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Laois Heritage Publications

A range of publications on the built, natural and cultural heritage of County Laois are available to download. Click on any of the titles below for a description of the publication and download details.

Heritage News & Events

Heritage Week in Laois 2010

Details of all events being held in Laois during Heritage Week 2010, from August 21st to 29th. Further information on events nationwide is at www.heritageweek.ie.

Heritage Week in Laois 2010 (PDF Document - 666 kb)

Biodiversity Week Events 2010

Detailed listing of events for Biodiversity Week in Laois, 16th to 23rd May 2010

Biodiversity Week Events 2010 (PDF Document - 201 kb)

Biodiversity Week Events 2009

Listing of free, family wildlife events in and around Laois for Biodiversity Week in 2009 (17th to 24th May). Includes details of this year's Dawn Chorus Walk in Clonaslee.

Biodiversity Week Events 2009 (PDF Document - 560 kb)

Celebrating Laois Heritage 2008

Conference programme for Celebrating Laois Heritage, November 2008

Celebrating Laois Heritage 2008 (PDF Document - 211 kb)

Heritage Week 2008

Programme of  events for Laois Heritage Week 2008

Heritage Week 2008 (PDF Document - 3,598 kb)

Conservation Seminar 2008

A seminar for owners of historic properties and thatched buildings will be held in Abbeyleix on Saturday 18th Ocrober, starting at 10am. Admission is free but places will be limited so booking is required. Download details and a booking form here.

Conservation Seminar 2008 (PDF Document - 199 kb)

Discovering Laois Wildlife 2008

Workshops on the wildlife and biodiversity of County Laois, starting May 2008

Discovering Laois Wildlife 2008 (PDF Document - 1,676 kb)

Biodiversity Week 2008

Details of the events and activities in Laois during Biodiversity Week - 19th to 25th May 2008.

Biodiversity Week 2008 (PDF Document - 136 kb)

Celebrating Laois Heritage 2007

This year's annual Celebrating Laois Heritage event will take place on Suturday 3rd November in the Parish Centre Portlaoise, starting at 10am

Download leaflet and booking form for more information, or contact Catherine Casey, Laois Heritage Office for details.

Celebrating Laois Heritage 2007 (PDF Document - 231 kb)

Heritage Photography Competition

 Capture the spirirt of Laois heritage in pictures! We are looking for personal and unusual views of the built heritage of the county in this new competition. Closing date 16th October 2007. Further information available in Leaflet, or from Laois Heritage Office

Heritage Photography Competition Cover

Heritage Photography Competition (PDF Document - 324 kb)

Heritage Photography Competition Rules

2007 Heritage Photography competition full rules and consent forms.

Heritage Photography Competition Rules (PDF Document - 36 kb)

Heritage Week 2007 events in Laois

 Leaflet detailing the events and open days planned for Heritage Week, 25th August to 2nd September 2007, in Co Laois

Heritage Week 2007 events in Laois (PDF Document - 1,261 kb)

Laois Heritage Trail

Information on the sites that make up the Laois Heritage Trail:

Information on each site is given, with a map of Laois showing the location of the sites.

This guide was produced by Laois County Council and Laois LEADER, with the support of the Heritage Council.

Laois Heritage Trail (PDF Document - 1,308 kb)

Laois Heritage Plan Information

Laois Heritage Plan 2007 - 2011

The second Heritage Plan for County Laois, this plan was adopted by Laois County Council in December 2006, and will run from 2007 to 2011.

Laois Heritage Plan 2007 cover

Laois Heritage Plan 2007 - 2011 (PDF Document - 1,489 kb)

Laois Heritage Plan Projects 2002 - 2006

Summary of projects and actions undertaken under the Laois Heritage Plan between 2002 and 2006

Laois Heritage Plan Projects 2002 - 2006 (PDF Document - 37 kb)

Laois Heritage Plan 2002 - 2006

The first Heritage Plan for County Laois, published in 2002, with actions for the collection of data, raising awareness and conservation of the built, natural and cultural heritage of the County.

