Six of the best out of over 50 events on Laois Heritage Week 2026
Discover Rock of Dunamase artifacts, a Masonic Lodge and a new sculpture of the famous Cashel Man bog body, during Laois Heritage Week 2026.
With over 50 events planned in Laois for Heritage Week from August 15 to 23, we’ve selected the top six outstanding experiences you won’t want to miss.
1: Tour an active Masonic Lodge.
The mystery of secret Masonic rituals and symbols has always held a fascination, but all is now revealed. Mountmellick has a fine Masonic Hall, well known to locals for its stained glass circular window.
The Freemasons are inviting the public to discover their rich history.
“Freemasonry has been an integral part of Mountmellick cultural fabric since the late 1700’s, fostering friendship, charity and personal development. We invite you to come and learn more about our traditions, meet our members and see firsthand the values that have guided us through generations. Whether you’re thinking of becoming a member or just curious, you are welcome.”
The Masonic Lodge is just off O’Connell Square. Tours on Friday, 21 August, 6pm - 8pm and Saturday, 22 August, 12pm - 3pm. Access difficult for mobility impaired. Email [email protected]
2: View vintage gems in Portarlington
A showcase of the Tim Mathews family collection including some items never seen before, will take place on Friday and Saturday, August 21 and 22, in the restored Portarlington Market House, 12 noon to 8pm.
Four generations of the Mathews family collected and preserve photographs, items, movie films, and heirlooms. George was an early film maker, Jack Sr had a museum and Ronnie was a historian and early vintage motorist in Ireland. Discover all sorts of photos, paperwork, maps, and objects from the past.
The free, walk in event is in the carefully refurbished Huguenot Market House. Hear from Laois Heritage Officer Tom Carolan, with refreshments, and songs by Larry Fullam. Email [email protected]
3: See artifacts from Rock of Dunamase archeological excavation
The Rock of Dunamase is one of the most striking heritage sites in Ireland. It has a complex history from Gaelic stronghold to Viking raids and Anglo-Norman conquest.The site itself saw its biggest dig ever last year, ahead of a large new visitor carpark now completed.
Colm Flynn from Horizon Archaeology will present an overview of the archaeological excavations, and explain what the findings reveal.
The talk is on Wednesday night August 19, 7pm - 9pm in Portlaoise Library 23 Lower Main Street, Portlaoise, R32 N7EP
5: Masterclass in the 1926 Census
The first census in the history of the Irish state was made public this year, and you can find out how to trace your roots, at any of three events.
Mountmellick Library on 20 August, 2pm - 3pm. Abbeyleix Library on Saturday, 15 August, 12pm - 1pm. Portarlington Library on Wednesday 19 August, 2:30pm - 3:30pm.
6: Commemorate Ireland’s Oldest Bog Body
Laois Friends warmly invites the community to a commemoration of Cashel Man – Ireland’s oldest fleshed bog body, saved from destruction in a Portlaoise bog by Abbeyleix Bord na Móna driver Jason Phelan, and now star of the National Museum of Ireland.
Isabella Mulhall, from the Bog Bodies Research Project at the museum, is guest speaker at the Rambling House Community Centre, Cashel, Portlaoise R32 F24E on Thursday, August 20, 7.30 – 8.30. Gain insights into Cashel Man and Ireland’s bog bodies.
There will be an unveiling of a new Cashel Man commemorative sculpture at Rockview Walkways and the Rambling House. For info email [email protected]
See full list of Laois events on heritageweek.ie