Heritage objects that help tell story of Laois and Portlaoise

The history of Laois and Portlaoise will be recounted through objects from the town and around the county at Heritage Week talks and an exhibition at Portlaoise Library.

The Laois Heritage Office is working with historian Turtle Bunbury on ‘A History of Laois 100 Objects’. The project aims to tell the story of Laois from prehistory to the modern day through a selection of 100 objects.

Funded with support from the Heritage Council, the Laois Heritage Office is providing this mini exhibition to give people a flavour of some of the objects included in the project during Heritage Week 2025.

The organisers say this exhibition will give a glimpse and brief description of 12 of the 100 Laois objects that will feature in the final project publication.

The exhibition is open to the public through Heritage Week during Library opening hours until August 23.

Meanwhile, Portlaoise man John Dunne returns to the Heritage Week schedule with event that aims to recount the history of the county town in 40 objects. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

John Dunne at a Heritage Week seminar in 2023.

His 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.

"This 60-image slideshow 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," John told the Leinster Express.

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The talk on August 21 at 7pm - 8pm, is a free event but booking is essential. Places should be pre-booked on www.heritageweek.ie  or Portlaoise Library at 057 8622333.

Further info on the Laois objects exhibition and the Portlaoise event available from portlaoiselibrary@laoiscoco.ie