Laois Heritage Plan 2002 - 2006 (PDF Document - 56 kb)

Laois Heritage Plan Evaluation 2006

Independent evaluation of the actions and impacts of the Laois Heritage Plan between 2002 and 2006. Carried out in 2006 by David Hickey and Dr Jack Carter.

Laois Heritage Plan Evaluation 2006 (PDF Document - 237 kb)

Wildlife Publications

Laois Habitats Survey 2008 - Part 1

Report on the surveys of habitats in County Laois, carried out in 2008 by Mary Tubridy & Associates, on behalf of the Laois Heritage Forum, with the support of the Heritage Council.

Part 1 is the main report of the survey and contains description of the aims, methdodology, results and recommendations of the survey.

Part 2 of the report contains appendices, including details of habitats recorded and plant species lists.

This project is an ongoing survey, which started in 2005, with the ultimate aim of field surveying habitats throughout the whole of County Laois.

Laois Habitats Survey 2008 - Part 1 (PDF Document - 2,091 kb)

Laois Habitats Survey 2008 - Part 2

Report on the surveys of habitats in County Laois, carried out in 2008 by Mary Tubridy & Associates, on behalf of the Laois Heritage Forum, with the support of the Heritage Council.

Part 1 is the main report of the survey and contains description of the aims, methdodology, results and recommendations of the survey.

Part 2 of the report contains appendices, including details of habitats recorded and plant species lists.

This project is an ongoing survey, which started in 2005, with the ultimate aim of field surveying habitats throughout the whole of County Laois.

Laois Habitats Survey 2008 - Part 2 (PDF Document - 1,638 kb)

Laois Habitats Survey 2007

Results of the surveys of habitats in County Laois, carried out in 2007 by Mary Tubridy & Associates, on behalf of the Laois Heritage Forum, with the support of the Heritage Council. Report contains description of the aims, methdodology, results and recommendations of the survey.

Copies of the report and raw data can be requested on CD or paper by contacting the Laois Heritage Office.

This project is an ongoing field survey, with the ultimate aim of field surveying habitats throughout Laois.

Laois Habitats Survey 2007 (PDF Document - 5,509 kb)

Laois Habitats Survey 2006 Part I

Results of the surveys of habitats in County Laois, carried out in 2005 and 2006 by Mary Tubridy & Associates, on behalf of the Laois Heritage Forum, with the support of the Heritage Council. Part I contains description of the aims, methdodology, results and recommendations of the survey. Part II contains Appendices and raw data including species lists.

Copies of the report and raw data can be requested on CD or paper by contacting the Laois Heritage Office.

This project is an ongoing field survey, with the ultimate aim of field surveying habitats throughout the county.

Laois Habitats Survey 2006 Part I (PDF Document - 1,892 kb)

Laois Habitats Survey 2006 Part II

Results of Phase II of the survey of habitats in County Laois, carried out in 2006 by Mary Tubridy & Associates, on behalf of the Laois Heritage Forum, with the support of the Heritage Council.

Part I contains description of the aims, methdodology, results and recommendations of the survey. Part II contains Appendices and raw data including species lists.

Copies of the report and raw data can be requested on CD or paper by contacting the Laois Heritage Office.

This project is part of an ongoing survey, with the ultimate aim of field surveying habitats throughout the county.

Laois Habitats Survey 2006 Part II (PDF Document - 576 kb)

Laois Habitats Survey 2005 Part I

Survey of habitats in County Laois, carried out in 2005 by Mary Tubridy Associates, on behalf of Laois Heritage Forum with the assistance of the Heritage Council.

Part I contains the survey methodlology, results and recommendations, while Part II contains detailed results in appendices.

Laois Habitats Survey 2005 Part I (PDF Document - 4,748 kb)

Laois Habitats Survey 2005 Part II

Survey of habitats in County Laois, carried out in 2005 by Mary Tubridy Associates, on behalf of Laois Heritage Forum with the assistance of the Heritage Council.

Part I contains the survey methodlology, results and recommendations, while Part II contains detailed results in appendices.

Laois Habitats Survey 2005 Part II (PDF Document - 851 kb)

Laois Natural Heritage Datasets, project report & analysis

An audit of all existing information on the biodiversity and wildlife of Laois, whether published or unpublished, was carried out in 2006 by MERC Consultants Ltd on behalf of the Laois Heritage Forum, with the assistance of the Heritage Council.

