Download the Laois Heritage Week Event Guide

Laois Heritage Trails Audioguides and App Welcome to the heritage of Laois, a part of Ireland's Ancient East. With our new Laois Heritage app as your guide, you're ready for a real life journey through this mystical place. These audio trails tell the story of Laois, from the early Christian monks who built monasteries at Aghaboe and Clonenagh, to the Norman knights who defended the Castle on the Rock of Dunamase and from the desperate people who found refuge in Donaghmore Workhouse to the modern-day gardeners who create havens for wildlife within their walls. The app will help you to discover the Laois Heritage Trail, Laois Monastic Trail and Laois Garden Trail, with maps, audio, pictures and ﬁlm. It’s available in English, Irish, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin. The audio was created by Abarta Heritage and the app was created by Acoustiguide, with the support of Laois Tourism, and funding from Failte Ireland. Download Now! You can download this free app directly to your smartphone from the App store or the Google Play Store: just search for “Laois Heritage” in your chosen store. Find out more at www.laois.ie/heritage or www.irelandsancienteast.ie Audioguides to the Heritage of Laois With the help of Laois Partership, a number of audioguides to various sites in Laois were commissioned from Abarta Heritage. These guides can be downloaded for free from the website of Abarta, and include guides to the Rock of Dunamase, the Laois Heritage Trail, the Laois Monastic Trail, Abbeyleix Heritage Town, and the stories of Portlaoise and Portarlington. www.abartaheritage.ie/county-laois-audio-guides/ All events are free, unless otherwise stated

Suitable for children - Partial disabled Disabled Car parking must be accompanied access access available

STRADBALLY HALL TOURS Date & Time 17-25 August, 9:00am - 1:00pm Organiser Thomas Cosby Venue Stradbally Hall Description Stradbally Hall house tours. Please come to the Main Gates of Stradbally Hall where there will be a shuttle bus to the house. Tours last approx. one hour. Contact E [email protected] T 087-223 7549 W stradballyhall.ie Cost Adult: €10 / Child: €0

MOUNTMELLICK EMBROIDERY EXHIBITION Date & Time 17-19 August: 10:00am - 6:00pm Organiser Mountmellick Heritage Society Venue Owenass Hall Description An exhibition of traditional and contemporary Mountmellick work, a spectacular white on white embroidery. Contact E [email protected] T 085-861 9517

GENEALOGY CLINIC IN THE LIBRARY Date & Time 17 August: 10:00am - 1:00pm Organiser Laois County Library Venue Portlaoise Library Description Would you like to do your family tree but don’t know where to start? Have you started your family tree but need help moving forward with your research? If so, the Genealogy Clinic could be for you. Book in for a free thirty minute, one-to-one advice clinic with Laois Genealogy Club members, who will provide guidance and pointers on your specific research problems. Booking Required. Contact E [email protected] T 057-862 2333 W laois.ie/departments/libraries

FOLKLORE BY LOCAL CHILDREN IN THE 1930s Date & Time 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 August: 10:00am-2:00pm; 20 August: 2:00pm - 7:30pm; 21-22 August: 2pm - 5:30pm; 23 August: 2pm - 5:00pm Organiser Mountmellick Heritage Society Venue Mountmellick Public Library & Gallery Description A collection of folklore and local traditions compiled by primary school pupils of the Mountmellick, Rosenallis and Clonaslee areas between 1937 and 1939, Dúchas ”The Schools Collection” Contact E [email protected] T 085-861 9517

3 LOCAL HISTORY EXHIBITION Date & Time 17 August: 10:00am - 2:00pm 20 August: 10:00am - 7:30pm 21 & 23 August: 10:00am - 5:30pm 24 August: 10:00am - 2:00pm Organiser Mountmellick Heritage Society Venue Mountmellick Library Description Mountmellick Heritage Society’s Annual Exhibition takes place in Mountmellick Library for the month of August 2019. Call in during library opening hours to explore the rich heritage of Mountmellick. Contact E [email protected] T 057-864 4572

HERITAGE OF KILMINCHY Date & Time 17 August: 10:00am - 8:00pm Organiser Kilminchy Homeowners Venue Kilminchy, Portlaoise Description Explore the natural and cultural heritage of Kilminchy. With our friends from the Irish Wildlife Trust Laois/Offaly branch, help cut our new wildflower meadow at the lakes in the morning. Plenty of volunteers are required for this part. To keep the children busy there will be some wildlife games too. That evening, come along to a free heritage talk on Kilminchy in the Sue Ryder Centre. This will take place from 7pm – 8pm. Contact E [email protected] T 087-774 1846 W kilminchyhomeowners.com

BEE CRAFT FOR CHILDREN Date & Time 17 August: 11:00am - 12:00pm Organiser Laois County Library Venue Portarlington Library Description Join Valerie Madden for a bee arts and crafts session for children. Suitable for children aged eight to 12 years. Booking Required. Contact E [email protected] T 057-86 4375 W laois.ie/departments/libraries

VINTAGE TRAIN RIDES Date & Time 17 & 18 August: 12:00pm - 4:00pm Organiser Irish Steam Preservation Society Venue Stradbally Woodland Railway, Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois Description Enjoy a vintage Bord na Móna steam and diesel train ride through the woods of Stradbally. Run by dedicated volunteers, you can go as many times as you want! Shop also available. Contact E [email protected] T 085-800 0000 W stradballyrailway.webs.com Cost Adult: €7 / Child: €3 / Family: €15

