Countdown on in Laois to Old Fort Quarter Fest in Portlaoise

In less than two weeks, Portlaoise Town Centre will come alive with the sights and sounds of the Old Fort Quarter Festival.

The organisers expect record crowds to join in celebrating the town's vibrant history from Thursday to Sunday June 27 to 30.

On Sunday afternoon, June 30 on Main Street, Church Avenue, and Fitzmaurice Place will transform into a bustling street market where you can enjoy free entertainment on the large stage in the Lower Square. You're invited to immerse yourself in history with a heritage exhibition by the Laois Heritage Society and heritage walking tours of the Fort Protector.

Music Generation Laois will showcase performances from across Ireland at its brand new venue.

Meanwhile, the Dunamaise Arts Centre will dazzle with a line up of the best street performers with colorful activities for the whole family. These festivities, brought to you by Laois County Council and the Old Fort Quarter Festival, run from 12 noon to 6 pm. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

On Saturday, June 29th, Portlaoise Library will delight children with free interactive history shows at 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm. Meanwhile, the Dunamaise Arts Centre will be a hive of activity with a thrilling Comic Con and an impressive Arts Exhibition.
Evening entertainment takes place at the new Fort Protector live performance area in the Laois Music Centre on Church Avenue.

The newly renovated Laois Music Centre, boasting a brand new covered area and stage, features musical entertainment from Thursday to Sunday.

The music kicks off with The Tumbling Paddies and George Murphy. Get ready to rock on Friday wiht The Whistlin’ Donkeys, and The Dooley Brothers! Saturday night features the infectious energy of Pogueology, Laois’s finest, and Live Forever, the Oasis tribute band. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Cap off the festival on Sunday night with a bang as Transmitter and Smash Hits deliver a high-energy finale that’s sure to be unforgettable.

Heritage events will be held in conjunction with Portlaoise Library and Laois Heritage Society.

Fortlaoise Library, at the heart of the Old Fort Quarter, is ready to host a day packed with heritage activities and talks on Saturday.

It features interactive history shows for children with Dylan Nolan and thrilling medieval Laois stories, complete with replica weapons and armour. Shows at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm.

A Local Studies coffee morning features light refreshments and engaging history talks from 11 am to 1 pm in the Community Room.

There will also be a lecture on the history and architecture of Fort Protector. Hear from conservation architect Richard McLoughlin as he shares fascinating insights from the conservation plan. The lecture starts in the afternoon.

Sunday, June 30 on Church Avenue & Fitzmaurice Place features heritage and family fun outdoors from noon to 6 pm. The medieval activities include thrilling birds of prey, archery, and live reenactments of medieval life, including crafts, cookery, and warfare. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Enjoy face painting, shield painting, street performers, stalls, music, and more in the Laois Heritage Society tent.
Local historians Teddy Fennelly and Michael Parsons will lead captivating walking tours of old Portlaoise, starting at the front of Portlaoise Library at 2 pm and 4 pm. Teddy and Michael promise to regale you with stories of battles won and lost, the development of the town and the history of the fort.

More information on the festival events at: www.oldfortquarter.com