This resulted in a detailed report (below) describing the methodology and results of the project, with recommendations for the direction of future biodiversity research and survey work based on previous work and gaps in the existing data. In addition, a database of all surveys and publications relating to the wildlife and biodiversity of Laois was created. A copy of the full database on CD (in Microsoft Access format) may be requested directly from Laois Heritage Office.

A summary report with information on the datasets located is also available.

Laois Natural Heritage Datasets, project report & analysis (PDF Document - 291 kb)

Laois Natural Heritage Poster

Download pdf version of the Laois Natural Heritage Poster. Hard copies may also be ordered, free of charge, from the Laois Heritage Office.

Laois Natural Heritage Poster (PDF Document - 143 kb)

Laois Natural Heritage Datasets Summary

This document summarises the data located during an audit of published and unpublished biological information relating to Laois, compiled by MERC Consultants on behalf of Laois Heritage Office in 2006. It is accompanied by a project report detailing the rationale, methodology and key conclusions of the survey.

Copies of the full database in Microsoft Acess format can be supplied on CD by Laois Heritage Office.

Laois Natural Heritage Datasets Summary (PDF Document - 95 kb)

Laois Esker Survey Part I

Report on the survey of eskers in County Laois carried out in 2005 on behalf of the Laois Heritage Office, with the assistance of the Heritage Council.

Part I contains the full text of the report (survey area, methodology, results and conclusions), while Part II contains species lits and raw data in appendices.

Laois Esker Survey Part I (PDF Document - 2,060 kb)

Laois Esker Survey Part II

Report on the survey of eskers in County Laois carried out in 2005 on behalf of the Laois Heritage Office, with the assistance of the Heritage Council.

Part I contains the full text of the report (survey area, methodology, results and conclusions), while Part II contains species lits and raw data in appendices.

Laois Esker Survey Part II (PDF Document - 3,168 kb)

Survey of Birds in Bridges 2007

Results of a 2007 survey of Dippers and Wagtails in Slieve Bloom bridges, carried out by BirdWatch Ireland, on behalf of Laois and Offaly Heritage Fora.

Survey of Birds in Bridges 2007 (PDF Document - 1,562 kb)

Survey of Bats in bridges 2007

Results of a survey carried out in 2007 examining diversity and distribution of bats in selected bridges in Laois and Offaly.

Survey of Bats in bridges 2007 (PDF Document - 4,847 kb)

Bats Leaflet

Leaflet describing the importance of Irish Bats and the habitats they use.

Bats Leaflet (PDF Document - 292 kb)

Daubenton's Bat Survey

A leaflet describing the background, aims and methodology of the national Daubenton's Bat surevy, being undertaken by Bat Conservation Ireland. Details are also included on a training workshop in Portlaoise on Tusday 10th July 2007.

Daubenton's Bat Survey (PDF Document - 190 kb)

Managing Wildlife in Towns and Villages

Leaflet with information on planting for wildilfe, native species and how to enhance wildlife in your community.

Managing Wildlife in Towns and Villages (PDF Document - 359 kb)

Map Natural Heritage Areas in Laois

Map extract from the Laois County Development plan showing the location and extent of areas designated as Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) in County Laois.

Map Natural Heritage Areas in Laois (PDF Document - 1,593 kb)

Map of Special Areas for Conservation in Laois

Map extract from the Laois County Development plan, showing the location and extent of areas designated as Special Areas for Conservation in County Laois.

Map of Special Areas for Conservation in Laois (PDF Document - 1,594 kb)

Information on Hedgerows

Laois Hedgerow Survey

Field survey of hedgerows in County Laois, carried out in 2005.

Laois Hedgerow Survey (PDF Document - 2,475 kb)

Laois Hedgerow Survey 2005 Summary

Short leaflet summarising the results and recommendations of a survey of hedgerows in Laois, carried out on behalf of Laois Heritage Office in 2005. The full survey report is also available.

