Embrace Laois heritage in Portlaoise, Stardbally and Mountrath

To celebrate Heritage Week 2025 Michael Parsons of Laois Heritage Society will lead a walking tour of historic Portlaoise.

Leaving from the James Fintan Lalor statue located at County Hall at 2.30pm on August 17 he promises that you will learn about the history of Portlaoise and its inhabitants. Raincoat and comfortable shoes advised. Booking not required.

There will be tours of St Peter's Church on Grattan St, Portlaoise, on 16 August, 2pm - 4pm, 20 August, 11:30am - 1:30pm and 23 August, 2pm - 4pm.

St. Peter’s Church was built in the late-eighteenth century to the design of renowned architect, James Gandon who also designed Emo Court.

Stained glass work by Alfred Ernest Child completed in 1938 of a scene of “Christ Blessing the Children” is present on the ground floor. This window was dedicated to the memory of Horace Turpin founder of Maryborough Gas Company in 1854.
Two large beautiful Joshua Clarke (father of Henry Clarke) stained glass windows were commissioned by the Jacob family.

Further Information at 0872493722 or by email hazelaeconroy@gmail.com

On the same day, Hannah and Paddy Flynn, owners of Roundwood House near Mountrath, invite you to join them for a guided tour of their historic home, as well as its grounds, and outbuildings. Your visit will finish in the beautiful Library, where you can enjoy tea or coffee, homemade biscuits, and a few songs performed by Paddy and his daughter Lucie. The tour starts at 2 pm. To reserve your place, please call Hannah on 087 901 6111 Email info@roundwoodhouse.com

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An entertaining tour of the Malthouse in Stradbally is promised on August 16 from 2-3pm. Once a flour mill and later a malt house owned by Minch Norton & Co, the building has been beautifully restored into a home and cultural venue. For info Contact Glenn Bradshaw 0872564357 glennbradshaw2004@ yahoo.com

There will be free tours of the Franciscan Abbey in Stradbally on 16 August, 3:30pm - 4pm and 17 August, 4:30pm - 5:30pm.

The Abbey, which dates to 1450, was the Cosby family’s first base in Laois before they built Stradbally Hall. There was later cotton and flour mill on the site. It is now family-friendly site bustling with nature that is home to the Laois Cricket Club grounds. Guide Roland will cover the history of the Abbey, including the grisly Battle of Stradbally and the mill race. Needless to say, he will also have some tall stories! ⁠

The Saturday tour takes place directly after the tour of adjacent Malthouse also on Main Street, Stradbally. The Abbey is part of Stradbally Hall Estate, a member of Historic Houses of Ireland.

Further information Roland Bradley on 087 2941821 r-embradley@hotmail.com

The Heritage Council says National Heritage Week celebrates Ireland’s cultural, built and natural heritage. They say it brings together volunteers, community groups and heritage enthusiasts to share their experience, knowledge culture and practices.

Exploring Our Foundations is the theme of the 2025 edition which is co-ordinated in Laois the Laois Heritage Office supported by Laois County Council.

The Heritage Council says the theme invites us to delve into the building blocks of our heritage; not just the structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped us.

Go to www.heritageweek.ie for full details of all Heritage Week events in Laois and Ireland from August 16-25.

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