The excitement continues to build as the Timahoe Heritage Festival unveil some of the incredible experiences already confirmed for this year’s festival, taking place May 31 to June 1 in the heart of Co. Laois.

"This year’s event is shaping up to be our biggest and most immersive yet, with a dazzling lineup of historical re-enactors, hands-on workshops, thrilling combat displays, and fascinating living history encampments," event organisers revealed.

"And remember — many of the warriors, craftspeople, and performers you’ll meet are seasoned film and television extras, having appeared in productions such as Vikings, Valhalla, Game of Thrones, and How to Train Your Dragon!" organisers announced.

Pictured: Timahoe Heritage Festival. Pic: THF Facebook

Here’s just a taste of what you can expect:

Fragarach Armoured Combat return with their crowd-favourite, full-contact medieval battles. 

Golden Ravens – local Viking warriors ready for action!

Ulfhednar Hird Ireland – Polish fight & living history group, with several film and TV veterans.

Dubh Linn Ostmen – a Dublin-based Viking and living history group.

Magnus Viking Association – Living History Group from the Ballydugan Medieval Settlement

Prepare for the Defenders of the Tower Bridge battle to kick things off in the main arena — a dramatic fight to protect the heritage centre bridge from Viking invaders!

Also featuring:
Fully armoured combat displays
Public Viking silly games in the village
Viking court drama – with audience participation

Living History & Viking Camp Life

Paul Kavanagh’s Viking Ship Display, plus talks on Viking shipbuilding techniques

Raven Haven Averies – birds of prey as seen on the big screen, in productions such as Vikings, and Game Of Thrones, with live demos

Monks of Timahoe – a nod to Timahoe's ecclesiastical roots, and Timahoe’s founding saint, Mochua

St. Mochua Tree Carving by Evgeny Chubatyy, who will return with more live wood sculpture in 2025

Fossey Church Mass – a special heritage mass at the 16th-century church on Friday, May 30th @ 7:30 PM, honouring our spiritual past

Workshops, Demonstrations & Heritage Crafts

Jaqui Wright – historical pottery demonstrations and workshops

Drop Dead Threads – finger braiding demonstrations

Ewka – medieval herbalist giving talks and displays

Rick Fontes, live blacksmithing demonstration

Medieval Cooking Display – A culinary treat from days of yore

Fergal Ryan from Willow and Sword, traditional basketry

Pint of Plane (Eoin Reardon) – traditional woodworking using reclaimed timber

Fiach Rua Timbercraft – axe work, timber hewing, ogham and rune carvin

Timahoe Heritage Run (5K Road Race) on May 31, beginning at 11am with a 10am registration at Timahoe Heritage Centre, or online  HERE.

Timahoe Male Choir, fresh from their appearance at Electric Picnic and the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade Alice Laffin, local musician.

More music acts to be announced!

The Viking Village – A living history look at Viking/Gael life 

Kids vs. Vikings mock battles, preceded by Viking Training For Kids

Living History displays throughout the village

Big Dig, Coin Striking, and Bead-Making Workshops (Free for kids, booking details coming soon)

Art & Craft Fair – 11 AM both days – limited trading spots still available! APPLY HERE

Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Car Run Stopover on Saturday, May 31st, featuring over 100 vintage and classic cars
Archery Sessions with Durlas Eile Archers
Dunamaise Beekeepers Get up close with bees and learn all about them from the experts 
Heritage Talks and guided discussions

Adults: €5
Children: FREE
Parking: FREE
Dog-friendly festival! Please keep pets leashed and tidy up after them.

"With so much more still to be announced, Timahoe Heritage Festival 2025 is set to be an unforgettable celebration of our shared past, full of thrills, culture, laughter, and learning," organisers raved.

For more on Laois festivals this summer, keep an eye on the Leinster Express/Laois Live website!

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