Your list for Christmas and 2024 New Year outdoor activities in Laois

Never mind the Christmas pudding, the recipe for health and happiness this Christmas holiday is only a step away in Laois.

There are walks, runs and fun events organised all around the county, many for charity causes.

The fresh air, exercise, vitamin D from the precious daylight, and a chance to meet up with family, friends and neighbours are among the many reasons to join in.

Here's a roundup of events on the festive calendar.

On Christmas morning, you can take part in the Goal Mile in the beautiful Oakvale Woods, Stradbally (near Windy Gap), 10am-12pm. Run or walk the mile  to raise funds for GOAL who do humanitarian work in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. See goalmile.org

On St Stephen's Day, walk in Clonaslee and the Slieve Bloom mountains in aid of Laois Hospice, a favourite of the festive circuit.

The long walk is 16km and the short walk is 6km approx and suitable for families. Both are well signposted and begin from the Clonaslee Community Centre.

There is no official start time on the December 26 event, however you should begin the long route by 1pm. Refreshments are served free in the Community Centre where hundreds gather for the chat and deserved treats. Donations can be made on the day with sponsorship cards also available now.

The second Annual Noel Ramsbottom 5k road race and family fun run/walk will take place on the St Stephens Day in Timahoe.
Cups for first Male and Female home. Registration from 11am at Timahoe Heritage Centre., €10 entry for adults, €5 entry for kids. All proceeds will go towards Stradbally Meals on Wheels.

In Ballyroan, you can watch vintage vehicles doing all the running at the Annual Christmas Convoy Road Run in honour of the late Tom Kinsella, to raise funds for Laois Hospice and Laois Alzheimers Society.

Vintage and modern cars, tractors, trucks and motorbikes all welcome,   Registration at 11, start at 12 noon from the Old Boys Scheel, taking in Spink and Timahoe. refreshments after in Whelans Bar. No fee to take part, but donations accepted. Prize for best dressed vehicle and person on the day. Top prize in the raffle is €1,500 with tickets now on sale. 

Also on St Stephen's Day morning, work off the turkey with the Portlaoise Athletic Club's annual 3km / 6km walk / run, starting at 10am from St Fintan's Grounds, in aid of The Cuisle Centre, dress in your finest Santa hat!

On Thursday, December 28, Clonenagh National School is holding its annual tractor run and family fun 6km run/walk. It will set out from Coolrain village, in aid of funds for the school.

It will be followed by a mullet shave in Hogan's Bar Coolrain by Clonenagh NS pupil Richard who has been growing his hairstyle for the past year. Refreshments and music all day.

Back in Timahoe on New Years Day, the Annual John Dalton New Years Day walk takes place at 1pm. Proceeds towards the Irish Wheelchair Association with a collection for the Fatima Invalid Fund on the day. Contact David for sponsorship cards on 087 1305448, or donate on the day. Refreshments afterwards in the hall by Bia Blasta.

IN PICTURES: Laois man raises funds and runs Ultra Marathon to honour teammate and friend

A lovely gesture that will go a long way

Walkers, vintage and modern tractors return to Ballacolla on January 1 for the Year's Day for the the annual Walk and Tractor run. Registration at 1.30pm and the event starts at 2pm. Participants will traverse the usual routes, returning by David Lalor's yard in Ballygague for refreshments and the raffle. Proceeds go to support the local organisation.