4 BOG STORIES OF IRELAND Date & Time 17 August: 2:00pm - 4:00pm Organiser Heritage House and Abbeyleix Bog Project Venue Heritage House Abbeyleix Description Hear stories about people, and places visited, from National Geographic Explorer, Emily Toner, who researched the cultural and environmental significance of bogs in Ireland over the past year. With the question “how are bogs embedded in Irish culture and how have Irish people impacted their bogs” Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellow Emily Toner travelled Ireland for the past year meeting people with bog tales to tell. During this event, she shares those stories along with photographs from peat lands all around the country. Contact E [email protected] T 057-863 1653 W abbeyleixheritage.com

HISTORY TALK ON KEVIN O’HIGGINS Date & Time 17 August: 2:00pm - 3:00pm Organiser Laois County Library Venue Portlaoise Library Description The changing face of Kevin Christopher O’Higgins, from Sinn Féin Rebel to Cumann na nGaedhal Conservative’, a talk by Regina McGinley. Join Historian Regina McGinley for a talk on the fascinating and controversial Laois man, whose political career ranged from nationalist revolutionary to architect of law and order in Ireland. Contact T 057-862 2333 W laois.ie/departments/libraries

JUMPERS FOR GOALPOSTS Date & Time 17 August: 3:00pm - 5:00pm Organiser Sandymount Heritage Venue St. Michael & All Angels’ Parochial Hall, Abbeyleix Description Travel back in time and let your children take part in a 1940s style, Association Football (Soccer Match). All period kit provided! This highly popular workshop is aimed at children aged between nine and 12 and will be played on the nearby Church Field in a near perfect period setting. Meet up and change at the Parochial Hall which is situated about eighty yards on the left as you leave Abbeyleix on the Rathdowney Road (R433). This is a bi-lingual event so feel free to practice your cúpla focail with us! We look forward to seeing you all. Booking Required. Contact E [email protected] T 087-173 7852

5 EXPERIENCE PAST TIMES OF TIMES PAST Date & Time 17 August: 6:00pm - 10:00pm Organiser Experiencing Ireland Tours Venue Donaghmore Famine Workhouse and Agricultural Museum Description This unique event celebrates the Past times of Times Past. Experiencing life as it was in 19th century Ireland through tales and displays. Includes: Emotive Tour of Donaghmore Famine Workhouse with personal stories, Laois Archery exhibition, display from Raven Havens native birds & birds of prey, a show and tell from Irish Fly Fishing & Shooting Museum. Sample all things culinary with our 19th century banquet with some fabulous 19th century live classical music. Period costume is encouraged. Booking Required. Contact E [email protected] T 087-792 3367 Cost €70.

INTERNATIONAL FLAG BADGE MAKING Date & Time 17 August: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Organiser Sandymount Heritage Venue St. Michael & All Angels’ Parochial Hall, Abbeyleix Description Have a go at making your own International Flag Badge from safety pins and coloured seed beads, while learning about all things Vexilogical (the study of Flags). This highly enjoyable (and therapeutic event) workshop is suitable for all from age six upwards and is very popular with family groups during the summer holidays. Páirt a ghlacadh trí Ghaeilge chomh Maith más fear libh (Participate through Irish as well if you prefer). The venue is located at the south end of Abbeyleix, about eighty yards on the left after you turn on to the Rathdowney Road (R433). Parking nearby along Main Street. Booking Required. Contact E [email protected] T 087-173 7852

FREE GUIDED TOURS OF EMO COURT HOUSE Date & Time 18 & 25 August: 10:30am - 4:30pm Organiser Office of Public Works Venue Emo Court House Description Free guided Tours of the feature rooms in the House, where you will hear stories of the characters who lived there. Family Portraits, Fine Furniture and Photographs from 1790 -1970. Contact E [email protected] T 057-862 6573 W www.emocourt.ie

WALKING TOUR OF BALLYKILCAVAN Date & Time 18 August: 2:00pm - 3:30pm Organiser Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery Venue Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery Description The well-known 19th century gardener William Robinson started his career at Ballykilcavan in 1861 and now you can visit the remains of the buildings where William Robinson worked and famously stormed out of, leaving the tropical plants to die as he rode off to Dublin Port and the boat to England. You will also get the chance to explore the newly renovated 18th century farmyard and the old stable yard and see the champion black walnut tree of Ireland in front of Ballykilcavan House. Contact E [email protected] T 086-348 4128 W www.ballykilcavan.com

6 TOY SOLDIER METAL CASTING Date & Time 18 August: 2:00pm - 6:00pm Organiser Sandymount Heritage Venue St. Michael & All Angels Parochial Hall, Abbeyleix Description Learn how to prepare and assemble a mould and then cast a Toy Soldier from metal under the watchful eye of your instructor. Cúpla focail agaibh? Beidh fáilte róibh chun iad a labhairt anseo más maith libh! Have a couple of words of Irish? You will be most welcome to practice them here if you wish! We look forward to seeing you all! The venue is located approx. eighty yards as you leave Abbeyleix on the Rathdowney Rd. (R433). Parking nearby along Main St. Booking Required. Contact E [email protected] T 087-173 7852

THE BOOKBUGS CLUB DO WILLIAM GRACE Date & Time 19 August: 2:00pm - 3:00pm Organiser Laois County Library Venue Ballylinan Library Description A fun introduction for children to local history figure William Grace, including craft activity. Suitable for children aged four to seven years. William Russell Grace (1832-1904) was part of the well- known Grace family from Ballylinan, County Laois. He became the first Catholic and Irish-American mayor of New York City. This event will help children to learn about the famous Laois man in a fun and interactive way. Booking Required. Contact T 057-862 2333 W laois.ie/departments/libraries