Laois Hedgerow Survey 2005 Summary (PDF Document - 225 kb)

Hedgerows Leaflet

A leaflet describing the value and importance of hedgerows, with conservation and management tips

Hedgerows Leaflet (PDF Document - 1,683 kb)

Teagasc Hedgerow Rejuvenation Leaflet

Leaflet produced by Teagasc, providing advice on hedgerow management and rejuvenation, for landowners

Teagasc Hedgerow Rejuvenation Leaflet (PDF Document - 144 kb)

Hedgerows Leaflet

A leaflet describing the value and importance of hedgerows, with conservation and management tips

Hedgerows Leaflet (PDF Document - 1,683 kb)

Teagasc Hedgerow Routine Trimming Leaflet

Leaflet produced by Teagasc detailing practical advice for land managers on routine trimming of hedgerows.

Teagasc Hedgerow Routine Trimming Leaflet (PDF Document - 125 kb)

Teagasc Hedgerow Value Leaflet

Leaflet produced by Teagasc with information on the value and importance of Hedgerows.

Teagasc Hedgerow Value Leaflet (PDF Document - 136 kb)

Teagasc Planting new Hedgerows Leaflet

Leaflet produced by Teagasc with practical advice on planting new farm hedgerows.

Teagasc Planting new Hedgerows Leaflet (PDF Document - 122 kb)

Built Heritage Publications

Mountmellick Canal

Showcasing the built, natural and cultural heritage of the former Mountmellick Canal. This branch of the Grand Canal from Monasterevin, ran through Portarlington and on to Mountmellick until its closure in the 1960s.

Written for Laois Heritage Forum by Mary Ann Williams (2008).

This book was inspired by and summarises the technical information contained in the detailed survey of the Mountmellick Canal carried out by Fred Hamond and John Feehan in 2006 and also available online.

Mountmellick Canal Cover

A hard copy of this publication is also available free of charge from Laois Heritage Office.

Mountmellick Canal (PDF Document - 5,265 kb)

Laois Thatch Survey, 2007 Part I

Part I of the survey of thatched structures in Laois, carried out in 2007 by Architecture Recording & Research, on behalf of Laois Heritage Office.

This volume contain a summary of the findings and analysis. Part II, available on request from Laois Heritage Office, contains a gazeteer of structures surveyed and detailed site desctriptions.

Laois Thatch Survey, 2007 Part I (PDF Document - 390 kb)

Mountmellick Canal Survey 2006, Part I

A survey of the ecology and industrial heritage of the Mountmellick Branch of the Grand Canal, from Mountmellick to Monasterevin. This survey was carried out in 2006 by Fred Hammond and Dr John Feehan, on behalf of the Laois Heritage Forum with the assistance of the Heritage Council.

Part I of the report describes the survey area, methodology and results. Part II contains appendices, maps, plant species lists and a detailed description of industrial heritage sites.

Mountmellick Canal Survey 2006, Part I (PDF Document - 1,383 kb)

Mountmellick Canal Survey 2006, Part II

A survey of the ecology and industrial heritage of the Mountmellick Branch of the Grand Canal, from Mountmellick to Monasterevin. This survey was carried out in 2006 by Fred Hammond and Dr John Feehan, on behalf of the Laois Heritage Forum with the assistance of the Heritage Council.

Part I of the report describes the survey area, methodology and results. Part II contains appendices, maps, plant species lists and a detailed description of industrial heritage sites.

Mountmellick Canal Survey 2006, Part II (PDF Document - 2,635 kb)

Laois Industrial Heritage

Report on a desk study of all Industrial Heritage in Laois, carried out in 2004

Laois Industrial Heritage (PDF Document - 362 kb)

Laois Heritage Mills Survey Part I

Report on a field survey of Laois Mills carried out by Fred Hammond on behalf of Laois Heritage Forum, with the assistance of the Heritage Council.

Part I of the report contains background, methodology, results and analysis. Part II is a detailed gazeteer of all mill sites surveyed.

Laois Heritage Mills Survey Part I (PDF Document - 2,984 kb)

Laois Heritage Mills Survey Part II

Report on a field survey of Laois Mills carried out by Fred Hammond on behalf of Laois Heritage Forum, with the assistance of the Heritage Council.

