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The super Christmas atmosphere continues all-round the county this weekend.
There is lots of live music of all genres. Phil Coulter and Red Hurley are both in the Dunamaise Arts Centre, The Riptide Movement play Kavanaghs Bar and Venue and there’s trad music in the Heritage Hotel.
There’s lots more Christmas markets and carolling and fun days out.
Santa’s about in Emo Court and Ballacolla and there’s an Elfie Wonderland in Dunmore Woods in Durrow.
It’s pretty festive in Laois with lots to keep us entertained all weekend.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13
Customer Appreciation Night – Lilly’s Bar
Lily’s Bar Portlaoise have a lovely evening to mark the Christmas season with a customer appreciation night. There will be lots of great drink deals, live music & DJ and a late bar. No cover charge so come along from 7pm-2am
The Valves – Live Music
This Laois favourite are playing Thursday night in Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue. It’s a great way to start the weekend. Gig begins at 9.30.
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.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14
The Riptide Movement
The Riptide Movement return to Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue as part of their Irish winter tour! They are an amazing band live and tickets are €25 and gig begins at 9.30pm. See www.ticketweb.ie for tickets.
Winter Fair – Vicarstown
Another lovely fair this Friday night in the Vicarstown Inn. There will be lots Christmas stalls and some great ideas for Christmas presents. Fair runs from 8pm-10pm (after bingo)
Book launch – ‘Pike of Rushall Historical Review’
The Pike of Rushall Heritage Group are launching of its book, ‘Pike of Rushall Historical Review’ this Friday night in the ICA Hall,Castletown at 8pm. The book will be officially launched by Michael Parsons, chairman of the Heritage Council. This wonderful book contains many stories on local events and makes wonderful reading. Refreshments will be available after the launch.
Weighing In – Live Theatre
This fast-paced comedy is all about life, love and dieting – and how we all need to adjust the scales to find the right balance. Staring Starring: Isobel Mahon (Glenroe, The Clinic) and Rose Henderson (Fair City, Father Ted). The show is running in Dunamaise Arts Centre at 8pm and is a great start to an evening out. Tickets are €16. To book see www.dunamaise.ie or call 057 8662255.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15
Jingle & Mingle! – Christmas Party
Sheeran’s Pub is the venue for the Laois Hunt Christmas party and auction. Expect lots of music and craic and all are welcome from 8pm -2am
The Cardinal Sins – Live Music
This Irish Trad-Rock Group will really get your Friday night rocking. With influences like The Pogues, Flogging Molly, Young Dubliners, The Dubliners, Túras, The Saw Doctors, The Big Geraniums, The Shamróuges it will be lively night. Playing at The Anvil Inn from 10:30pm-12:30am and there’s no cover charge.
Elfie Saves Christmas
Elfie Saves Christmas is a wonderful festive production running in the Dunamaise Arts Centre this Saturday and Sunday. Elfie needs your help to save Christmas! Join Elfie in this totally tinsel adventure that reminds us there’s room for everyone on Santa’s “nice” list. This is fun for all ages and a great way to kick off the Christmas season for families. There are two shows on Saturday at 12pm and 2pm and one show on Sunday at 12pm. Tickets are €11 and can booked at www.dunamaise.ie or call 057 8662255.
The Perfect Skins
Rock/Indie fans are in for a treat at Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue with live music from The Perfect Skins. There is no cover charge and the gig begins at 10pm.
Kids’ Christmas Cupcake Decorating Class
This is a lovely event for all those budding bakers. Kids will be shown how to decorate cupcakes using fondant cutters, shaping tools & buttercream piping. All equipment & ingredients provided. Running in Portlaoise Parish Centre 10:30am-1:30pm. It costs €20 per child, €15 per additional sibling. The event is organised by Baked by Liz and booking is necessary. Call 087 662 2192 to book.
