Table Quiz
The Lions AFC are holding a table quiz in Dec’s Bar at 9.30pm. So bring along your team of 4 and support the club.
Sports Table Quiz – Portlaoise
Laois Republic of Ireland Soccer Supporters Club is holding a big fundraising night in aid of the Cuisle Cancer Support Centre, Portlaoise combined with their Christmas party.
The night gets underway with a fun sports themed table quiz. There’s a draw for spot prizes on the night, as well as a prize for the best Christmas jumper.
Music by Colly O’Brien to round off the night at De Brun’s at Hume’s.
Night costs €40 for a table of 4 (includes finger food & music) and kicks off at 8pm.
Kevin Morrin & Band
Enjoy a night of trad and ballads with Kevin Morrin & Band in Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue Tickets are €12 and the gig kicks off at 9:30pm.
Vocalese present Winter, Fire & Snow
Ease yourself into the festive season and delight your senses with a memorable musical experience from Portlaoise group Vocalese (Nuala Kelly, Georgina Cathcart and Vivienne Graham).
Not to be missed! Tickets are € 15 and the event begins at 8pm in Dunamaise Arts Centre.
Solo Exhibition – Conversations in Blue
Artist Aishling Hennessy will be showcasing a new, vibrant body of work at the Gallery in Mountmellick Library from 6.30pm-8pm. There will be light refreshments and some creativity for all.
The Rising Sons – Live music
Fundraiser for Laois Dyslexia Support Group. Come along for great live music & raffle in Chamber Lane. Tickets are €10 and begins at 8pm.
Red/Festive Dress Night at The Anvil Inn
Just the excuse needed to get dressed up this Friday night. Come along to the Anvil Inn Portarlington for a festive night of music and craic.
Tickets are €10 and all proceeds from the night are in support of local community projects by the Portarlington Community Development Association. Event kicks off at 8.30pm.
Brendan Keeley – Live Music
Brendan Keeley is one of the most sincere singers you will ever listen to. This every popular signer is in Sheeran’s Pub Coolrain on Friday from 8pm to 12pm.
Event costs €10 and booking is advised as tickets are limited to 100. Call 086 807 8842 for tickets or collect at the bar.
Tommy Fleming – Voice of Hope II Tour
Don’t miss out on the chance to see Tommy Fleming in Laois. His Voice of Hope II is coming to the Church of the Holy Trinity, Rathdowney and is not to be missed.
Tickets are €30 and the show begins at 8pm Tickets can be purchased in the parish office, phone 0505 46282 or visit here.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 8
Christmas Market & Craft Fair
The annual Christmas Market returns to the square in Abbeyleix this Saturday from 4pm. The popular market will be bigger than ever with Santa, crafts, artisan foods, entertainment, food & drink and lots, lots more.
Double Up – Live music
Sheeran’s Pub has live music this Saturday night with Double Up playing from 10pm. No cover charge.
The Jury – Live Music
The ever popular band The Jury play Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue in the Courtyard from 10pm. No cover charge.
Durrow Die-cast Model and Toy Show
Abbeyleix Manor Hotel host the Durrow Die cast Model and Toy Show this weekend. It’s a great family day out and it’s a very reasonable €5 per adult and children go free.
Running from 12pm-6pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday. For more information call Austin on 086 886 0598.
Santa Claus in Ballacolla
Santa Claus is coming to town! Manor Stone Garden Centre is all ready to host Santa and provide a magical experience for young and old.
Come along to the elf village with lots of fun & games, photo ops and light refreshments.
Book a slot to visit Santa, make sure you have your list and you’ve been good.
Costs €10 per child with various times available between 2pm-6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Phone Freda on 085 807 0278 to book.
Santa’s Grotto Emo Court
Santa’s back in Emo this weekend and he’ll be there on certain dates until December 24.
Each child will be greeted by Ellie Elf & brought to Santa’s beautiful grotto where they will help Mrs Claus prepare her cookies, have a chat with Santa & receive a gift.
Afterwards, they will have hot chocolate & a cookie in the Tea Rooms. €15 per child. Adults go free. Booking by prior reservation. Ph: 057 8633964 (9.30am-16.00pm)
SUNDAY DECEMBER 9
Laois Camino
The Laois Camino is a wonderful one day event bought to us by Laois Sports Partnership.
It’s a wonderful way to experience the heritage, woodlands, bogs, water and mountains of our beautiful county.
The day is made up of 3 different length walks for all abilities and all will begin at Timahoe Heritage Centre at 10am.
There is a 5KM – €5 (Includes tea & coffee in the Timahoe Corner Shop).
The 10KM – €10 (Includes tea & coffee at Fossey Mountain Ranch) and finally the 20KM – €20 (Includes soup & sandwiches at The Tower Inn).
Booking essential as is good footwear and socks. To book see here or contact Majella at sports@laoissports.ie
Ballinakill Christmas Lights Festival
The Market Square in Ballinakill will be turned into a winter wonderland with market stalls, carol-singing, entertainment for children and face painting.
There will also be a raffle on the night for a monster hamper. The event will run from 5.30pm-7.30pm.
Contact Eamon Delaney on 087 224 2027 or Sharon Drennan on 086 345 8540 if you would like to book a stall.
A Christmas Carol – Roundwood House
Enjoy a highly theatrical adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’. The intimate setting of Roundwood’s famous library is a fantastic backdrop for one of the greatest Christmas stories of them all.
Show costs €25 including mulled wine and begins at 8pm.
There is an option of booking a pre-show three-course dinner at 6:30pm for €45. For all bookings call 057 8732120.
Portlaoise Singers present ‘Music at Christmas’
Get in the festive spirit at the Midlands Park Hotel with the Portlaoise Singers.
The choir will perform some Christmas classics and will also be joined by Portlaoise poet, Pat Boran.
Show begins at 8pm. Tickets cost € 15 and can be booked through Dunamaise Arts Centre or on 057 8662255.
Knock Concert @ St. Lazarian’s Church
This is another festive choral experience with a large selection of choirs taking part on the night.
Choirs include St. Lazarian’s Church Choir, St. Lazarian’s Church Folk Choir, Laois ICA Federation Choir & Knock NS Senior Choir.
Tickets are €10 and all proceeds go to Abbeyleix Hospital. Concert begins at 8pm.
Christmas Goose Club – Ratheniska
The Annual Goose Club takes place in Ratheniska Hall this Sunday all in aid of St. Aonghus’ Club.
There will be 20 Christmas raffles with great prizes. The first raffle is free so come along and try your luck -you could even win your Christmas dinner! Free entry at 7.30pm
Slieve Bloom Guided Walk
The Slieve Bloom Walking Club’s next guided walk is at Capard Woods Walk.
This walk is a 10km walk and takes 4 hours so a good level of fitness is required. Meeting point is at Glenbarrow Car park at 11am.
€5 per walk or €20 annual membership.
Santa Grotto – Hosted by Trumera GAA
Santa will be in Trumera Community Centre on Sunday and is looking forward to meeting everyone.
This is a great evening for everyone to get into the festive season.
It costs €5 per child and all proceeds go to the Community Hall. Santa will be there from 5pm to 6.30pm.
The Rambling Paddies – Live Music
Enjoy an evening of traditional songs & music in Sheeran’s Pub with The Rambling Paddies from 10pm. There’s no coverage charge and everyone is welcome.
Al & James – The AJs
Join two talented Portlaoise musicians, Alan Smyth and James O’Connor who have joined forces and formed The AJs in Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue from 7pm. A great way to finish off the weekend.
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 – Lucky Laois Today FM winners collect €10,000 cheque