CUTTING TURF IN TIMES PAST Date & Time 19 August: 2:00pm - 4:00pm Organiser Mountmellick Heritage Society Venue Bay Road Business Park Description Try your hand at cutting turf with a sleáin. Meet at Bay Rd & drive to bog. Contact E [email protected] T 085-861 9517

THE AMAZING LEGEND OF BANDOG Date & Time 19 August: 3:30pm - 4:30pm Organiser Laois Libraries Venue Ballylinan Library Description We will explore the local legend that treasure buried under the Rock of Dunamase is guarded by the fierce & fiery Bandog - a creature half dog half dragon. Creative workshop for children aged 8 to 12 years. Booking Required. Contact T 057-862 2333 W laois.ie/departments/libraries

7 STORYTIME: SPUDS & SPEAKS Date & Time 19 August: 8:00pm - 9:15pm Organiser Laois Libraries Venue Rathdowney Library Description Storytime: “Spuds & Speaks” - by Michael Creagh. Contact E [email protected] T 087-206 1998 W laois.ie/departments/libraries

SEAN GAEILGE HANDWRITING WORKSHOP Date & Time 19 August: 10:00am - 4:00pm Organiser Heritage House Abbeyleix Venue Heritage House, Old North School, Ballyroan Road, Abbeyleix Description An taster session exploring the evolution of handwriting in Ireland from ancient Ogham through to Victorian Copperplate. Contact E [email protected] T 057-873 1653 W www.abbeyleixheritage.com

IRISH HISTORY LIVE: THE TUDORS Date & Time 20 August: 10:30am - 11:30am Organiser Laois County Library Venue Portlaoise Library Description Explore history in a fun and interactive show with historian Michael Moylan. This hugely entertaining show will bring to life the Plantation of Laois and Offaly and the Tudor era. Using period costume, weapons and artefacts Michael takes children back in time in his unique and hilarious style. Children can dress up and participate in a show that guarantees laughter and learning throughout. Contact E [email protected] T 057-862 2333 W laois.ie/departments/libraries

IRISH HISTORY LIVE: THE TUDORS Date & Time 20 August: 12:00pm - 1:00pm Organiser Laois County Library Venue Abbeyleix Library Description Explore history in a fun and interactive show with historian Michael Moylan. Children can dress up and participate in a show that guarantees laughter and learning throughout. Contact E [email protected] T 057-873 0020 W laois.ie/departments/libraries

8 GENEALOGY FOR BEGINNERS Date & Time 20 August: 2:30pm - 4:30pm Organiser Laois County Library Venue Abbeyleix Library Description Talk on how to research your family history with Sinead Holland, Laois Local Studies. The talk will outline the relevant records for genealogy and explain how to access them online, with emphasis on resources freely available for genealogy in Laois library branches and Laois Local Studies. Booking Required. Contact E [email protected] T 057-873 0020 W laois.ie/departments/libraries

IRISH HISTORY LIVE: THE STONE AGE Date & Time 20 August: 3:00pm - 4:00pm Organiser Laois County Library Venue Rathdowney Library Description Explore history in a fun and interactive show with historian Michael Moylan. This hugely entertaining show will bring to life the Stone Age. Using period costume, weapons and artefacts Michael takes children back in time in his unique and hilarious style. Children can dress up and participate in a show that guarantees laughter and learning throughout. Contact E [email protected] T 0505-46852 W laois.ie/departments/libraries

THE MOUNTMELLICK SUGAR FACTORY Date & Time 20 August: 8:00pm - 9:00pm Venue The Balcony Theatre, Mountmellick Description This was the first attempt in Ireland to replace imported sugar cane by locally produced sugar beet in the middle of the 19th century. The Mountmellick venture, which was backed by some well-known personalities, flourished for a while but then failed. Sugar beet processing was revived as a major industry in this country in the 1920s. A talk by Teddy Fennelly and Roy Meredith, organised by Laois Heritage Society. Fee: Members free; non-members €3. Contact Teddy Fennelly T 087-241 6512 E [email protected]

VINTAGE BOARD GAMES: LEARN AND PLAY Date & Time 21 August: 10:00am - 4:00pm Organiser Heritage House Abbeyleix Venue Heritage House, Old North School, Ballyroan Road, Abbeyleix Description Come join us and learn to play the classics! Contact E [email protected] T 057-873 1653 W www.abbeyleixheritage.com

9 intro pages 2019.qxp_intro pages 2016 18/06/2019 14:59 Page 12

Wednesday 21st August WILD Dedicated To Wild Children Everywhere CHILD DAY

Become an explorer, an archaeologist or a Viking for the day. From bug hunts to learning new crafts, archaeological digs to exploring historical buildings there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Put down the screen, get off the couch and get muddy! Check out the event listings for lots of fun family events on Wednesday 21st August! FOREST FUN FOR FAMILIES Date & Time 21 August: 11:00am - 1:00pm Organiser Reconnect with Nature

Venue Emo Park Woods Description Forest School inspired fun for families on this Wild Child day: games, crafts and activities exploring nature. For families with children aged six to 12. Spaces limited. Booking Required. Contact E [email protected] W reconnectwithnatureirl.com

WILDLIFE WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN Date & Time 21 August: 3:00pm - 4:00pm Organiser Laois County Library Venue Abbeyleix Library Description Join the enthusiastic and entertaining conservationist, Dale Treadwell, for a nature show ranging from bugs and beasties to dinosaurs. Suitable for children aged eight to 12 years. Dale will read from his books ‘Harry the Hedgehog’ and ‘Robby the Robin’ and explore lots of Irish wildlife. You might even meet some in person! Booking Required. Contact E [email protected] T 057-873 002 W www.laois.ie/departments/libraries

