Brought to you by Laois Tourism
It’s another busy weekend around Laois.
Mary Black play is Dunamaise Arts Centre on Saturday night and TV Chef Rory O’Connell has a great summer supper’s demonstration in Cullohill. The Bealtaine festival continues with lots of events across the county.
There’s a teddy bear’s picnic in the Slieve Blooms and lots of walks and runs to keep us active and outside in our beautiful countryside.
THURSDAY MAY 16
A Perspective on Irish Birds and Biodiversity – Laois Heritage Society
A fascinating talk by Ricky Whelan of Irish Wildlife Trust & Birdwatch Ireland this evening in the Midlands Park Hotel. It costs €3 or free for Laois Heritage Society members and begins at 8pm. For more information see here.
FRIDAY MAY 17
Laois Sports Partnership Games Morning with Laois Men’s Sheds
A fun introduction to the game of “Scooch”! Come along and learn about Scooch at Mountrath Menes Shed.
It’s an exciting new game that can be played at any shed. The event is on in Mountrath Community Forum from 11am-1pm and is free but booking is essential. To book call Ph: 057 8671248
The Strolling Homes
Kavanaghs Bar & Venue host The Strolling Homes a Rolling Stones tribute band. Tickets are €9.50 and the gig kicks off at 9.30pm. For more information see www.kavanaghsportlaoise.com or Ph: 057 862 1744
Drop Out And Tune In- In Flow Retreat
Woodlandsong.com Guest House, Clonaslee are running a wellness weekend including: hiking, mindfulness meditation, kinesiology demos, vegetarian food and fire ceremony. €260-€360 depending on accommodation chosen. For more information see inflowretreats@gmail.com or phone Tom at 0879052686. Tickets are also on sale on Eventbrite.
Summer Suppers with Rory O’Connell
Get some inspiration on some summer cooking with a cooking demonstration by TV chef Rory O’Connell. The night is in aid of Cullohill Community Council and will run in the Cullohill Community Centre at 7.30pm. Tickets are €20 and there will also be a raffle on the night.
SATURDAY MAY 18th
Portlaoise Educate Together NS Fundraiser with Transmitter
Enjoy a great night out and support PETNS with their fundraising event. Funds raised will go towards the Summerhill Campus Sports Pitch.
It promises to be an amazing night with some banging tunes by much loved local boys Transmitter. There will also be a raffle on the night. The gig begins in Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue at 9.30pm and costs €15.
Mosaic Making for Adults with Aidan Byrne
Dunamaise Arts Centre host mosaic making workshop for adults that is suitable for complete beginners and people with previous experience in mosaic and other crafts. It costs €95 incl. materials and runs for the full day from 9.30am -4.30pm. For more information see dunamaise.ie or Ph: 057 86 63355
Speak Out Drama Annual Showcase
Comedy sketches, dancing and singing presented by students from the drama branches in Portlaoise and Mucklagh, along with hip-hop branches from Mountrath, Portlaoise and Kilcormac.
A great day showcasing local young talent. Running in the Dunamaise Arts Centre at 12 noon and costs €12/€8. To book call 057 8663355 or see www.dunamaise.ie.
Teddy Bear’s Picnic
A magical experience for kids of all ages. You bring your teddy and we will bring the picnic. Join us in Glen Monicknew for our annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic.
Hear stories of Fionn Mac Cumhaill on the Slieve Blooms, enjoy a walk n talk with Mick Dowling on the flora and fauna in the woodlands and finally a visit from Hushabye Farm Alpacas give the kids a great opportunity to pet them.
€15 per child. Parents are free. Meet Monicknew car park at 2pm. This needs to be booked in advance at Dunamaise Arts Centre – www.dunamaise.ie
Slieve Bloom Guided Walk
The Slieve Bloom Walking Club’s next guided walk is the Dysart Bluebell Guided Walk. This walk is a Grade B 10km walk and takes 3 hours so is suited for those with a good level of fitness. Meeting point is at Rock of Dunamaise at 3pm. €5 per walk or €20 annual membership (€30 for family). For more information see www.slievebloom.ie.
Mary Black
Mary plays an intimate gig with her all-star band playing favourite songs from her immense catalogue. Not to be missed by all Mary Black fans. It begins at 8pm in the Dunamaise Arts Centre and tickets cost €35. To book see dunamaise.ie or Ph: 057 86 63355.
Bingo, Music, Song and Dance
Part of the Bealtaine Festival. Enjoy an afternoon of entertainment and afternoon tea organised by the Borris-in-Ossory Social Services Committee in St. Canice’s Hall, Borris In Ossary. Entry is €2 and runs from 2pm-5pm. For more information see here.
SUNDAY MAY 19th
Ballyfin Deadman’s Dash 8km
The 7th Annual 8km Deadman’s Dash takes place in Ballyfin & also marks the 60th anniversary of Ballyfin AC. There will be great cash prizes & medals for all. Entry is Senior: €15 Junior €8 and it begins at 11am. For more information see here.
Emo Family Forest Day
Explore the woodland environment of Emo Woods, search for clues for woodland animal species, playing games to help us become more aware of our surroundings, and free play. €10 per person, only one adult per family pays, grandparents &under 4s free.. The event runs from 11am-2pm for more information contact Barbara at reconnectwithnatureirl@gmail.com or phone/text 087-2073121.
Lourdes Portarlington Pilgrimage Group Annual 5K Run/Walk
Our Annual 5K Fun Run/Walk will take place on Sunday the 19th May @ 11am. It will be held on the 5K track in the Heritage Hotel in Killenard. Entry Fee is €10 per person all runners/walkers will be timed on the day. Sign on will be open from 10:00am. For anyone who would like a sponsor card for this event please contact: Red Coughlan: 087-9850348 and Peter Hynes: 087-9872417. All proceeds made from this event will go towards bringing invalids on our annual trip to Lourdes.
Strength In Numbers
Local group Strength In Numbers plays Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue at 7pm Sunday evening. A nice way to wrap up the weekend.
If you would like to have something included in our What’s On Guide email us on info@laoistoday.ie or call 057 8670722
SEE ALSO – Case made to bring a third level college to Portlaoise
