Brought to you by Laois Tourism
It’s another busy weekend in Laois with so much on for everyone in the family.
The 10th Durrow Scarecrow Festival is in full swing while the Stradbally Steam Rally is in its 55th year and promises to be weekend of old fashioned fun.
Emo Court has another free event which will focus on an architectural tour of the house.
THURSDAY 1 AUGUST
Durrow Scarecrow Festival 2019 – Durrow
Now in its 10th year the Scarecrow Festival is growing from strength to strength. Nine jam packed days of family fun. This year there is even an app so you won’t miss out on anything.
Come and see the amazing scarecrows that take over the village. This year there is the Miami Slide, this is the biggest slide in Europe. Enjoy artisan food markets, craft workshops, artists exhibitions, photography competition, daily entertainment, roundbale competition, children’s summer camp, Ladies night kayaking, historical walks the list goes on.
Portlaoise Library – Dogs Trust Workshop
Learn to be dog smart and meet Paul’s dog magic for free. All ages welcome from 11am. In Stradbally library at 2pm.
Mountrath Library – Pokemon Hunt
Search and find Pokémon characters hidden around the library. Ages 3-10 years. Free but booking is essential. Ph: 057 87 56378 or email: library@laoiscoco.ie
Monsters Inc – Kids’ Film Club Portlaoise Library
Portlaoise Library’s five-week season of Super Summer Movies. Popcorn and drinks will be served at this free event! Parents are requested to stay with children during the film.
The event is free but booking is essential. To book a place now by contacting us on 0578622333 or by emailing the library laoislibrary@laoiscoco.ie
FRIDAY 2 AUGUST
Portlaoise Summer Festival – Peppers Lane Portlaoise
An artisan food and drink market from 8.30am in the heart of Portlaoise. Come along and enjoy the best in local foods and crafts. Meet the makers and get a real sense of place.
Walker – Mountmellick Arts Centre
W.A.L.K.E.R. bring their explosive rock ‘n roll show to the Mountmellick Community Arts Centre Balcony Theatre. Doors Open at 8pm and €8.
Coraline – Kids’ Summer Movie Club -Abbeyleix Library
Every Friday in July and August Abbeyleix Library are hosting a movie afternoon complete with popcorn and drinks. This week the film is The Jungle Book. It’s suitable for ages 7+ and its free to attend. The movie begins at 2:30pm.
Lego Fun – Mountrath Library
Every Friday Mountrath Library is hosting Lego fun for all budding builders. Build your own Lego creations Suitable for ages 8-12 years and is a free event but booking is essential. To find out more call 057 8756378.
Open Week – The Heath Golf Club
Various golf competitions throughout the week. 18 Hole: €10 (Members) €12 (Visitors) 9 Hole: €5 (Members/Visitors) Open week ticket: €50 (Members only – excludes 9 hole competitions). You will have to check times online. Book online here. Phone: 057 8646533.
SATURDAY 3 AUGUST
Laois Heritage Society
There’s a great chance to get out and stretch the legs at the upcoming heritage walk in Vicarstown hosted by Laois Heritage Society.
Laois Heritage Society presents a Built and Natural Heritage and Walk from 2pm – 5pm at the canal in Vicarstown.
All are invited to come along, there will be refreshments and a picnic along the way.
Architectural Tour of Emo Court – Emo Court and Parklands
A free guided tour of Emo Court which will focus on the architectural features of the building and its neoclassical design, following the story of its beginnings to its present day restoration.
Designed by James Gandon in 1790 for the first Earl of Portarlington, it took over 80 years to complete. In 1930, the Jesuit order reconfigured the internal layout to accommodate their use of the building as a training college for novices.
In 1969, Mjr Cholmeley Dering Cholmeley-Harrison bought the estate and carefully restored the house and grounds. Then, in 1994, he gifted the estate to the Irish nation, where today the OPW manages and continues its restoration journey.
The tour will take place at 3.00pm. Tickets are free and can be booked by using the link here.
Zombie, Cranberries Tribute Act – Kavanaghs Bar and Venue, Portlaoise
Zombie- Ireland’s premier tribute band performs at Kavanaghs..€14 and starts at 9:30pm
Davie Furey & The Cool Cats – Bobs Bar, Durrow
Davie Furey & The Cool Cats kick off their Irish Tour 2019 in Bob’s Bar, Durrow, Co. Laois with a very special evening of music, with all proceeds going to The Ella Dempsey Fund. €10 per person. 8pm.
SUNDAY 4 AUGUST
Stradbally Steam Rally – Stradbally
Join us to celebrate the 55th National Steam Rally. A fun-filled weekend for the whole family with lots to see and do. Weekend Adult Pass @20, Weekend Children’s Pass is €10. Gates open at 10am.
The Cottage Market – Mountrath
Come to the market in the Macra Hall main street to buy and taste some wonderful homegrown and homemade goods. Market starts from 10am to 1pm.
MONDAY 5 AUGUST
Slieve Bloom Guided Walk
The Slieve Bloom Walking Club’s next guided walk is the Stoneyman. This walk is a Grade B, 8km walk and takes 3 hours. Meeting point is Ridge of Capard Carpark at 2pm. €5 per walk or €20 annual membership (€30 for family).
