The full guide to free, fun, family events happening across Laois for Heritage Week is now available to download. A wide range of events are being held between Saturday August 19th and Sunday August 27th, many of them exploring and celebrating this year’s theme of wildlife. From a Pollinator Party in Páirc an Phobail Portlaoise, to a slideshow of photographs by talented Mountmellick photographer Dom Reddin, to a “Morning, Noon and Night” tour of the county by the Laois Tour Guides Forum, there is a great range of activities on show in the county this year.
The guide the events in Laois is available to download now and Hard copies will be available at County Hall and Laois Libraries shortly. Details of all events nationwide can be found at www.heritageweek.ie.
Breda and Bobby Maher, Clonaslee with Tom Hussey of Dunamaise Bee Keepers at Emo Court as part of Heritage Week.
Picture: Alf Harvey
The Libraries of Laois always put a great effort into Heritage Week and this year is no exception, with free events in most of the Libraries of the County, ranging from the Reptile Zoo, and Minecraft Rocks to Genealogy, Vikings and the Voyage of the James Caird! All of the library events are free, but most require booking, so please do contact your branch as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
Wildlife events include the launch of the Irish Wildlife Trust Portlaoise Swift project, a beekeeping demo and nature walk in Emo Court, a Dipper walk in Monicknew with BirdWatch Ireland Laois, and an exploration of teh Wildlife of Donaghmore Workhouse.
Other highlights of the week will include the Bulfin Heritage Cycle across the county, with participants in period costume on High Nelly bikes, and a re-eactment of part of the Battle of Ypres, in Durrow, at which Sgt Jack Moyney of Rathdowney won a Victoria Cross for bravery.
There really is a great range of events planed – Heritage Week, it’s in your nature!
Heritage Week is co-ordinated nationally by the Heritage Council and locally by the Heritage Office of Laois County Council. We are very grateful for the ongoing support of the Heritage Council for all our activities.