Portlaoise Library will host an array of educational talks for this year's Heritage Week, taking place from August 16 to August 24.

With over 60 events taking place across the county, see what Portlaoise library has to offer.

Ancient Irish Wakes- Saturday August 16

Join Ann Moylan, MA (Hons) Ethnomusicology, for a fascinating talk on the tradition of Irish wakes.

Where music, mourning, and memory meet. This immersive talk reveals how ritual, keening, and community honoured the dead in ancient Irish culture.

Understanding the origins of our Wakes and Funeral Practices may be a key to explaining why we Irish hold our death rituals in such high regard within our communities. This lecture will explain how our ancestors would have seen death not as being instantaneous, but they in fact believed that the spirit of the deceased would continue to preside over the proceedings throughout the three nights of the Wake.

Taking place in Portlaoise library at 2pm.

A History of Portlaoise in 40 Objects- Thursday August 21
Local Historian, John Dunne will present and discuss a wide range of local artefacts - from modest household objects to photographs, posters and official documents. Taking place in Portlaoise library at 7pm.

John Dunne’s talk on Hidden Portlaoise drew a capacity crowd to Portlaoise library during Heritage Week 2024. This year, his illustrated presentation will feature a wide range of local artefacts – from modest household objects and familiar public items to photographs, posters and official documents – all reflecting the rich tapestry of the town’s social history.

Free event but booking is essential due limited capacity. 

Breaking Barriers: Dealing with Obstacles in Genealogy- Monday August 18

Robert Quinn, a professional genealogist based in Laois, will talk about some of the problems he has encountered when researching his family history.

Drawing on stories from his own genealogy, Robert will highlight some of the obstacles he encountered and explain how he overcame them. This talk will benefit all interested in family history, from the absolute beginner to the seasoned family researcher.

Taking place in Portlaoise library at 7pm.

Irish Fairytales, Myths & Legends (Kid's Event)- Wednesday August 20
Wednesday, 20th August at 2:30pm
Join Irish children's author Kieran Fanning for an interactive storytelling of Ireland's fairy tales, myths and legends.

Taking place at 2:30pm.

Cures of Ireland: A Cultural History of Folk Healing
Join folklorist Cecily Gilligan as she shares insights from nearly 40 years of research into Ireland's fading tradition of folk cures, for ailments like mumps, jaundice, ringworm, and more.

These cures, passed down by word of mouth in rural communities, offer a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s healing heritage, one that still survives, just barely, in the modern world.

Taking place in Portlaoise library at 2:30pm.

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