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Our guide to what is on this weekend

Brought to you by Laois Tourism

It’s another busy weekend in Laois.

The Laois Walks Festival continues with guided walks in Cullahill, Ridge of Cappard and Portarlington. 

Laois Libraries continue their summer programmed of events with lots to do for children of all ages. Emo Court and Parklands have two great events running over the weekend. 

An open air production of Wuthering Heights in the walled garden and historian Turtle Bunbury will give an insightful talk on local history figures.

It’s so good to see this programme of events running in Emo Court and showing off the house and grounds in all its grandeur. Put it on your list of places to visit over the summer. 

THURSDAY JULY 11

Butterfly Craft – Mountrath Library

This lovely parent & child activity inspires you to create some colourful butterflies. It’s a lovely way to spend an hour with little ones and all the materials are supplied. 

Its suitable for ages 3-8 years and the event is free but booking is essential. It runs from 2:30pm-3:15pm. Call the library on 057 8756378 to book.

Under The Bed Monsters – Portarlington Library

Enjoy some story-time with children’s author Gary Ward. This fun session with awaken the imagination in children and adults alike.

Its suitable for ages 4-7years and is a free event but booking is essential. It begins at 11am and to book call the library on 057 86 43751. 

Under The Bed Monsters – Stradbally Library

Enjoy some story-time with children’s author Gary Ward. This fun session with awaken the imagination in children and adults alike.  Its suitable for ages 4-7years and is a free event but booking is essential. It begins at 2pm and to book call the library on 057 86 41673 or email jshead@laoiscoco.ie. 

Cullahill – Laois Walks Festival 2019

Day 10 of the Laois Walks Festival is around the Cullahill area. Take in the stunning panoramic views across several counties, taking you along old country lanes, forest tracks and open countryside.

This is a Grade A 10km walk and takes 2 1/2 hours.  This walk would be classed as strenuous so a good level of fitness is required. The meeting point is at Cullahill Community Centre at 7.30. The cost per walk is €3 and a festival ticket for all walks is just €30. Laois Walks Festival brochures are available in Laois Tourist Office or online at http://laoispartnership.ie/laois-walks-festival/

Open Air Walled Garden Theatre – Wuthering Heights

Emo Court and Parklands are hosting a very special event this Thursday. Come and see Wuthering Heights in the walled gardens of wonderful Emo Court and Parklands. For your comfort, please bring along your own rug, cushions or low back seating.

Picnics are welcome and please dress for the Irish summer as this performance will take place rain or shine. Tickets cost adult €20.90 and children €15.40. The show begins at 7.30pm. For more information see www.emocourt.ie.

The Incredibles – Kids’ Film Club Portlaoise Library

Portlaoise Library’s five-week season of Super Summer Movies begins this Thursday at 5 pm with Disney Pixar’s ‘The Incredibles’. Popcorn and drinks will be served at this free event! Parents are requested to stay with children during the film. The event is free but booking is essential.

To book a place now by contacting us on 0578622333 or by emailing the library laoislibrary@laoiscoco.ie

Pirate Treasure Hunt – Portlaoise Library.

A fun filled hunt to find the adventurous pirate friends in the library.  This is suitable for ages 3-12 years. This is a free event but booking is essential. 

It runs from 3pm-5pm and time slots will be allocated on booking. To book call 057 8622333 or email laoislibrary@laoiscoco.ie. 

FRIDAY JULY 12

Portlaoise Summer Festival 

Due to popular demand the Portlaoise Summer Festival has been extended!  The Summer Market Festival will now take place every Friday from the 12th of July to the 20th of September 2019. It will be trading from 8.30am to 3.00pm in Peppers Lane off Lyster Square.

You can expect the same great mix of artisan food, produce and crafts including Speltbakers, Mary Lowry’s Home Baking, Ollie Clooney Fruit & Veg, Make it Interesting – Fabrics & Trimmings Lainey Style, Run On Pulses, Apo Ena, The Pottery House, Laois Arts & Crafts Group, The Soul Of Crete, Bates of Kilmore Quay, Ratheniska Farm Fresh, Abbey Nursery, Fussy Galore, Groovey Grub, Downtown Portlaoise, Lynn’s Pantry and Faith Soap creations.

This is a great place to potter and buy some local food and crafts, a wonderful addition to the town. 

Meeting of the Midnight Gang – Portlaoise Library

Enter the wonderfully wacky world of David Walliams with an exclusive meeting of the midnight gang. Only invited members can join the adventure, so be sure to book a place.

This is suitable for ages 8-12 years and begins at 3.30pm. The event is free but booking is essential. To book call the library on 057 8622333 or you can email laoislibrary@laoiscoco.ie

Knitted Doll Display – Mountrath Library

Pop in to Mountrath Library on 12th July from 10-1pm to see a lovely display of knitted dolls by Margaret Ryan. Not to be missed!.  The event is free and to find out more call the library on 057 8756378. 