11 IRISH HISTORY LIVE: THE FAMINE Date & Time 21 August: 10:30am - 11:30am Organiser Laois County Library Venue Ballylinan Library Description Explore history in a fun and interactive show with historian Michael Moylan. This hugely entertaining show will bring to life the period of The Great Famine, 1845-1850. Using period costume, weapons and artefacts Michael takes children back in time in his unique and hilarious style. Children can dress up and participate in a show that guarantees laughter and learning throughout. Contact E [email protected] T 059-862 5007 W laois.ie/departments/libraries

IRISH HISTORY LIVE SHOW Date & Time 21 August: 12:30pm - 1:30pm Organiser Laois County Library Venue Stradbally Library Description Explore history in a fun and interactive show with historian Michael Moylan. This hugely entertaining show will bring to life the Middle Ages, the Vikings and the Normans. Using period costume, weapons and artefacts Michael takes children back in time in his unique and hilarious style. Children can dress up and participate in a show that guarantees laughter and learning throughout. Contact E [email protected] T 057-864 1673 W www.laois.ie/departments/libraries

THE FIRST EARL OF PORTARLINGTON: A MAN AND HIS ART AT EMO Date & Time 21 August: 3:15pm - 4:15pm Organiser Office of Public Works Venue Emo Court and Parklands Description Labouring in the vineyard of the Earl’s history since the 1970s, and finding new sources of information at every turn, renowned local historian and writer John Stocks Powell has recently acquired an interesting book that has brought something new which he will share with us during Heritage Week. Join John this afternoon for this interesting talk and where images of his findings will be revealed. Free, but booking required. Booking Required: eventbrite.com/e/john-stocks-powell-the-first-earl-of-portarlington-a-man-and- his-art-at-emo-tickets-62393310070 Contact W T 057-862 6573 E [email protected] W emocourt.ie

IRISH HISTORY LIVE: WORLD WAR I Date & Time 21 August: 3:30pm - 4:30pm Organiser Laois County Library Venue Durrow Library Description Explore history in a fun and interactive show with historian Michael Moylan. This hugely entertaining show will bring to life the First World War. Using period costume, weapons and artefacts Michael takes children back in time in his unique and hilarious style. Children can dress up and participate in a show that guarantees laughter and learning throughout. Contact E [email protected] T 057-873 6090 W laois.ie/departments/libraries

12 LIGHT TALES, PHOTOGRAPHY HISTORY Date & Time 21 August: 4:00pm - 5:00pm Organiser Midlands Science Venue Portlaoise Library Description Explore the history of photography with renowned photographer Veronica Nicholson. Please bring along old photographs and cameras, so we can explore photography and how it relates to our lives. Join us for heritage week with a science twist in Portlaoise. Explore the history of photography with renowned photographer Veronica Nicholson. Veronica will explore how photography began and how it has developed over time, both as a process and as a past-time. We are encouraging those attending to bring along old photographs and cameras, so that we can explore the history of photography and how it relates to our lives. Contact E [email protected] T 057-932 2902 W www.midlandsscience.ie

LAOIS IN THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE Date & Time 21 August: 6:30pm - 7:30pm Organiser Laois County Library Venue Portlaoise Library Description Jim Fleming and Michael Rafter, well known Laois historians, will present a talk on Laois and Laois people in the War of Independence. Jim will speak about the part played by Laois people during the War of Independence, with particular emphasis on the roles played by his uncles, Paddy and Eamonn Fleming. Jim will also display some memorabilia from the period. Michael will concentrate his talk on the various activities of the Laois IRA during the period 1919-1921. Contact E [email protected] T 057-862 2333 W laois.ie/departments/libraries

13 Date Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Time 17th Aug 18th Aug 19th Aug 20th Aug 21st Aug 22nd Aug 23rd Aug 24th Aug 25th Aug

