The first of free ‘Welcome to Laois tour’ took place recently with great success.
The aim of this Creative Ireland Laois project is to help people from the new communities: new arrivals and different nationalities to get to know the county.
Organised by the Arts Office, Laois County Council in partnership with Laois Integration Office the tour was led by professional tour guide Trudy Carmody, from Experiencing Laois.
A group of 50 people including adults and children from many different countries and nationalities enjoyed the experience of seeing and hearing about; the Timahoe Round Tower, the Rock of Dunamase and Emo Court before returning to Portlaoise and Abbeyleix.
The visit to Timahoe included a visit to the Heritage Centre where the children were especially intrigued by the costumed mannequins of monks and Vikings on view.
The visit to the Rock of Dunamase was also a big hit with all as they took in the amazing views and learned about the history of the site.
And finally to Emo Court where the group enjoyed an outdoor picnic, Irish music in the walled garden and a tour and talk on some of the tree varieties growing in the gardens surrounding the house.
A huge response was received to this first tour and more are planned for the coming months.
Michael Scully was there to get pictures from the first tour:
“Welcome to Laois” Tour begins at County Hall where Cathaoirleach , Clr. John King welcomes the participants with Muireann ni Chonaill ( Arts Officer ) and Council Officials . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour begins at County Hall where Cathaoirleach , Clr. John King welcomes the participants with Muireann ni Chonaill ( Arts Officer ) and Council Officials . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at Timahoe Round Tower- Muireann ni Chonaill ( Arts Officer ) speaking at Timahoe Heritage Centre/ Round Tower . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at Timahoe Round Tower- Muireann ni Chonaill ( Arts Officer ) speaking at Timahoe Heritage Centre/ Round Tower . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at Timahoe Round Tower- Young participants pose for a picture with a monk and Viking in Timahoe Heritage Centre . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at Timahoe Round Tower- Laois Co. Council/ Arts Office officials and Trudy Carmody , Tour Guide with participants in Timahoe Heritage Centre . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at Timahoe Round Tower- Trudy Carmody , Tour Guide with participants in Timahoe Heritage Centre . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at Timahoe Round Tower- Trudy Carmody , Tour Guide with participants and officials at the Round Tower . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at Timahoe Round Tower- participants at the Round Tower . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at Timahoe Round Tower- participants and officials at the Round Tower . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at Timahoe Round Tower- participants at the Round Tower . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at The Rock of Dunamase – Trudy Carmody , Tour Guide at the start of the climb to the top of the Rock of Dunamase . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at The Rock of Dunamase – participants climb to the top of the Rock of Dunamase . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at The Rock of Dunamase – participants climb to the top of the Rock of Dunamase . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at The Rock of Dunamase – participants enjoy the views at the Rock of Dunamase . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at The Rock of Dunamase – Trudy Carmody ,Tour Guide giving the history at the Rock of Dunamase . Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.Trudy Carmody ,Tour Guide giving the history at the Rock of Dunamase . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at The Rock of Dunamase – Muireann Ni Chonaill ( Arts Officer, Laois Co Council )Trudy Carmody ,Tour Guide giving the history at the Rock of Dunamase . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at The Rock of Dunamase – Trudy Carmody ,Tour Guide giving the history at the Rock of Dunamase . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at The Rock of Dunamase – Participants stop for a photo . Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at Emo Court – participants enjoy a picnic during the tour of Emo Court grounds. Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at Emo Court – participants enjoy a picnic during the tour of Emo Court grounds. Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at Emo Court – Traditional music was provided by Maebh-Aine Ni Dhufaigh and Rossa O’Duffy during the tour of Emo Court grounds. Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at Emo Court – Traditional music was provided by Maebh-Aine Ni Dhufaigh and Rossa O’Duffy during the tour of Emo Court grounds. Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at Emo Court – Traditional music was provided by Maebh-Aine Ni Dhufaigh and Rossa O’Duffy during the tour of Emo Court grounds. Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at Emo Court – John Duffy , Head Gardener , giving the history of the trees during the tour of Emo Court grounds. Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at Emo Court – John Duffy , Head Gardener , leading the tour of Emo Court grounds. Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at Emo Court – participants finishing the tour at the grounds at Emo Court. Photo: Michael Scully.“Welcome to Laois” Tour at Emo Court – participants strolling through the grounds at Emo Court. Photo: Michael Scully.