An Elfie Winter Wonderland
Dunmore Woods in Durrow has been transformed into a winter wonderland with something very special going on in the woods this Saturday! Use the clues to find the elves and candy canes in the woods and hear some Christmas stories. Come back and heat up with some hot chocolate and marshmallows, make a Christmas decoration and get a little sweet something to take home. It costs €12 per child and adults are free. There are 3 slots available at 11:00, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm. You can book online through dunamaise.ie or by calling Trudy, Experiencing Laois 087 7923367
Christmas Concert – St. Molua’s Church
Gaelscoil Shlí Dála is holding a fundraising concert in St Molua’s Church Ballaghmore at 7.30pm. The ‘In Tune for Life Orchestra’ will appear with pupils of Gaelscoil for an evening of wonderful music and song. Tickets cost €20 and are available from the school – Ph: 0505 41810, Phelan’s Shop & parents.
Stradbally Country Market Christmas Fair
Stradbally Country Market Christmas Fair will open its doors at 10.00 with a beautiful display of local arts and crafts, Christmas cakes, mince pies and puddings, Christmas wreaths, handmade chocolates, organically grown vegetables and much more! Open until 4pm so make sure to come in for some lovely treats and last minute gifts.
Chocolate Experience Evening
Become your very own Willie Wonka in Cocoa Couture Chocolate Shop, Mountmellick this Saturday. This is a total chocolate experience including a chocolate making demonstration with prosecco. Find out which chocolate goes bests with various wines. Tasting is a compulsory! Finally you get to make your own chocolate. This is a chocolate lovers ultimate night out. Tickets cost €45 per person and it runs from 7.30pm -10pm. To book contact Catherine on 0897062437 or email catherineocallaghan37@gmail.com
An Evening with Red Hurley
A great night’s entertainment is promised as Red returns to the Dunamaise stage, celebrating over 40 years in show business. Red has a great set list including his many chart hits, while also interpreting beautiful and moving performances of inspirational classics such as ‘How Great Thou Art’ and ‘Amazing Grace’ and of course some songs from the big shows. Tickets cost €27.50/€25 and the event begins at 8pm. To book see www.dunamaise.ie.
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 the 24th Dec. 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 16
Twelve Days of Christmas with The Priests
St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church hosts Christmas with The Priests. The Priests are on a 12 days of Christmas tour and this Sunday they hit Portlaoise. Tickets are €25 and the event begins at 7:15pm. Tickets are available from the parish centre phone 057 8621142.
Christmas at the Convent – Christmas Market
The annual Christmas market at the old Brigidine Convent takes place this Sunday. With lots of stalls there will be something for everyone. The market begins at 12pm.
Christmas Party – Vicarstown Inn
The Vicarstown Inn hosts Santa this Sunday. It guarantees to be a great family day out. There is no cover charge and the event begins at 2pm.
Slieve Bloom Guided Walk
The Slieve Bloom Walking Club’s next guided walk is Glenbarrow/Capard 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. For more information see www.slievebloom.ie
Ben and Jake Connolly Trust – 5k Santa Dash
The Ben and Jake Connolly Trust are uniting with The Bone Marrow for Leukaemia Trust to join in painting the town of Mountmellick red. Run, walk or crawl the 5K route in a Christmas jumper or hat. Registration starts at 9:45am in the Mountmellick Development Association car park. Santa Dash starts at 10:30am Entry is €10 for adults & €15 for families
Phil Coulter – Gold & Silver Days
Gold & Silver Days concert will feature Phil’s personal favourites as he trawls through his 50 years of creativity. Not to be missed for all Phil Coulter fans. Tickets cost €27.50/€25 and the show begins at 8pm in the Dunamaise Arts Centre. Book online at www.dunamaise.ie or call 057 8662255.
Portarlington Christmas Carolers’ Annual Christmas Concert
St. Michael’s Church hosts the Portarlington Christmas Carolers’ annual Christmas concert this Sunday. All are welcome at 4pm.
Booze & Bones – Live Music
This two piece country rock band will ensure a lively end to the weekend in Sheeran’s Pub. There’s no cover charge and the gig begins at 10pm
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 – National gift store of the year honoured in Laois County Council
