The first-ever Toy Swap in Laois was held on Saturday, 20 December 2025 in St Mary Hall in Portlaoise.
Families from across the county attended the event, exchanging pre-loved toys and giving them a new lease of life just days before Christmas.
The community-led event encouraged families to exchange pre-loved toys, helping to reduce waste while easing some of the financial pressures traditionally felt in the lead-up to Christmas.
By reusing toys already in circulation, the swap offered children the excitement of something new without the expense or environmental impact of buying new items.
Anne Lennon, Climate Action Officer at Laois County Council, was one of the key drivers of the event.
She thanked all of the volunteers who made the day a big success.
She said: “Huge thanks to the volunteers without whom we could not have run this event.
“They have been so generous with their time and effort.
“The cheer and great attitude they brought made for a great atmosphere on the day.”
Toy Swap in St Mary Hall,Portlaoise organised by Laois Co Council Climate Action section : Maeva and Katie Scucchiaro from Carlow. Photo: Michael ScullyToy Swap in St Mary Hall,Portlaoise organised by Laois Co Council Climate Action section : Caoimhe and Finnlay Gregory, from Castletown, having fun . Photo: Michael Scully
Toy Swap in St Mary Hall,Portlaoise organised by Laois Co Council Climate Action section : Finnlay , Angela, Gary and Caoimhe Gregory, from Castletown . Photo: Michael Scully
Toy Swap in St Mary Hall,Portlaoise organised by Laois Co Council Climate Action section : Fara and Ida Glynn . Photo: Michael Scully.Toy Swap in St Mary Hall,Portlaoise organised by Laois Co Council Climate Action section : Tommy Seale, Ballyfin on his bike . Photo: Michael ScullyToy Swap in St Mary Hall,Portlaoise organised by Laois Co Council Climate Action section : a view through a dolls house . Photo: Michael Scully.Toy Swap in St Mary Hall,Portlaoise organised by Laois Co Council Climate Action section : A.J. Fennelly . Photo: Michael Scully.Toy Swap in St Mary Hall,Portlaoise organised by Laois Co Council Climate Action section : Mason Travers . Photo: Michael Scully.Toy Swap in St Mary Hall,Portlaoise organised by Laois Co Council Climate Action section : Volunteers – Mary Byrne and Deept Gupta . Photo: Michael ScullyToy Swap in St Mary Hall,Portlaoise organised by Laois Co Council Climate Action section : Niamh Bright ( volunteer) with Cillian and Chloe Coss . Photo: Michael ScullyToy Swap in St Mary Hall,Portlaoise organised by Laois Co Council Climate Action section : Samuel, Johanna and Natalie Homeyer . Photo: Michael Scully.Toy Swap in St Mary Hall,Portlaoise organised by Laois Co Council Climate Action section : Tommy Seale, Chloe and Cillian Coss . Photo: Michael Scully.Toy Swap in St Mary Hall,Portlaoise organised by Laois Co Council Climate Action section : Volunteers – Emily, Sean and Millie Hynes ( Offaly Biodiversity & Sustainability ) . Photo: Michael Scully.Toy Swap in St Mary Hall,Portlaoise organised by Laois Co Council Climate Action section : Anne Marie Curtin ( Assistant Co-ordinator ) and Anne Lennon ( Climate Action officer ). Photo: Michael Scully
