Brought to you by Laois Tourism
It’s our second Bank Holiday weekend in the last three weeks and it’s a busy one.
Grab a coffee and take a few minutes to plan your weekend as it’s a really busy one right around Laois. Two of our longest running festivals take place this weekend.
The Slieve Bloom Walking Festival is in its 25th year and as well as organising amazing walks this year includes a photography walk, an alpaca walk and an end of festival BBQ in Kinnitty.
The Half Door Club International Music And Dance Festival is in its 26th year and continues to bring hundreds of international and national visitors to Castletown for a 4 day festival of Irish dance, music and traditions.
The Bealtine Festival, organised by the Arts Office also begins this weekend with lots of events for people of an older people to engage with the Arts. Not only that we have Aslan, Woodland trains, Brewery tours, Rock of Dunamase Tours and so much more. No need to leave the county this long weekend.
THURSDAY MAY 2
Joseph & The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
St Mary’s CBS School Musical 2019 presents their annual musical. Leading vocalists Daniel Whelan & Julia Cahill, the cast from St Mary’s and guest dancers from Scoil Chríost Rí and Curtain Call theatre school will entertain you with toe-tapping numbers galore.
Running from the 1st-3rd in Dunamaise Arts Centre and tickets are €12/€10/€5 (group rate, matinee only). Shows are running on the 2nd & 3rd at 10:30am & 7pm. To book see www.dunamaise.ie
Alzheimer Society Tea day
Come and join the Healthcare class at Portarlington Further Education and Training Centre for a tea and cake day for the Alzheimer Society from 1:30pm-2:30pm. Donations are requested and all goes to the Alzheimer’s association. For more see www.facebook.com/peopleofport/
Papermaking Craft Workshop with artist Caroline Keane
Running as part of the Bealtaine Festival. Participants will learn how to make paper and how to use everyday items to make the design unique. The event is free but booking is required as places are limited.
The event runs from 10:15am-11:30am in Portarlington. For more information call 057 8643751 or see www.laois.ie/departments/arts/festivals-events/bealtaine-festival/
Grey Hounds on the Train – Theatre Production
Running as part of the Bealtaine Festival in Abbeyleix Library at 3pm and Portlaoise Library at 6.30pm. This is the War of Independence story that no one has told. Meet four women, not ordinary women, but fighters in a struggle to achieve Irish Independence.
The event is free but booking is required as places are limited. For more information call 057 8643751 or see www.laois.ie/departments/arts/festivals-events/bealtaine-festival/
Literature at Eleven
Running as part of the Bealtaine Festival. Join a group of literature enthusiasts to read a poem and piece of prose and discuss. All are welcome at Portlaoise Library from 11am-12pm and there is no cost. For more information call 057 8643751 or see www.laois.ie/departments/arts/festivals-events/bealtaine-festival/
FRIDAY MAY 3
Half Door Club International Music And Dance Festival 3-6th May
Castletown is the home of the Half Door Club International Music and Dance festival this weekend from the 3rd to 6th of May. Now in its 26th year the Half Door festival showcases everything that is great about set dancing, Irish music and culture. There will be hundreds of international and national visitors with a full 4 day immersion.
Enjoy 5 ceilis of sets, sets workshop, Sean Nos workshop’s and trad music sessions throughout the weekend. Also enjoy poetry and a historical walk. All food is during the event is produced locally and a warm welcome is guaranteed. Come stay for 3 days or just book into the sessions that suit you best. Begins on Fri at 9.30 PM with a Ceili. For more information and full schedule on www.halfdoorclub.org or email halfdoorclubfestival@gmail.com.
Slieve Bloom Walking Festival 3 -6th May 2019
Day 1 of the walking festival kicks off at 7pm at Kinnitty Community Centre with a Grade C. 5k walk that will take about 1.5hours. Led by John Scully.
The cost is €8 per walk per adult or buy a weekend ticket for €20 which also gives you annual membership to partake in a huge number of walks throughout the year. For more information call Gerry Hanlon on 086 821 0056 or www.slievebloom.
