From Vikings to the weather - You just can't miss Heritage Week in Laois

Heritage Week has lots to entertain every summer and the 2023 looks certain to be as packed full of fun as ever with everything from Viking to Ireland's climate story on the menu.

Heritage Week 2023 takes place from August 12 to 20. It’s a special week in the calendar that provides a great opportunity for people to engage with the rich and diverse heritage in their area. This year a wide variety of events are happening in Laois, which explore and celebrate the county’s built, natural, and cultural heritage.

There are talks, guided walks, open days, exhibitions and more! To whet your appetite for here's a snap shot of some of the events in store. 

If you’re interested in natural heritage, there is a sustainable farm walk at Fiorbhia Farm on Saturday, August 19, a ‘Family Morning at Abbeyleix Bog’ also on August 19. A ‘Pick Your Own Sunflowers’ event takes place on an organic farm on Sunday,  August 20.

‘Ballykilcavan Farm Tour’ takes place on August 15 and there's. A water-related event in Camross on August 16 which looks at the ‘High Status Waters of Laois’ with water macroinvertebrate identification.

There are a number of events aimed at children including the very popular ‘Irish History Live’ at Mountmellick Library on the  August 16 & 17.

The ‘Big Dig’ Viking house excavation takes place in Portlaoise beside the walls of the old Fort in Fitzmaurice Place on August 17 and 18.

‘Dinosaurs Show – Bugs and Beasties’ with Dale Treadwell takes place on August 15 in Mountmellick Library.

There are plenty of nteresting talks to stimulate the mind.

‘Ireland’s Weather and Climate: A Journey Through Time’ by meteorologist and Clonaslee woman Evelyn Cusack takes place Portlaoise Library on 17th August.

A ‘Talk on the Conservation of Buildings at Portarlington Railway Station’ by David Orford is the feature of August 17 in Portarlington Library.

Two events feature local historian Regina Dunne. Digital Skills for Exploring Local History’ – takes place on August 15 in Abbeyleix Library. Regina's second event is entited ‘World War 1 Volunteer Aid Detachment (VADs) of Queens County’. It takes place on August 16 in Portlaoise Library.

In addition to these events, there are open days and guided tours of some of the many historic sites and buildings in Laois such as Stradbally Hall, Emo Court, and the Rock of Dunamase

Laois Heritage Officer Thomas Carolan is co-ordinating the week.

“Heritage Week is such a unique opportunity to explore and discover the natural, built, and cultural heritage in your area. There are one-off events just for Heritage Week, but also many events that highlight the sites and attractions that are open to the public all year round, which is a great way to introduce member of the public to these places.

"I’m always very excited and want to go to every event and talk! I genuinely think there’s something for everyone – from children’s events, to talks on particular aspects of our history, to more interactive guided tours, open days and workshops,” he said.

He added that Living Heritage’ is the theme of Heritage Week this year.

"There are a few events that really capture this theme. One in particular is ‘Laois Through the Lens’ – a photobook created by Portlaoise Camera Club, which includes portraits of the people of Laois over the years. An exhibition of the images from this project will be held in the Dunamaise Arts Centre during Heritage Week," he said.

He continued: "Speaking of ‘Living Heritage’, we can’t forget the Golden Ravens Viking Re-enactment group who are returning to Portlaoise on August 12 and will be at the walls of the Old Fort in Fitzmaurice Place demonstrating their Viking cooking and fighting techniques."

Mr Carolan encouraged the people of Laois to get out and enjoy.

"The main message is for people to avail of the opportunity and check out some of these amazing free events that highlight the heritage of Laois," he said.

A guide to all the free events taking place in Laois is available now in libraries across the county.

Information is also available on the Laois Heritage website www.laois.ie/heritage or the Heritage Week website: www.heritageweek.ie