Laois Heritage buffs reflect on busy year and look forward to lots more fun in 2026

Heritage buffs in Laois will reflect on another busy year and look ahead to what they hope will be another active 12 months of exploring and uncovering historical gems in Laois when they gather for the Laois Heritage Society Annual General Meeting.

Over the past year, the Society organised events, lectures and trips to explore and enjoy all aspects of the county’s rich past.

Talks covered a wide variety of topics, from a costumed talk on the Regency era with Dr Melissa Shiels, to a lecture on the importance of the native Irish bee by Colm O’Neill.

The society enjoyed local trips to Aylward Rural Museum, Durrow, Donaghmore Workhouse Museum, and the Swallow’s Quarter, headquarters and museum of the Irish Vintage Engine and Tractors Association. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Costume talk on the Regency era.

Members were also treated to a tour of Emo Court, including the newly opened servants’ area, and a trip to Dublin for a tour of Kilmainham Gaol. The society participated in the Old Fort Quarter Festival in June 2025, organising free outdoor heritage events and activities for all ages.

The society celebrated Heritage Week 2025 with its popular walking tour of Portlaoise town led by Michael Parsons and Teddy Fennelly. New society members Olive Lacey and Mary Byrne organised a guided tour of Clopook Church and graveyard and the rarely accessible cave, the Dún of Clopook. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Pictured talk at Clopook cemetery.

The Society’s Spring series of talks will begin with A Taste of Laois Folklore, a talk by Tony Delaney on Thursday 12 February at 8pm in the Midlands Park Hotel Portlaoise. Mr Delaney has written on Laois subjects including historian Canon O’Hanlon and poet John Keegan, and his YouTube channel @LaoisHistoryAndFolklore has a worldwide following.

Other speakers in the Spring series include Dr James G Ryan, lecturer and publisher in Irish family history and regular contributor to the Laois Heritage Society Journal, speaking on the history of the Grand Jury in Laois and society member Paul Delany on the history of the his family’s Electric Cinema in Portlaoise.

The society aims to raise awareness of the rich and unique heritage of County Laois, by organising regular talks, walks, trips, site visits and the publication of its local history journal, and to protect the county’s heritage, by supporting research and conservation projects. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Medieval medicine demonstration at the Old Fort Festival in Portlaoise.

The society welcomes all those with an interest in the history and heritage of County Laois, from the earliest times to present day. Whether you are a Laois person who wants to know more about the county’s heritage, or new to Laois and interested in the history of your adopted home, come along and meet like-minded people.

The AGM takes place on Thursday, January 22 at 8pm in The Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise.

If you would like to join the society or just find out more about what we do, the Society invites you to the AGM. Annual membership for individuals is €20 or €30 for family membership. All are welcome.