The Whistlin’ Donkeys – Live Music
Kavanaghs Bar & Venue host The Whistlin’ Donkeys on Friday night. This lively 6 piece Irish folk/ rock band will guarantee a great night. Tickets are €13 and the gig begins at 9pm. For more information see kavanaghsportlaoise.com or Ph: 057 862 1744
Pump Up The Jam – Live Music
Pump Up The Jam are a 6-piece live band that play all the best dance, soul, rock and hip-hop of the 1990’s. Come along and see them in Lily’s Bar from 9pm. There is no cover charge. For more information see https://www.facebook.com/events/2410478898962485/
Pamper N Party
The Killeshin Hotel is hosting a ladies night in aid of Midlands ISL Learners. Ladies come along and enjoy a night of music, dancing, therapies & treatments.
There will be lots of prizes to be won on the night. Various packages are available from €20 or €45 and runs from 7pm-11pm. For more information see facebook.com/midlandsisllearners or buy tickets on Eventbrite
Music at the Malt House
A 2 day concert series, presented by Music Generation Laois, in The Malt House, Stradbally, featuring professional traditional musicians, and collaborations with Music Generation Laois students.
Friday features Zoe Conway and John McIntyre – Michael Rooney – Music Generation Laois Senior Harp Ensemble – Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra – Music Generation Laois Senior Trad Group. Tickets are €5 and the event begins at 8pm. To book call 057 8663355 or online at www.dunamaise.ie
Reconnect” Pottery Workshop with ceramic artist Cathy Whelan
Running as part of the Bealtaine Festival. Create a unique piece of work in a creative and relaxed environment. The workshop is suitable for all levels and no previous experience is necessary.
Participants are advised to bring an apron. The event is running in Laois Arthouse, Stradbally and costs €5. Booking is essential as there is limited spaces available. And runs from 11:30am-1pm. For more information call 057 8664033/13 or email: artsoff@laoiscoco.ie – www.laois.ie/departments/arts/festivals-events/bealtaine-festival/
SATURDAY MAY 4
The Cottage Market Mountrath
The monthly Cottage Market runs this Saturday in the Macra Hall, Main Street, Mountrath. Meet 20 artisan producers and sample their crafts. Everything at this market is homemade or home grown and it’s a lovely way to spend a morning. The market runs from 10am -2pm.
Rock Inn Vintage Club Car & Vintage Tractor Run
Rock Inn Vintage Club are hosting their Tractor and Car Run on Sat evening from 2.30pm. Sunday will see the vintage rally and family fun day from 12 noon followed by a great evening of Cabaret at 7.30pm. Tickets for the cabaret are €7.50. All proceeds is in aid of the Laois Hospice Foundation. For more information call 087 9611058
Ballykilcavan Brewery Tour 4th & 5th
Enjoy a guided tour of the new Ballykilcavan Brewery, walk the farm grounds and hear the stories from the 13th generation farmer and brewer. There will also be a chance to sample some of the finished beers. Tickets are €14 and the tour runs from 3pm-4:15pm on both days. To book see https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/guided-tour-of-ballykilcavan-brewery-tickets-57740051047
Music at the Malt House
The 2nd evening of a 2 day concert series, presented by Music Generation Laois, in The Malt House, Stradbally, featuring professional traditional musicians, and collaborations with Music Generation Laois students. Saturday features Chris Stout and Catriona McKay – Tommy Fitzharris and Donal McCague (album launch) – Ernestine Healy with the Music Generation Laois Junior Trad Group – Music Generation Laois Senior Harp Ensemble – Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra – Body Percussion/Trad Fusion. Tickets are €5 and the event begins at 7pm. To book call 057 8663355 or online at www.dunamaise.ie
Slieve Bloom Walking Festival
Day 2 of the walking festival continues with a number of walks of varying lengths and terrains. Everyone is covered from family C walks to hard A walks for seasoned walkers. The cost is €8 per walk per adult or buy a weekend ticket for €20 which also gives you annual membership to partake in a huge number of walks throughout the year. For more information call Gerry Hanlon on 086 821 0056 or www.slievebloom.ie
Alpacas Brittas Lake (family walk)
Meet at Clonaslee Community Centre at 10.45 for this Grade C. 4k walk that will take 2hours. An ideal family walk Led by Hushabye Farm and their beautiful Alpacas
Photography Walk/Stoneyman
Meet at Clonaslee Community Centre at 10.45 for this Grade C. 5k walk that will take 2 hours. Led by Paul Moore Photographer this is a superb chance to photograph some of the most beautiful countryside.