Stradbally Hall Tours; 1930s Stradbally Hall Tours; Stradbally Hall Folklore Exhibition, Mountmellick Embroidery Tours; 1930s Mountmellick Exhibition (all day); Stradbally Hall Stradbally Hall Tours; Stradbally Hall Stradbally Hall Tours; Folklore Exhibition, Library; Local Genealogy Mountmellick Tours; 1930s Tudors and the Laois/ Tours; Mountmellick 1930s Folklore Exhibition, Mountmellick History Exhibition Library; 1930s Folklore Stradbally Hall Stradbally Hall Folklore Exhibition, Offaly Plantation Embroidery Exhibition Mountmellick Library; Library; Local Mountmellick Library; Exhibition, Mountmellick Tours; Mountmellick Tours; 1930s Mountmellick Mountmellick (all day); Sean Local History Exhibition History Exhibition Greyhound on Morning Library; Local History Embroidery Exhibition Folklore Exhibition, Library; Local Library; The Gaeilge Handwriting Mountmellick Library; Mountmellick Library; Train Performance Exhibition Mountmellick (all day) Mountmellick Library History Exhibition Heath - Prehistoric Workshop Abbeyleix Irish History Live: The Irish History Live: The Abbeyleix Heritage Library; Heritage Of Mountmellick Connections; Bulfin (all day) Tudors Portlaoise Library Famine Ballylinan House; Straw Craft Kilminchy; Bee Craft for Library Heritage Cycle Rally Library; Forest Fun for Workshop for Children Children Portarlinton Families Emo Park Mountmellick Library; Library) Wildlife Art Workshop Portlaoise Library Vintage Board Greyhound on Games: Learn and Train Performance, Play Abbeyleix (all Dunamaise Arts Heritage Of Kilminchy; Vintage Train Rides The Bookbugs Club day); Irish History Live Twin Trees Heywood Centre; Twin Trees Vintage Train Rides Stradbally; Free do William Grace Irish History Live: The Stradbally Library; Festival; Vintage Heywood Festival; Twin Trees Heywood Stradbally; Bog Stories Guided Tours of Ballylinan; Cutting Tudors Abbeyleix Library; Wildlife Workshop for Twin Trees Games Afternoon Codebreaking with Festival; Free Guided of Ireland, Abbeyleix; Emo Court House; Turf in Times Past Genealogy for Beginners Children Abbeyleix Heywood Festival; Mountrath Library; Cormac Bowell Tours of Emo Court Afternoon Talk on Kevin O’Higgins Ballykilcavan Farm Mountmellick; The Abbeyleix Library; Irish Library; A Man and Bulfin Heritage The History and Stradbally Library; House; Bulfin Portlaoise Library; & Brewery Tour; Toy Amazing Legend of History Live: The Stone His Art at Emo Court; Cycle Rally Heritage of Bridge Wildlife Art Adventure Heritage Cycle Rally Jumpers For Goalposts Soldier Metal Casting Bandog Ballylinan Age Rathdowney Library Irish History Live: Portlaoise Library Mountmellick Abbeyleix Abbeyleix Library World War I Durrow Library; Straw Craft Library; Light Tales, Workshop for Children Photography History Portarlington Library Portlaoise Library Who Do You Think You Are? Portlaoise Library; Laois in the Bulfin Heritage Cycle Heritage Of Kilminchy Laois in the War War of Independence Rally; Abbey Leix talk; Experience Twin Trees Talk on Mountmellick of Independence Abbeyleix Library; Estate open day; Past Times of Times Storytime: Spuds and Vintage Games Night Heywood Festival; Sugar Factory, Portlaoise Library; Short Story Tales by the Fireside Evening Past Donaghmore; Speaks, Rathdowney Portlaoise Library Bulfin Heritage Mountmellick Theatre Women in the Woods Competition Abbeyleix; Redmond International Flag Badge Cycle Rally Emo Park - Lea Castle; O’Toole (8 string Making Abbeyleix Historic Schools Guitar) Emo Court of Portarlington, Portarlington Library

Museums open and Exhibitions running for all or part of the week. Check full guide for opening days/times Donaghmore Workhouse & Agricultural Museum, Abbeyleix Heritage House, Mountmellick Museum, Irish Fly Fishing and Game Shooting Museum, Vintage postcards at Portarlington Library. Open days at Stradbally Hall and Abbey Leix Estate Gardens. State-owned sites open all week: Emo Court, Rock of Dunamase, Timahoe Round Tower and Heywood Gardens. See www.heritageireland.ie 14 Date Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Time 17th Aug 18th Aug 19th Aug 20th Aug 21st Aug 22nd Aug 23rd Aug 24th Aug 25th Aug

Museums open and Exhibitions running for all or part of the week. Check full guide for opening days/times Donaghmore Workhouse & Agricultural Museum, Abbeyleix Heritage House, Mountmellick Museum, Irish Fly Fishing and Game Shooting Museum, Vintage postcards at Portarlington Library. Open days at Stradbally Hall and Abbey Leix Estate Gardens. State-owned sites open all week: Emo Court, Rock of Dunamase, Timahoe Round Tower and Heywood Gardens. See www.heritageireland.ie 15 WOMEN IN THE WOODS Date & Time 21 August: 6:30pm - 8:00pm Organiser Reconnect with Nature Venue Emo Park Woods Description An evening of nature connection for women - immersing ourselves in the benefits and beauty of woodland environments through crafts, games and exploring nature art. Limited spaces. Booking Required. Contact E [email protected] W reconnectwithnatureirl.com

TWIN TREES HEYWOOD FESTIVAL Date & Time 22 & 23 August: 10:00am-5:00pm, 24 August: 10:00am-7:30pm, 25 August: 11:00am-3:30pm Organiser Ballinakill Community Development Committee Venue Heywood Gardens and Ballinakill Village Description Join us in celebrating the Heritage of Lutyens’ Heywood Gardens, and Ballinakill Village, Co. Laois. Tours with Amanda Pitcairn, Talks by David Averill (‘Lutyens and Heywood in context’) & Dr. Matthew Jebb (‘Lambay, Lutyens and Jekyll’). Our ‘En Plein Air’ painting event, tutored by Jock Nichol and Bridget Flannery, takes place over three days, set in Heywood Gardens, the surrounding woodlands, and Ballinakill village. Saturday 24th promises to be a great celebration with numerous events, including our Tour, Talks & Tea packages, and a Picnic & Musical Evening at Heywood Gardens. The following morning, we have Yoga In The Garden, tutored by Simon Rodgers of Blackhill Woods Retreat, plus Tours & Afternoon Tea, packages. Booking Required: www.eventbrite.ie Contact T 086 8331772 E [email protected] W www.twintrees.ie

VINTAGE GAMES AFTERNOON Date & Time 22 August: 2:00pm - 5:00pm Organiser Laois County Library Venue Mountrath Library Description Join Cormac Bowell for an amazing afternoon of vintage games. Children will investigate and then play a whole range of games that were popular with children in times gone by. Suitable for children aged 9-13 years. Parents and grandparents are welcome to play too. Booking Required. Contact T 057-875 6378 E [email protected] W laois.ie/departments/libraries

