Home Lifestyle Your guide to What’s On in Laois this weekend

Your guide to What’s On in Laois this weekend

The ever-popular Raheen Vintage Rally is on this weekend

Brought to you in association with Laois Tourism

Laois continues to bask in glorious summer weather and there has never been a better time to get out and about to explore our great county.

There are lots of things to do this weekend with diverse activities available like The Laois Walks Festival, illustration workshops, summer pantos and local festivals to name but a few.

THURSDAY, JULY 12

Laois Walks Festival

The month long Laois Walks Festival continues Thursday evening with a guided 10K Grade B walk in Rossmore, Killeshin.  Meet at Oisin Woods at 7.30. All walks are €2 each or get a festival ticket covering all 27 walks for €25.  For more information see the Laois Walks Festival website here 


FRIDAY, JULY 13

Golf Classic in Aid of Order of Malta

Mountrath Golf Club is hosting this annual golf classic in aid of the Order of Malta.  A great excuse to tee off and support a deserving cause.  Teams of 4 are €80 and tee times can be booked by contacting Bernie on 086 8563239.

Rathdowney Festival Weekend – July 13-15

A fun pack weekend is planned in Rathdowney with  the Queen of the Erkina Competition Friday night followed by an 80s disco in the Brewery Pub.  This is a family sports day on Saturday in the Clover Utd Football grounds from 2pm -5pm. €5 per family.  Sunday hosts the traditional Flare in the Square with live music and family fun.  For more information see Facebook or call James 086 7962177.


SATURDAY, JULY 14

Cinderella – The Summer Pantomime

Dressing Room 1 presents the all-time favourite tale of Cinderella at the Dunamaise Arts Centre.  A fun packed summer Panto for all the family.  Oh, yes it is! Running Saturday at 2pm and 7pm and Sunday at 7pm.  Tickets are €12 to €15.  To find out more visit the Dunamaise website or  call 057 866 3355.

Graphic Novel Illustration Workshops

Running as part of the Summer Saturday’s programme run by the Dunamaise Arts Centre, this interactive workshop has something for kids of all ages.  3 different age groups catered for at different times over Saturday covering ages 6-9, 10-14 and 15+.  Times and prices vary depending on the level chosen and run from 10am. For more information visit the Dunamaise website or call 057 866 3355.

Laois Walks Festival

Today’s walk is a guided 10k Grade B walk of Capponellan Woods Durrow.  Meet at Capponellan Wood car park at 2.30. All walks are €2 each or get a festival ticket covering all 27 walks for €25.  For more information see the Laois Walks Festival website here 

Stradbally Goes To War

Fun WW2 re-enactment around Stradbally Woods and Woodland Railway this Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th July. Come check out military re-enactments, weapons displays and more.  Trains will be running from 12pm-4pm both days with tickets from only €3 for kids and €18 for a family of four. To find out more check out the Stradbally Woodland Railway Facebook page.

80s Disco in Ramsbottom’s, Stradbally

The 3rd Annual 80s night Fancy Dress remembrance fundraiser takes place in Ramsbottom’s bar in Stradbally, from 8pm. All proceeds to local charity Teac Tom who provides services for families/individuals affected by suicide and mental health.

Camross Macra Annual Barbeque

Camross Macra na Feirme are holding their annual annual summer barbeque in Bergin’s Pub in Carmross from 9pm until late. The county awards night is also taking place. Those comingare asked to arrive at 8pm with the hope that the awards ceremony will kick off at 8.30pm.

Laois GAA – Football League finals

The Laois Shopping Centre ACFL Division 1A and 1B finals take place as a double header in O’Moore Park. O’Dempsey’s and St Joseph’s meet in the Division 1A final at 6pm with Ballyroan-Abbey taking on Arles-Kilcruise in the 1B decider at 7.30pm.


SUNDAY, JULY 15

Raheen Vintage Club Monster Vintage Road Run

The Annual Raheen Vintage Club Run takes place Sunday in aid of Crumlin Medical Research and Abbeyleix Meals on Wheels.  A great opportunity for vintage vehicles to take part in this well organised event and also raise some vital funds for deserving charities.  Meeting at Colt GAA, Raheen at 11am .  For more info contact Chris: 087 7691972 or Eddie: 085 7648090.

Super Valu Annual 5K Fun Run

A fun run has been organised by Breslin’s Super Valu in Abbeyleix and Rathdowney.  All funds raised will be donated to The Cuisle Centre Cancer Support.  Refreshments will be served after both events.  The Rathdowney run begins at 10am and the Abbeyleix run at 12 noon. For registration see instore.

Fundraiser day in Clonaslee 

Clonaslee is set to be a hub of excitement this Sunday with a  novelty ladies vs men football match in St Manmans GAA field at 2pm, followed by an auction and a bake sale in the Square outside Hickeys Pub.

These events will all raise funds for Our Ladys Children’s Hospital Crumlin.

Magic in My Eyes.  Thomas Hardy’s Poems of Love and Loss

Roundwood House, Mountrath are hosting an evening of poetry and music accompanied by gourmet tapas beginning at 6pm.  The Delmaine String Quartet explores one of the great romances in literary history.  A delightful evening of culture and good food.  Tickets are €40. For more information call 057 8732120 or visit their website

Thomas Hardy’s Poems of Love and Loss takes place in Roundwood House this weekend

Laois Walks Festival

Today’s walk is a guided 12k Grade A walk of Gattabawn.  Meet at Mackey’s Pub Gattabawn  at 2.30. All walks are €2 each or get a festival ticket covering all 27 walks for €25.  For more information see http://laoispartnership.ie/laois-walks-festival/

If you would like to have something included in our What’s On Guide email us on info@laoistoday.ie or call 057 86707222.

SEE ALSO – Stradbally Steam Rally is gearing up for its 54th year