Laois to tackle climate worries with month long Climate Action Festival

The climate and biodiversity crises may not feel like causes to celebrate, but Laois County Council is taking the lead to inform and inspire people to action in a fun, supportive way this October.

The council has announced it is holding a month long Laois Climate Action Festival, celebrating sustainability, creativity and community.

It begins with a special ticketed two day Climate Carnival of music and discussion in Ballintubbert House on September 29 and 30. That will be followed by thirty-five free events around Laois.

The ticketed Climate Carnival at Ballintubbert House will be set across four dynamic stages, showcasing ten creative acts and feature appearances from some of Ireland’s most original voices, including Blindboy, broadcaster Hector Ó hEochagáin and Jerry Fish, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Ceara Conway and more.

Alongside the entertainment, sixty world-class speakers will share their vision for a sustainable future. Tickets for the event in the beautiful house and gardens will soon be on sale, at €250.

Free events will take place throughout October in schools, community venues and public spaces across Laois.

The Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise is a major hub, hosting eight headline events ranging from comedy and cabaret to hands-on creative workshops and film screenings. Families, students, activists and the wider public will be invited to explore issues of climate and community through performances, science shows, art exchanges and food-focused activities.

It is hoped that the festival will inspire, entertain and engage people of all ages through talks, performances, workshops, film, art, food and immersive outdoor experiences.

Suzanne Dempsey is Climate Action Coordinator for Laois County Council.

“The Laois Climate Action Festival is about bringing people together to celebrate creativity, community and climate action. As well as raising awareness – it aims to spark ideas, empower people and show that we can make change in ways that are fun, engaging and inclusive for everyone,” she said.

Among the highlights are climate scientist and stormchaser Mark Langtry, known as “Mark the Science Guy,” who will bring the excitement of extreme weather to local schools through interactive experiments that spark curiosity and empower young people.

At the Dunamaise, Diane O’Connor’s acclaimed comedy The Accidental Activist will offer a quick-witted and heartfelt take on finding hope in the climate crisis, while the Green Grannies’ bee-themed bingo show will deliver a playful mix of music, dance and comedy for families.

Audiences can also expect the bold and thought-provoking Climate Change Cabaret, where some of Ireland’s most exciting performers will tackle environmental themes with humour and edge.

Creativity and community are central to the programme, with initiatives such as a free Art, Craft, Book and Supplies Swap encouraging people to refresh their creative resources without waste.

There will be a Sustainable Family Art Workshop led by artist Caroline Keane, helping participants transform reclaimed materials into imaginative creations.

Teenagers can join a Climate Action Zine Workshop with Kate Heffernan, making their own mini-magazines from reused materials to spread messages of change.

Food preservation workshops at Dunmore Country School and sessions with nutritionists will explore how sustainable eating habits can support both personal health and the planet.

The Dunamaise Urban Gardeners project will bring together artists, gardeners and local growers to explore biodiversity and low-carbon living.

Laois Forest School will lead immersive walks in nature to reconnect participants with the landscape.

Film lovers will enjoy a screening of OCEAN, narrated by David Attenborough, followed by a short film showcase and panel discussion.

Laura Dunne is with the Dunamaise Arts Centre.

“We’re delighted to host eight of the festival’s events here at Dunamaise, ranging from comedy and cabaret to film and hands-on workshops. The arts have a unique role to play in helping people imagine new possibilities for our future, and this festival is a wonderful opportunity to combine creativity with positive climate action,” she said.

Read also: Laois communities urged to highlight biodiversity issues

The festival programme reflects the priorities of the Laois Climate Action Plan 2024–2029, with themes of sustainability, resilience, biodiversity, community transition and the circular economy running throughout. With 35 events across the county and eight major happenings in Dunamaise Arts Centre, the Laois Climate Action Festival 2025 offers opportunities for everyone to take part.

Laois has recently been shortlisted for the European Commission's European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism Award 2026.

The Laois Climate Action Festival 2025 is free and open to all, including students, parents, artists, activists or the simply curious, it invites everyone to join in building a more sustainable future.

For the full programme, visit laois.ie/ClimateActionFestival  or call 057 86 63355. This Festival is supported by Laois County Council Climate Action Section, Dunamaise Arts Centre and Creative Ireland Laois.