16 intro pages 2019.qxp_intro pages 2016 18/06/2019 15:00 Page 19 THE HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF BRIDGE Date & Time 22 August: 2:00pm - 3:00pm Organiser Laois Bridge Clubs Venue Portlaoise Library Description Patrick Nee will give a talk on the history of the game of Bridge, and he will discuss the benefits to the community and the individual. There will also be an opportunity to play bridge with an experienced player after the talk. Contact T 057-862 2333 E [email protected] W www.laoislibraries.ie

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Date & Time 22 August: 7:00pm - 8:00pm Organiser Laois County Library Venue Portlaoise Library Description Join Laois Genealogy Club for step by step presentations on how it has researched the family histories of three well known Laois personalities. Laois Genealogy Club was established two years ago in Portlaoise Library. Members meet once a month to discuss and share their genealogy experiences and to provide support and guidance to new members. New members are always welcome. This event should be an interesting and entertaining way of learning how to successfully research the history of your family. Contact T 057-862 2333 E [email protected] W www.laoislibraries.ie

LAOIS IN THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE Date & Time 22 August: 7:30pm - 8:30pm Organiser Laois County Library Venue Abbeyleix Library Description Jim Fleming and Michael Rafter, well known Laois historians, will present a talk on Laois and Laois people in the War of Independence. Jim will speak about the part played by Laois people during the War of Independence, with particular emphasis on the roles played by his uncles, Paddy and Eamonn Fleming. He will also display some memorabilia from the period. Michael will concentrate his talk on the various activities of the Laois IRA during the period 1919-1921. Contact T 057-873 0020 E [email protected] W laois.ie/departments/libraries

HISTORIC SCHOOLS OF PORTARLINGTON Date & Time 22 August: 8:30pm - 9:30pm Organiser PCDA Venue Portarlington Library Description Talk on the Historic Schools of Portarlington by well-known historian and author John Stocks Powell. John will reveal new and interesting information on the schools of Portarlington based on extensive research carried out over the past year. Portarlington was once well known for its number of schools. Portarlington became known for its Public Classical Schools, where the children of well-to-do families were taught the French manners considered desirable in ladies and gentlemen. Contact E [email protected] W leacastle.ie

18 SHORT STORY COMPETITION - LEA CASTLE Date & Time 22 August: 8:00pm - 9:00pm Organiser PCDA Venue Portarlington Library Description Write a story about an event linked to Lea Castle. All genres are accepted. Lea Castle should be clear in your text but does not have to be central. Results are to be announced. Winning entries will be read out on the night. Contact E [email protected] W leacastle.ie

GREYHOUND ON TRAIN PERFORMANCE Date & Time 23 August: 11:00am - 12:00pm and 2:00pm - 3:00pm Organiser Heritage House Abbeyleix (11am) and Dunamaise Arts Cantre Portlaoise (2pm) Venue Heritage House, Old North School, Ballyroan Road, Abbeyleix Description Based on testimonies of four extraordinary women, with music and puppetry, shining a new light on events in a turbulent period of Irish history. Elizabeth Bloxham (A protestant teacher, pamphleteer, rabble rouser and radicaliser); Peg Flanagan (waitress, gun runner, spy and witness to Bloody Sunday) Josephine Stallard (Doctor, dispatcher and whirlwind romancer!) and Bridget Fitzpatrick (Her telegram stating “Greyhound on Train” was instrumental in securing the escape of Sean Hogan in a famous ambush!) Refreshments available. Booking Required. Contact T 057-873 1653 and 057-866 3355 E [email protected] and [email protected] W www.abbeyleixheritage.com and www.dunamaise.ie

19 STRAW CRAFT WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN Date & Time 23 August: 11:00am - 12:00pm Organiser Laois County Library Venue Mountmellick Library Description Learn all about the history and tradition of straw craft with Melanie Lorien and make a straw craft good luck charm to take home. Suitable for children aged eight to 12 years. Melanie is a craft-maker who works with straw. She is particularly interested in the traditions and folklore associated with the harvest. The event will include a lovely display of straw items from around the world, from baskets and cradles to mummer’s masks, variations of St. Brigid’s crosses and corn dollies. Booking Required. Contact T 057-864 4572 E [email protected] W laois.ie/departments/libraries

WILDLIFE ART WORKSHOP Date & Time 23 August: 11:00am - 12:30pm Organiser Laois Heritage Office Venue Portlaoise Library Description Aga Grandowicz, artist & co-creator of “Dr Hibernica Finch’s Compelling Compendium Of Irish Animals”, and wildlife author Juanita Browne, invite kids aged 6 to 10 on a wildlife adventure! This will be a fun zoology lesson combined with a wildlife art workshop & scavenger hunt. A hands- on art and a learning experience, the event aims to teach children that animals are an important part of our lives and ecosystem. Booking Required. Contact T 057-862 2333 E [email protected] W laois.ie/heritage

20 intro pages 2019.qxp_intro pages 2016 18/06/2019 14:57 Page 6

Heritage Awards The Heritage Council is once again 2 019 delighted to announce the Heritage Awards, showcasing the best of National Heritage Week and recognising the fantastic work of heritage enthusiasts across Ireland.

The 2019 award categories are as The Le Cheile San Eoraip Award follows: Did your event showcase heritage links with other places in Europe? Did you event highlight The Heritage Hero Award a person, place or event with a European Do you know someone who always goes the dimension? This award is open to organisers of extra mile for heritage? Nominate an individual events that best represent heritage links with or organisation who makes an outstanding Europe. contribution to the protection and promotion of heritage in your local area. Anyone can nominate a Heritage Hero.

The Hidden Heritage Award Did your event shine a light on Ireland’s hidden heritage? This award is open to event organisers who successfully explored lesser known aspects of Ireland’s heritage during National Heritage Week. All National Heritage Week event organisers can enter.

