PICTURES: Exciting vintage Laois item at Stradbally charity's yard sale

A very special Laois bit of history is among the many interesting bargains to be found in the St Vincent's charity shop two day yard sale in Stradbally. See below pictures for story. Tap NEXT or arrows to view them. 

Among the bikes, furniture, clothes, toys, books and bric a brac, is an original handcrafted suitcase, with the makers label still attached, of Travel Goods Ltd, Portarlington.

In good condition, the vintage beige plaid style suitcase is for sale at just €10. 

Travel Goods Ltd operated out of Arlington House for some 50 years, and items occasionally come up for sale in auction houses. 

Arlington House, built as a French speaking boarding school during the Huguenot period, now lies derelict. An Taisce has called for it to be renovated.

There were queues outside before opening the two day sale, manager Sinead Moore told the Leinster Express / Laois Live. She has five volunteer staff working to meet customer demand.

"We are so busy this morning, we actually had a queue. We are thrilled, it's fantastic.

"It is out first ever outdoor yard sale. We thought we would take advantage of the good weather, it's a chance to pull out some of our bulkier items, and we will add new stock for day two.

"The suitcase is actually still here, but there are plenty of other bargains here too," she said.

It's first come first serve, as no items can be reserved in the sale.

The two day sale continues on Friday, May 16, also including items in the main shop. Opening times are from 10.30 to 3.30pm. All proceeds of the shop goes to helping people in need in the Stradbally area.