Brittas Lak/Clonaslee Woodland
Meet at Clonaslee Community Centre at 10.30am. This is a Grade B. 12k walk that will take 4 hours and is led by John Scully.
Glenkeen Walk
Meet at Clonaslee Community Centre at 11am. This Grade B. 10k walk will take 4-5 hours and is led by Richard Jack.
Two Rivers/Glendinoregan
Meet at Clonaslee Community Centre at 10.45 This Grade A. 10k walk will take 4 hours and is led by Martin Broughan.
Chris Difford – Squeeze Tour
Join Chris Difford to nostalgically remember his UK pop band Squeeze and their 90s hits. The gig begins at 8pm in Dunamaise Arts Centre and tickets are €22/€20. For more information see www.dunamaise.ie or call 057 86 63355
St. Joseph’s Mountmellick Embroidery Group Exhibition
Running as part of the Bealtaine Festival. St. Joseph’s Mountmellick Embroidery Group will exhibit and showcase this age-old craft at an open afternoon, where the public are invited to take part or view how the work is made.
The event is on in Laois Shopping Centre and there is no cost to take part and runs from 2pm-5pm. For more information see www.laois.ie/departments/arts/festivals-events/bealtaine-festival/
QuoFest
Kavanaghs Bar & Venue are hosting a tribute weekend to the rock band Status Quo. Join tribute band Quofest featuring Backwater on the 4th at 6pm and the 5th at 7pm. There is no cover charge. For more information see kavanaghsportlaoise.com or Ph: 057 862 1744
Run 4 The Hills Camross 5K
Why not take in a 5k Family Fun Run in aid of Camross NS. Register in Camross Parish Hall Race from 3pm, race begins at 4:30pm. Adults entry is €10 and children are free.
Double Up – Live music
Sheeran’s Pub has a super Bank Holiday Saturday night planned with music from Double Up. Enjoy great music, dancing and atmosphere. There is no cover charge and the gig begins at 9.30 pm
SUNDAY MAY 5
Raheen Family Fun Day & Car/Tractor Run
A Great Family Day out is planned in aid of the Lalor House Restoration Project. Enjoy a 6k walk/run, a tractor run, bouncy castles and much more family fun from 10am. There will be live music on the field from 3pm. For more information see https://www.facebook.com/events/635123546926954/
Stradbally Woodland Steam Trains
Stradbally Woodland Railway is running this Sunday and Monday. Enjoy a family day out with a difference on Ireland’s first volunteer-run heritage railway and see a real working, steam train in beautiful forest scenery.
Have many trips and get great value from your ticket as it is valid for a full day. Kids are €3. Adults €7 and under 5s go free. Remember your ticket is valid all day. Trains run from 12-4pm both days. For more information see facebook.com/stradballywoodlandrailway.
Family Fun Day – Fundraiser for Dillon Payne
Mountmellick GAA Club 4 clubs coming together to raise funds for club member Dillon Payne in his fight against cancer. Family fun day, BBQ, over 35s football, children’s activities and loads more. Please come join us and support this wonderful cause! Tickets are €10 (on sale from committee members of all the clubs) and runs from 4pm-10pm.