The Heritage Communities Award Did your event reach across your community? Maybe you worked in partnership with other community groups or encouraged young people to take part. This award is open to event organisers who brought their community together to celebrate National Heritage Week. All National Heritage Week event organisers can enter.

The Cool for Kids Award Did your event help children learn about and The closing date for entries is 20th September enjoy heritage? This award is open to event 2019 and entry is free. Recipients will be organisers who encouraged children and honoured at a Heritage Council Awards Day. families to participate in National Heritage Week. All National Heritage Week event Find out more at www.heritageweek.ie organisers can enter. CODEBREAKING WITH CORMAC BOWELL Date & Time 23 August: 12:00pm - 1:00pm Organiser Laois County Library Venue Stradbally Library Description Visit the world of spies and spy catchers by learning historically authentic codes and how to crack them. Suitable for children aged nine to 13 years. Booking Required. Contact T 057-864 1673 E [email protected] W laois.ie/departments/libraries

WILDLIFE ART ADVENTURE Date & Time 23 August: 2:00pm - 3:30pm Organiser Laois Heritage Office Venue Mountmellick Library Description Aga Grandowicz, artist & co-creator of “Dr Hibernica Finch’s Compelling Compendium Of Irish Animals’, and wildlife author Juanita Browne, invite kids aged six to 10 on a wildlife art adventure! This will be a fun zoology lesson combined with a wildlife art workshop & scavenger hunt. A hands-on art and a learning experience, the event aims to teach children that animals are an important part of our lives and ecosystem. Booking Required. Contact T 057 864 4572 E [email protected] W laois.ie/heritage

22 STRAW CRAFT WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN Date & Time 23 August: 3:00pm - 4:00pm Organiser Laois County Library Venue Portarlington Library Description Learn all about the history and tradition of straw craft with Melanie Lorien and make a straw craft good luck charm to take home. Suitable for children aged eight to 12 years. Melanie is a craft-maker who works with straw. She is particularly interested in the traditions and folklore associated with the harvest. The event will include a lovely display of straw items from around the world, from baskets and cradles to mummer’s masks, variations of St. Brigid’s crosses and corn dollies. Booking Required. Contact T 057-864 3751 E [email protected] W laois.ie/departments/libraries

VINTAGE GAMES NIGHT Date & Time 23 August: 4:30pm - 7:30pm Organiser Laois County Library Venue Portlaoise Library

Description Join Cormac Bowell for an amazing night of vintage games. Children will investigate and then play a whole range of games that were popular with children in times gone by. Suitable for children aged 9-13 years. Parents and grandparents are welcome to play too. Booking Required. Contact T 057-862 2333 E [email protected] W laois.ie/departments/libraries

23 BULFIN HERITAGE CYCLE RALLY 2019 Date & Time 24 & 25 August: 11:00am - 8:00pm Organiser Irish Country Roads & Culture Trails Venue Durrow Description Meandering Monks & Medieval Miles - 2019 Event A leisurely paced cycle, on vintage bikes, in vintage attire, as we explore our hidden heritage, following in the ‘wheelrims’ of William Bulfin. The Bulfin Heritage Cycle is all about exploring Ireland’s hidden history and heritage, on High Nelly bicycles. We will cycle 75km at a gentle pace over the course of two days, punctuated with heritage site visits. All visits, heritage talks, re-enactments, music, food and fun are included in the ticket fee. This year we are delving into our medieval past, in Co. Laois & Co. Kilkenny, and for the first time, we are bringing a bus, enabling non cyclists to join us. Booking Required: www.eventbrite.ie/o/bulfin-heritage-cycle-17476409475 Contact T 086-869 4691 E [email protected] W www.bulfinheritagecycle.com Cost €75.58 / €139.64

TUDORS AND THE LAOIS/OFFALY PLANTATION Date & Time 24 August: 11:00am - 12:00pm Organiser Laois Libraries Venue Mountmellick Library Description Interactive Irish History Live Show on The Tudors and The Plantation of Laois and Offaly 1555/56. Booking Required. Contact T 057-864 4572 E [email protected] W laois.ie/departments/libraries

24 LAOIS PASSPORT

aois assport has een pulished to encourage everone to eplore the

Laois wonderful heritage of aois this summer. Passport The passport details seven of the heritage sites of aois, with a space for a Laois passport stamp each time a site is visted. Passport

“Unravelling Laois"came about as part of a collaborative DEIS and h Pa Creative Ireland funded project that was run with parents in Scoil is ss Ir p Bhríde Knockmay in association with the Home School Community L o

a r

Liaison Co-ordinator in the school and the Adult Literacy Service at t o Portlaoise FET Centre. is Travel Parents compiled pieces of art and writing based on their experiences visiting a range of places in county Laois. This Passport was developed at the end of the project to enable parents to bring their children to each of the sites during the summer months. We hope you enjoy your visits as much as we did- don't forget your camera!!

The programme is co-funded by the European Social Fund Programme for Employability Inclusion and Learning 2014 – 2020.

Name:

For more adventuresLaois in Laois Heritage or to trail find at out www.laois.ie/heritage more about these sites check out the

Stamps are available at Timahoe Heritage Centre (and the Corner shop in Timahoe), Mountmellick Museum, Donaghmore Workhouse, Dunamaise Arts Centre and Portlaoise Tourist Oﬁce (for historic Portlaoise and the Rock of Dunamase), Abbeyleix Heritage House and Emo Court.The passport grew out “Unravelling Laois”, a Portlaoise-based family learning project, which aimed to capture some of the hidden

gems of the county. The Laois Passport can be picked up for free from any of the heritage sites featured, and the Portlaoise Tourist Ofﬁce.

