Brought to you by Laois Tourism
It’s the weekend again and it’s a busy one. There’s Dinosaurs in Portlaoise Shopping Centre on Thursday, and Pat Shott is back in Portlaoise on Friday.
The Laois Camino takes place on Saturday offering 2 walks of 11km and 25km offering a chance to take in the beautiful Laois countryside and some of the interesting landmarks along the way.
The Fishersman’s Inn is the hub for the day offering a great night’s entertainment after a long walk.
As usual there’s lots of walks and live music to keep everyone entertained.
THURSDAY APRIL 25
Dinosaur Day Live
Come along to Portlaoise Shopping Centre and experience a giant day out for the whole family.
There will be three amazing life-like dinosaurs visiting the centre on Thursday, 25 April and the best news is it’s FREE!
Meet and greet our dino friends between 12 noon and 4pm.
Figures In Stone
Christy Cuniffe presents a talk on examples of religious and secular symbolism found in Medieval Churches of the Irish midlands.
This event is hosted by Laois Heritage Society in the Midlands Park Hotel at 8pm. Members are free and non-members are just €3. For more information email info@abbeyleixheritage.com or call 057 87 31653.
National Theatre Live: All About Eve
Gillian Anderson (X-Files, NT Live: A Streetcar Named Desire) and Lily James (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again) lead in All About Eve, broadcast live to cinemas & venues from the West End in London.
This is a perfect way to West End theatre in the comfort of our own Dunamaise Arts Centre.
Tickets are €15/€12 and the event begins at 7pm.
The Wildflowers of Laois
Mark McCorry is a botanist and joint Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) vice-recorder for Laois.
Mark will talk about some of the interesting wild flowers (and other plants, weeds and grasses etc) found while tramping around the county.
The talk takes place in Mueller & O’ Connell Bakery (Old AIB Bank), Abbeyleix at 8pm and all are welcome. Members are free and non-members are €3.
FRIDAY APRIL 26
Pat Shortt
This famous Irish comedian needs no introduction and is back for another packed-out show in Portlaoise.
Fresh from the success of his award-winning show ‘Selfie’, Pat is guaranteed to delight and entertain. The show runs at 8pm in the Midlands Park Hotel and tickets are €30 and can be purchased directly from the hotel.
TechTalks – live music
TechTalks is a new brand bringing the best of techno/house/funk to Portlaoise. The gig begins at 9.30pm in Kavanagh Bar & Venue and there is no cover charge.
The All-Ireland Breakfast Preview
A unique fundraiser by the Harps GAA. Join them for an All Ireland Breakfast Preview on Friday morning, April 26, from 7.30am to 9am in the Killeshin Hotel Portlaoise.
Special guests will include Laois hurling manager Eddie Brennan, Limerick hurling manager John Kiely, and Micheál Donoghue the Galway hurling manager.
An excellent morning of punditry and breakfast is guaranteed – not to be missed by all GAA fans.
SATURDAY APRIL 27
Laois Camino
The Laois Camino offers the option of a 11km or the full 25km walk through the beautiful tranquil Laois countryside with a number of historical stops along the way.
The route is reasonably flat and of good terrain so why not come out and explore our lovely county on foot.
The route will take you to Ballykilcavan Farm & Brewery, Ballintubbert House and Gardens and Ballyadams Castle to name a few.
There will be refreshment stops along the way, hot meal and entertainment available at the end of the day.
Regardless of the length you choose all walks end at the Fisherman’s Inn where an evening of entrainment awaits. Tickets cost from €12.50 to €35 depending on package chosen.
All 25km tickets includes a shuttle bus to the starting point and registration for the 25km is from 8am at the Fisherman’s Inn. Registration for the 11km is at 12.30pm in Ballykilcavan Farm & Brewery.
Midland Drama Schools Easter Shows
A great opportunity to see the talent in our local drama schools on stage.
There will be more exciting performances following last year’s success, with upbeat music from a number of hit musicals, packed with comedy and colour.
Tickets are € 12 and there are various shows at different times throughout the day.
11.30am (Yellow), 3pm (Blue), 5.30pm (Green) and 8pm (Red). For more information call 057 8663355.
One Day Intensive Horticultural Course
Dunmore Country School have a reputation for displaying Innovative gardening techniques that have stood the test of time.
Their one day course is all about sustainability and growing quality vegetables for your table. You will also sample delicious food straight from the garden.
The course costs €100 and it runs from 9.30am to 4.30pm. For more information see here or call 087 125 8002.
SUNDAY APRIL 28
April Market – Emo
The monthly market is back on Sunday 28 with food and craft stalls to suit all tastes.
This weekend there is the added bonus of having a family fun day with Raven Haven and friends in Emo Garden Centre.
Slieve Bloom Guided Walk
The Slieve Bloom Walking Club’s next guided walk is the Bluebell Walk in Durrow. This walk is a Grade B 12km walk and takes 3-4 hours so is suited for those with a good level of fitness.
Meeting point is at Castle Arms Hotel at 2pm. €5 per walk or €20 annual membership (€30 for family).
Bawnreagh – Ardara Hillwalking Club
The Ardara Hillwalking Club are hosting guided walk in Bawnreagh.
This walk is a four hour guided walk and o is suited for those with a good level of fitness.
Meeting point is at Monicknew car park at 11am. €5 per walk or €20 annual membership (€30 for family).
Holistic Fair
Midlands Park Hotel hosts the Phychic & Holistic Fair with over 35 exhibitions.
Meet some of Ireland’s top Mediums, Psychics, Tarot and Angel card readers giving One-to-One private & personal readings on the day. There is no cover charge and the event runs from 11am-7pm.
James O’Connor
Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue (Bar) host local man James O’Connor to wrap up the weekend. The gig begins at 7pm and there is no cover charge.
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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