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20 Nov 2025
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20 Nov 2025
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A Laois Christmas Market takes place in a beautiful venue in Portlaoise town this November.
The two day market is by the Rehabilitation and Recovery Mental Health service for Laois and Offaly.
Clients of the essential recovery service have been busily crafting lovely handmade gifts, ornaments and tasty treats for their annual market.
It will take place inside the pretty little St Fintan's Church, just inside the Stradbally Road entrance to the HSE's St Fintan's Campus. It includes a lovely tree on which to hang baubles and make a wish.
The market runs on Thursday November 27 from 1pm to 6.30pm, and Friday, November 28 from 11am to 3pm. Entry is free.
The Community of Sound Choir will perform live at 12.30pm on the Friday, kicking off Christmas in Portlaoise with the town's lights switched on at 6.30pm.
It is the third annual Christmas Market by the service, in what has become a lovely tradition on the festive event list.
Davie Coss from Mountmellick who works with the R&R service told the Leinster Express / Laois Live how special it will be.
"The market celebrating the creativity, progress, and personal achievements of the people who use our services.
"The event highlights the role of meaningful activity in mental health recovery. Service users across the region have spent the past year developing a range of crafts and handmade pieces, including woodwork, artwork, textiles, seasonal decorations, and other items created through our social and therapeutic programmes.
"Each piece reflects individual skill, confidence building, and the value of community involvement in recovery.
Read also: Planning approval for big Portlaoise retail development is appealed
"This annual gathering gives the public an opportunity to see the strengths and talents of people living with enduring mental health difficulties, while also raising awareness of the support and rehabilitation work happening locally across Laois and Offaly. It’s a warm, community focused event that shows recovery in action," Mr Coss said.
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