Part I of the report contains background, methodology, results and analysis. Part II is a detailed gazeteer of all mill sites surveyed.

Laois Heritage Mills Survey Part II (PDF Document - 4,402 kb)

Protected Structures

Information on Protected Structures for building owners and the general public. Published by the Heritage Council.

Protected Structures (PDF Document - 103 kb)

Archaeology on the route of the Heath Mayfield Motorway

National Roads Authority leaflet with details of archaeological finds on the route of the Heath-Mayfield section of the M7 motorway in Laois and Kildare.

Archaeology on the route of the Heath Mayfield Motorway (PDF Document - 1,290 kb)

Archaeology on route of M7 M8 Motorways

National Roads Authority leaflet with details of archaeological finds to date following excavations along on the line of the proposed M7 and M8 motorways through Laois. Updated in December 2006.

Archaeology on route of M7 M8 Motorways (PDF Document - 882 kb)

Irish Field Monuments

Booklet detailing the types, appearance and importance of the various field monuments found in the Irish landscape.

Irish Field Monuments (PDF Document - 4,115 kb)

Garden Heritage of Laois

History, background and visitor information on the heritage gardens of Laois, including:

Garden Heritage of Laois (PDF Document - 2,043 kb)

Graveyards Checklist

A list of issues to consider before starting work of any kind in a graveyard. Particularly aimed at community groups and graveyard committees.

Graveyards Checklist (PDF Document - 43 kb)

Thatch Grants Application Form

Application form for funding from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, for repair or renewal of the roof on a thatched house.

Thatch Grants Application Form (PDF Document - 128 kb)

Laois Heritage Thatch Grant Leaflet

Background information (Memo HA2-T) on obtaining a grant for repair of thatch from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Laois Heritage Thatch Grant Leaflet (PDF Document - 212 kb)

Laois Built Heritage Poster

Download pdf version of the Laois Built Heritage Poster. Hard copies may also be ordered, free of charge, from the Laois Heritage Office

Laois Built Heritage Poster (PDF Document - 186 kb)

Revenue Tax Relief (Section 482)

Revenue leaflet on tax relief for expenditure on approved buildings and gardens.

Revenue Tax Relief (Section 482) (PDF Document - 30 kb)

Cultural Heritage Publications

Laois County Council Policy on Placenames

Policy adopted by Laois County Council in 2005 on Placenames in the County, and the Laois Placenames Committee.

Laois County Council Policy on Placenames (PDF Document - 40 kb)

Laois Placenames : Guidelines for Developers

Detailed guidelines for developers on the selection of names for new developments in Laois.

Laois Placenames : Guidelines for Developers (PDF Document - 211 kb)

Laois Placenames Committee

Information on the aims and operation of the Placenames Committee of Laois County Council.

Laois Placenames Committee (PDF Document - 415 kb)

Laois County Council Policy on Placenames

Policy adopted by Laois County Council in 2005 on Placenames in the County, and the Laois Placenames Committee.

Laois County Council Policy on Placenames (PDF Document - 40 kb)

Study of the Laois Museums Sector

Results of a study of the sustainability of the msueums sector in County Laois, carried out in 2004. With introductory details on each of the participating museums and detailed recommendations for future action.

Study of the Laois Museums Sector (PDF Document - 530 kb)

Heritage Awareness in Laois

 Market research study carried out in 2006 by Ipsos Mori on behalf of Laois Heritage Office, looking at awareness of heritage in county Laois, with detailed recommendations for future action.

Heritage Awareness in Laois (PDF Document - 472 kb)

Clonaslee Village Design Statement

Clonaslee Village Design Statement, carried out on a pilot basis on behalf of Laois Heritage Office in 2003

Clonaslee Village Design Statement (PDF Document - 1,113 kb)

Durrow Village Design Statement

Durrow Village Design Statement, carried out on a pilot basis on behalf of Laois Heritage Office in 2003

Durrow Village Design Statement (PDF Document - 1,258 kb)

Policy Documents

Laois County Council Policy on Museums

Policy adopted by Laois County Council in 2005 on the museums sector in the County.

Laois County Council Policy on Museums (PDF Document - 44 kb)



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