Medieval history to come alive at Portlaoise Old Fort Quarter Festival

Alongside the live music and great nights out ahead in the Old Fort Quarter Festival next weekend, is a much deserved celebration of the rich history of Portlaoise.

From its still standing military fort built to suppress native clans, to its growth into a thriving town in the heart of an independent Ireland, the town has seen many changes. 

Heritage events will take place over the weekend of the festival on June 27, 28, 29 and 30 to capture the 500 year old story of Portlaoise.

Whether you are part of the town’s ‘old stock’ or have moved to Portlaoise from other counties and countries, there is much to learn. Watch video about the festival here.

Portlaoise Library, now located in the Old Fort Quarter with the stone fort as its actual garden wall, will for its first year host festival heritage events.

On Saturday it offers a series of free activities and talks on the history of Portlaoise and its people.

The Local Studies Coffee Morning will give 10 minute bitesized talks on the people of the town and the contribution they made to its heritage, from Eddie Boylan who compiled family histories of all he encountered, to Paul Delany who opened the first cinema.

Learn all about the fort on Saturday afternoon at a talk by Richard McLoughlin, Conservation Architect and Laois native. Richard led the team who wrote the conservation plan for the Old Fort, commissioned by Laois Heritage Society and supported by Laois County Council and the Heritage Council.

As always Portlaoise Library have not forgotten the younger audience. Throughout Saturday there will be a number of interactive history shows with Dylan Nolan. Children will learn and be entertained on medieval Laois with the use of replica weapons, armour and storytelling. Book ahead.

Heritage action and family fun are planned outdoors on Sunday from noon to 6 pm.
From Portlaoise Library to Fitzmaurice Place garden, wander back in time with a host of medieval activities including birds of prey, archery and re-enactments of medieval life featuring crafts, cookery, clothing, medicine, weaponry and warfare.

Children's show at the 2023 Portlaoise Old Fort Quarter Festival. Photo: Alf Harvey

Visit the Laois Heritage Society tent to meet heritage enthusiasts with free face painting and medieval shield painting for children.

History tours of the Old Fort Quarter will be led by renowned local historians Teddy Fennelly and Michael Parsons on Sunday afternoon at 2 and 4pm. Starting from the front of the library, take the walking tour of old Portlaoise as Teddy and Michael regale you with stories of battles won and lost, the development of the town and the fort's history. Booking advised.

The heritage events will be complemented with street acts, outdoor games, music and stalls to create a great festive family day out.
See https://oldfortquarter.com/