Laois festival announces exciting additions to weekend lineup
Viking villages, funfairs, mock battles and more; get ready for Timahoe's Heritage Festival!
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.
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
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 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!