Charlotte’s Web – Kids’ Summer Movie Club -Abbeyleix Library

Every Friday in July Abbeyleix Library are hosting a movie afternoon complete with popcorn and drinks. This week 12th July the film is Charlotte’s Web.  It’s suitable for ages 7+ and its free to attend. The movie begins at 2:30pm. For more information call 057 8730020 or see https://www.facebook.com/LaoisLibraries

Crafty Time – Portlaoise Library

Running every Friday in July. Each week find a new craft that parents and children can make together.  Its suitable for ages 6-12 years and is free and runs throughout the day, For more information call 057 8622333 or you can email laoislibrary@laoiscoco.ie

 Lego Fun – Mountrath Library

Every Friday Mountrath Library is hosting Lego fun for all budding builders.  Build your own Lego creations Suitable for ages 8-12 years and is a free event but booking is essential. To find out more call 057 8756378.

SATURDAY JULY 13

Ridge of Capard – Laois Walks Festival 2019

Day 11 of the Laois Walks Festival see us at the Ridge of Capard.  Enjoy a walk through Ireland’s state-owned nature reserve as you watch for the Hen Harrier, a rare bird of prey. Meeting point is the Ridge of Capard car park at 2.30pm. 

This is a Grade A 12km walks and takes about 3 1/2 hours. The cost per walk is €3 and a festival ticket for all walks is just €30. Laois Walks Festival brochures are available in Laois Tourist Office or online at http://laoispartnership.ie/laois-walks-festival/

The Valves at Clonad GAA Night

Kavanagh’s Bar & Venue are hosting the Valves for some live music and Fundraiser for Clonad GAA. Enjoy a BBQ and the band for just €15. The doors open at 7:30pm and it promises to be a great night.  For more information see https://www.facebook.com/events/1306796942835411/

Bagatelle Live

Lennon’s in Durrow are hosting Bagatelle with support from the Dooley Brothers on Saturday 13th July in their Courtyard Venue.  This is a night not to be missed.

With over 40 years playing they’ve had several No 1 singles with Iconic songs like Summer In Dublin, Second Violin and Trump Card. Tickets are €21 and the gig begins at 8pm. For tickets see https://ticketstop.ie/event/2707/bagatelle-live-in-lennons-durrow.

Warre Natural Bee-keeping Course

Dunmore Country School is running its Warre Natural Bee Keeping this Saturday. Warre Natural Bee Keeping is a specialist traditional method of bee keeping. Tanguey is an expert and you will not have tasted honey like it. 

The course costs €90 and runs from 10am-3pm. For more information see www.dunmorecountryschool.ie call 087 125 8002.

Lego Workshop – Portlaoise Library

Every Saturday in July Portlaoise Library is hosting Lego fun for all budding builders. Just bring your creativity! And build your own Lego creations Suitable for ages 8-12 years and is a free event but booking is essential. It runs from 11am-12pm. To find out more call 057 8622333 or you can email laoislibrary@laoiscoco.ie. 

Durrow Lego Club – Durrow Library

Every Saturday in July Durrow Library is hosting Lego fun for all budding builders. Just bring your creativity and build your own Lego creations Suitable for ages 3-12 years and is a free event but booking is essential. It runs from 11am-12pm. To find out more call Ph: 057 87 36090 or email: lmoriarty@laoiscoco.ie.

SUNDAY JULY 14

Portarlington Bog Walk – Laois Walks Festival 2019

Day 12 of the Laois Walks Festival takes us to Portarlington and the beautiful Derryounce bog walk. The Derryounce walk is a community owned walk around the picturesque Derryounce Lakes and bogland. You have to see this place to appreciate this amazing place.

This is a Grade A 12km walk and takes 3 hours.  The meeting point is the Hawthorn Inn at 2.30pm. The cost per walk is €3 and a festival ticket for all walks is just €30. Laois Walks Festival brochures are available in Laois Tourist Office or online at http://laoispartnership.ie/laois-walks-festival/

Slieve Bloom Guided Walk 

The Slieve Bloom Walking Club’s next guided walk is the source of River Barrow Walk.  This walk is a Grade A 12km walk and takes 4 -5 hours so a good level of fitness is required.

Meeting point is Ridge of Capard Carpark at 11am.  €5 per walk or €20 annual membership (€30 for family). For more information see www.slievebloom.ie.

Turtle Bunbury- Refugees, Midwives Engineers in 18th Century

Emo Court and Parklands host Turtle Bunbury for an insightful talk. Focussing on some topics of very local interest, Turtle will look at disparate figures connected to Portarlington, including some of the Huguenot community, and local man Bartholomew Mosse who founded the Rotunda Hospital and maternity care.

This is a free event but it is ticketed and it begins at 3pm. To find out more or to book see http://emocourt.ie

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