Dick Valentine – Live Music
Frontman of Electric Six performs at Kavanaghs Bar & Venue on Sunday night. Tickets are €15 and the gig begins at 9.30pm. For more information see www.kavanaghsportlaoise.com or Ph: 057 862 1744
Smash Hits
The ultimate tribute act to the 90s performs classic hits from Vanilla Ice, Prodigy, MC Hammer and much more. Smash Hits are a Laois favourite so don’t miss them in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel from 8.30 and tickets are €16. For tickets call the hotel on 0578730311
Aslan
Lennon’s Bar & Venue, Durrow host the one & only Aslan. They are performing in the Courtyard and a super night is guaranteed. Tickets are €21 and the gig begins at 8pm. For more information see www.facebook.com/lennonsvenue or Ph: 087 843 8464.
Sunday Morning Yin Yoga
Blackhill Woods, Abbeyleix are hosting a Yin Yoga workshop on Sunday. Enjoy meditation, movement, releasing a bluebell walk and a vegan lunch. The workshop costs €40 including lunch and runs from 10.30am-1pm. For more information see www.facebook.com/blackhill.woods
Slieve Bloom Walking Festival
Day 3 of the walking festival continues with a number of walks of varying lengths and terrains. Everyone is covered from family C walks to hard A walks for seasoned walkers.
The cost is €8 per walk per adult or buy a weekend ticket for €20 which also gives you annual membership to partake in a huge number of walks throughout the year. For more information call Gerry Hanlon on 086 821 0056 or www.slievebloom.ie
Alpacas Kinnitty Woodland (family walk)
Meet at Kinnitty Community Centre at 10.45am for this Grade C. 4k.walk that takes 2 hours and is led by Hushabye Farm and their Alpacas
Geological Odyssey/Silver River Walk
Meet at Kinnitty Community Centre at 10.30am for this Grade A. 10k.walk that take 4-5hours and is led by John Feehan.
Clashroe Beagh Walk
Meet at Kinnitty Community Centre at 10.30am for this Grade A. 10k walk that takes 4 hours and is led by Frank Bergin.
Paul’s Lane/Spink Mountain Walk
Meet at Kinnitty Community Centre at 10.45am for this Grade B. 10k walk that takes 4 hours and is led by Sonja Cadogan.
Kinnitty Forest Exploration Walk
Meet at Kinnitty Community Centre at 12.30pm for this Grade B. 9k walk that will take 3-4hours and is led by Richard Jack.
850th Anniversary Tour of the Rock Of Dunamase
May 1st 1169 was when the Anglo Norman Invasion of Ireland began and to mark this occasion Experiencing Laois will be giving a guided tour of The Rock of Dunamase in Laois.
Hear how the Rock was part of the wedding gift when Aoife married Strongbow and many other exciting tales from its long and eventful past. Tour costs €5 per adult and kids free and begins at 2pm. For more information see https://www.facebook.com/events/405160983414519/
Dickie Donnelly – live music
Sheeran’s Pub is not to be missed on Sunday night when Dickie Donnelly plays at 9pm. There is no cover charge.
MONDAY MAY 6
Slieve Bloom Walking Festival Glenbarrow/Capard Woodlands
Round up the end of the Slieve Bloom Festival with a walk in Glenbarrow. This is a Grade B 10Km walk that will take 4 hrs and is led by Gerry Hanlon Meet at Glenbarrow Car Park at 11am.
The cost is €8 per walk per adult or buy a weekend ticket for €20 which also gives you annual membership to partake in a huge number of walks throughout the year. For more information call Gerry Hanlon on 086 821 0056 or www.slievebloom.ie
Stradbally Woodland Steam Trains
Stradbally Woodland Railway is running this Sunday and Monday. Enjoy a family day out with a difference on Ireland’s first volunteer-run heritage railway and see a real working, steam train in beautiful forest scenery.
Have many trips and get great value from your ticket as it is valid for a full day. Kids are €3. Adults €7 and under 5s go free. Remember your ticket is valid all day. Trains run from 12-4pm both days. For more information see facebook.com/stradballywoodlandrailway.
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 – Laois fire service ‘the best in the country’
