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15 Sept 2025
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15 Sept 2025
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Camross High Nellie members cycle through Main Street , Portarlington during Festival Francais de Portarlington. Photo: Michael Scully .
Portarlington is set to roll out the red carpet this week to French visitors to mark the town's historic link to France.
The French Connection Town Twinning Committee say they are delighted to welcome the visitors from a town in southern France.
"We’re beyond excited to roll out the red carpet for the French Connection Twinning Committee – with a delegation from Rédessan, including the Mayor herself," said the committee.
The group are due to arrive on Friday evening, September 21 in time to join in with extensive Culture Night celebrations in the Laois Offaly town.
They'll also be at a Muscle Fest in O’Deas, Portarlington hosted by Al's Fish Shop and enjoy an art crawl with the Port Art Collective.
They'll be special guests at an Abba by candlelight in the French Church, enjoy trips to Emo and Derryounce and take part in a fun putting competition at Portarlington Golf Links.
Events will culminate on then on Sunday night September 21, with a cheese and wine evening in the Parochial Hall. It features Irish dancing, traditional music, poetry, and plenty of celebration. Tickets are €5 and can be purchased on the night.
"Don’t miss it – Portarlington will be buzzing all weekend," said the Committee.
Portarlington's link to France dates back to the 17th Century and the Huguenots who were a religious group of French Protestants.
After years of conflicts with the Catholic ruled France, persecution increased under Louis XIV, which led to the exodus of Huguenots from France. Some of these refugees found a safe home in Ireland, with Portarlington chosen as a settlement location.
READ ALSO: Edinburgh Fringe Festival comedians for Culture Night in Portlarington
"The most significant Huguenot settlement in Ireland, after Dublin, was that of Portarlington in Co Laois," says the Huguenot Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
The colony at Portarlington also served the purpose of making a political statement. It was populated by Williamite supporters during the wars of the 1690s which included the battle of the Boyne. Some of those who fought were Huguenots.
St Paul's Church of Ireland was built for Hugenot worship in 1696.
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