Unravelling Laois was funded by DEIS and Creative Ireland Laois, in collaboration with the Home School Community Liaison in Scoil Bhríde and the Adult Literacy Service in Laois Offaly ETB. The Laois Passport was produced in a collaboration between Laois Offaly Education and Training Board and Laois County Council with the support of the Heritage Council. THE HEATH - PREHISTORIC CONNECTIONS Date & Time 25 August: 11:30am - 12:30am Organiser Laois Heritage Office & Gort Archaeology Venue Meet at the Heath National School Description A walking tour of the Heath, Portlaoise, with Archaeologist Eoin Sullivan. Spot the humps and bumps and learn what they can tell us about our prehistoric past. Get a copy of the new Heritage Guide to the Heath, published by Archaeology Ireland, with support from Laois County Council and the Heritage Council. The terrain on this walking tour is medium to rough, on relatively flat but uneven ground. Please bring suitable footwear and rain jacket. Contact T 057-866 4129 E [email protected] W laois.ie/heritage

ABBEYLEIX ESTATE OPEN DAY 2019 Date & Time 25 August: 1:00pm - 5:00pm Organiser Abbeyleix and Portlaoise District Lions Club Venue Abbeyleix Estate Description Refreshments and some guided walks of the estate grounds available. Abbeyleix Estate is open by kind permission of Sir David Davies. De Vesci Church is open by kind permission of the Viscount De Vesci who will be in attendance on the day. Contact Aubrey Hutchinson T 086 6071769 E [email protected] Adult admission €5. Children admission free.

TALES BY THE FIRESIDE Date & Time 25 August: 7:00pm - 8:30pm Organiser Sandymount Heritage Venue St. Michael & All Angels’ Parochial Hall, Abbeyleix Description Listen to several tales - old and not so old alike, as the turf fire crackles in the background! The old art of the Seanchaí is all but lost today - but not yet gone completely! This family friendly session will have something for everyone both young and young at heart alike! The venue is situated about eighty yards on the left as you leave Abbeyleix on the Rathdowney Road (R433). We look forward to seeing you all there! Booking Required. Contact T 087-173 7852 E [email protected]

REDMOND O’TOOLE (8 STRING GUITAR) Date & Time 25 August: 7:30pm - 9:15pm Organiser Office of Public Works Venue Entrance Hall, Emo Court Description Redmond O’Toole performs on an 8-string Brahms guitar. 2019 sees him on tour in Finland, Germany and the USA. He has formerly toured extensively as part of The Chieftains and the Dublin Guitar Quartet. He has been artist- in-residence in the National Concert Hall and the National Opera House. Booking Required: www.eventbrite.ie Contact T 057-862 6573 E [email protected] W emocourt.ie Cost €15.00 / €50.00

26 50 countries • 30 million visitors • 70 000 events

Did you know that National Heritage The pan-European nature of the European Heritage Days initiative brings Week is part of a wider European citizens together to celebrate Europe’s diverse and unique cultural Initiative? heritage and helps build awareness of our shared cultural connections.

The European Heritage Days (EHDs), This year we are celebrating the heritage of Arts and Entertainment. a joint action of the Council of Europe From Shakespeare’s sonnets to Insta-poets’ viral and the European Commission, are poems, court jesters to stand-up comedians, and the most widely celebrated archery to virtual reality gaming, European Arts and Entertainment heritage has transformed throughout participatory cultural events shared the ages, and has also transformed us, its makers, by people living in Europe. admirers and custodians.

Over 70 000 events are organised every year in order to help raise awareness of Europe’s common heritage and the continuous need for its protection. This successful initiative also creates new shared cultural heritage experiences, promotes inclusiveness and fosters creativity and imagination.

The 50 signatory states of the European Cultural Convention participate in the European Heritage Days initiative. Making National Heritage Week europeanheritagedays.com part of a wider European festival! 27 ROSENALLIS PORTARLINGTON CLONASLEE

GARRYHINCH KILLENARD MOUNTMELLICK BALLYBRITTAS EMO

MONICKNEW

BALLYFIN VICARSTOWN CAMROSS PORTLAOISE BALLY IREY KILCAVAN

STRADBALLY

MOUNTRATH

CASTLETOWN TIMAHOE TENAKILL HOUSE BORRIS IN OSSORY BALLYROAN BALLYLINAN

ABBEYLEIX

DONAGHMORE

RATHDOWNEY DURROW CASTLEWOOD FARM

Laois County Council is committed to providing accessible events. If you have speciﬁc accessibility or other requirements, please contact us and we will try to ensure your needs are met. Every effort has been made to ensure that the details listed here are accurate. However Laois County Council does not have control over changes to events planned by other organisations and you are advised to check with the organisers before attending any events. Regular updates will be available on the Laois Heritage Facebook page and Twitter feed. Please note that children must be accompanied at all events unless otherwise indicated.

Please be aware that photography and video recording may be taking place at all events during Heritage Week for media and marketing purposes. If you do not wish to be recorded, please alert the event organiser in each case before the event commences, in order that you (or your child) can be excluded. Details of Laois County Council’s data protection and privacy policies are here: www.laois.ie/data-protection/

For more on Heritage in Laois contact: Catherine Casey, Heritage Ofﬁce, Laois County Council, Portlaoise, Co. Laois 057 866 4129 [email protected] www.laois.ie/heritage laoisheritageforum @laoisheritage laoisheritage

Check out our interactive map to aois eritage Week ites on oogle maps

Cover image courtesy of the National Library of Ireland