PICTURES: Excitement builds for big wellbeing expo with Portlaoise launch

Excitement is building for this year’s Live Well Health & Wellbeing Expo with the official launch taking place in Portlaoise. The Expo is expected to draw more than 2,000 people to the new venue of the Midlands Park Hotel on Wednesday, April 8.  This year’s event, which was launched at Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise on Wednesday, gave a sneak peak of what attendees can expect. Photographer Alf Harvey was there and captured these photos. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

Live Well Expo 2026 will once again feature Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Championships and Laois Age Friendly Ambassador. There will be over 90 exhibitors including an enriched programme, featuring: Music and movement throughout the day; a sensory room and health checks; panel talks covering topics such as financial advice, brain health, community safety and more.

The new venue promises an expanded, engaging, and fully accessible experience, with free admission and a warm welcome to all. The event aims not only to inform but also to inspire, giving attendees practical tools to support their wellbeing long after the Expo ends.

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Speaking about the significance of the event, Michael Rainey, Chief Executive of Laois County Council said: “The Live Well Expo continues to be a key event in supporting our strategic goals under Healthy Laois and Age Friendly Laois. By working together as a community, we are enabling people of all ages to make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.”

Anna May McHugh, Laois Age Friendly Ambassador encouraged people to attend the event saying: “I’m really looking forward again to the Live Well Health & Wellbeing Expo, now in its fourth year, it is a fantastic event with so many interesting and informative exhibitors that are all relevant to empowering older people in Laois. I really think that if you are an older person living in Laois you need to go to this Expo “for you”, you won’t be sorry and you will definitely leave with lots of brochures about products and services that can help improve your quality of life. I’m going, see you there."

Highlighting the importance of inclusion, connection, and active engagement, Danielle Keane, Age Friendly Programme Manager for Laois County Council, added: “Our Age Friendly Programme aims to provide information, support and connection to our older population and the Live Well Expo brings all of this together in one place for attendees to access health checks, meet new people, experience the organisations that can provide support to them in a fun and interactive environment”

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Emphasising the need to break down persistent barriers to information, Fiona Skehan, Healthy Laois Co‑ordinator, commented: “Many people will not be aware of the services that are available in the county. The Expo provides all the information, supports, opportunities and services in one place accessible to all for a healthier future.”

The Live Well Expo is built on a deep understanding that people thrive when they feel supported, connected, and informed. Across the day, attendees will have opportunities to meet service providers in person, ask questions and receive one-to-one guidance, discover new hobbies and social groups, sample activities and workshops, learn about community transport, safety, home supports, and more.

The Expo also provides an important networking platform for local organisations, strengthening collaboration and encouraging partnership across the county.

The local authority said the growing popularity of the Expo reflects a community that is increasingly proactive about wellbeing. They said as Ireland’s population continues to age, initiatives like Live Well play a vital role in supporting people to remain active and independent, access preventative health supports, stay socially connected and feel valued and included in community life.

The Expo is taking place on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, from 11 am to 5 pm at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise.