Whistlestop tour of Laois heritage wonders

The summer of 2023 was a wash-out. We can all agree on that.

Undeterred, nearly 120 people braved cool, rainy weather during the first week of August 2023 and visited some of Co. Laois’ most stunning heritage sites. The trips were organised by Laois Partnership with funding from the Heritage Council.

Last year, in August 2022, 105 people, made up mostly of Ukrainian and Direct Provision families, were whisked off on four whistlestop tours around some of Co. Laois’ wonderful heritage sites. The trips were hailed a great success and it was decided to run them again this summer.

They also visited the ruins of 15th century Cullahill Castle with Heritage Specialists, Vincent O’Sullivan, giving its colourful history. Beautiful Haywood Gardens were also explored. They learned about Ireland’s vital pollinators with a third Heritage Specialist, Edel Heeran. Over a week plenty of fortifying cups of tea, biscuits, sandwiches and belly laughs were had.

The organisers would sincerely like to thank the Laois Partnership and the Heritage Council’s Heritage in Schools scheme.. The Heritage in Schools scheme provides a panel of Heritage Specialists who visit primary schools to help children and their teachers learn more about, and appreciate their

local heritage.

For schools wishing to book a Heritage Specialist, please visit here.