Laois counts down to action packed Timahoe Heritage Festival

The countdown is on to one of the most exciting weekends on the Laois events calendar – the Timahoe Heritage Festival 2025, taking place on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 in the picturesque village of Timahoe.

Known for its stunning 12th-century round tower, Timahoe will once again come alive with the clash of swords, the sounds of music, the smell of woodsmoke, and the laughter of families as this immersive celebration of Ireland’s past returns with its most action-packed edition yet.

This year’s festival offers extraordinary value for families, with pay-on-the-gate admission and most activities included. It’s one of the most affordable family events in the country – but absolutely packed with world-class entertainment and historical re-enactment.

Across the weekend, visitors will step into authentic Viking and medieval encampments, engage with historical craftspeople, enjoy living history demonstrations, and be wowed by the spectacle of full contact armoured combat. You’ll meet warriors, artisans, and performers who have appeared in major film and TV productions including Vikings, Valhalla, The Green Knight, The Knight Before Christmas, and How to Train Your Dragon.

A true highlight for families is the Kids vs Vikings Battles, a playful and exhilarating event where younger festival goers are invited to don helmets, grab foam swords and shields, and take to the fighting pen for some safe and supervised fun with trained Viking warriors. It's a joyful and memorable tradition that lets children experience a taste of history in the most fun way possible.

The action kicks off on Friday evening (May 30 at 7:30pm) with a special Mass at the historic Fossey Church, marking the festival’s roots in Timahoe’s deep ecclesiastical past.

This theme continues throughout the weekend, with the fascinating Viking Court staging re-enacted trials based on historical law – always a highlight and the crowd will have their say in the verdict!
Back by popular demand this year FREE workshops for children from the School of Irish Archaeology, including: The Big Dig, Viking Coin Striking and Bead Making.

These engaging, hands-on heritage experiences are free to attend, but must be booked in advance through the website. These workshops are proudly sponsored by The Heritage Council.

The weekend also features a vibrant mix of heritage demonstrations and workshops. Discover ancient skills with Dunamaise Beekeepers, try finger braiding with Drop Dead Threads, sample medieval cooking, or learn from Jaqui Wright, historical potter, and Ewka, a medieval herbalist sharing her knowledge of medicinal and culinary herbs.

Marvel at the talents of sculptor Evgeny Chubatyy, Pint of Plane Woodworking, Fiach Rua Timbercraft, White Tree Leatherworks, and Fergal Ryan of Willow and Sword, a master of traditional basket weaving. You can also watch renowned blacksmith Rick Fontes at work, and meet Paul Kavanagh, who brings his full-scale Viking ship and expert woodworking demos – his ships and skills feature in some of the world’s best-known historical productions.

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In a spectacular moment of festival crossover, Timahoe will also welcome the Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Car Run on Saturday, May 31 at 4pm, as the vintage vehicle convoy makes a stopover in the village as part of its own iconic journey. It’s truly a case of When Two Festivals Collide – modern classic meets ancient history, making for a unique and unforgettable day.
And of course, the festival wouldn’t be complete without the many incredible groups that make it such an immersive and thrilling experience. Among them are Dubh Linn Ostmen from Dublin, Magnus Viking Association, Fragarach Armoured Combat, Golden Ravens, the local Viking fight group, and the Ulfhednar Hird Ireland group – a Polish-based Viking and medieval combat society whose members are not only skilled re-enactors but seasoned TV and film extras.

All this, plus the Timahoe 5K Heritage Run, on Saturday May 31, an amusement funfair, Art & Craft Fair on both days, have-a-go archery with Dúrlas Éile Archers, live music with Timahoe Male Choir and Alice Laffin, food, storytelling, and so much more.
The organisers say Timahoe Heritage Festival is a unique celebration of Ireland’s past – fun, educational, family-friendly, and unforgettable. Whether you're a history buff, a parent looking for a great day out, or just love a bit of medieval mayhem, this is the weekend for you.

"Our aim is to bring the history of this incredible village to life in a fun, accessible, and immersive way. There’s something for everyone at this year’s Timahoe Heritage Festival."