Portlaoise to come alive for Old Fort Quarter Festival this June 27–29

Portlaoise will be transformed from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 of June, 2025, as the Old Fort Quarter Festival returns with a full weekend of heritage, concerts, free family fun, and community events.

At the heart of the festival is a jam-packed schedule of free family entertainment across Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The town centre will host street performers, workshops, games, live music, and family-friendly shows.

Evening concerts take place inside the historic Old Fort walls, under the festival’s covered Main Stage, with a powerful line-up that includes Dan McCabe, Aslan, The Whistlin’ Donkeys, and Smash Hits, among others. With top Irish acts and an electric atmosphere, it’s set to be one of the most exciting weekends of the summer.

Evening tickets start from €35, with a limited number of discounted weekend tickets still available online at
www.oldfortquarter.ie or via the Dunamaise Arts Centre box office.

Saturday afternoon brings a special highlight for families and young music fans – the Taylor Swift Tribute Show: The Eras Be Grand. This all-ages concert is packed with favourite hits and show-stopping sparkle, with tickets available for just €25. Early booking is advised.

Also on Saturday, festival-goers can explore Celtic Con at the Dunamaise Arts Centre from 12–5pm, celebrating comics, cosplay, gaming and creative pop culture. Meanwhile, Portlaoise Library will host a range of children’s activities, including the popular Big Dig archaeological experience – perfect for young explorers.

Laois Heritage will once again bring the town’s story to life, with a programme of guided heritage walks, storytelling sessions, and living history displays throughout the weekend. Led by local historians, these walks and displays give a fresh perspective on Portlaoise’s medieval past.

Booking is required and details are available on the festival website.

On Sunday, the town centre will be buzzing with the Artisan Market, showcasing local food, crafts, heritage acts, family shows and heritage street performances. Local clubs, musicians, dancers, and community groups will also take to the Community Stage on Main Street, celebrating the very best of Laois talent.

Festival Chairperson Robert Quinn said:

"With a packed programme of local heritage and culture, lots of free events for families, and a vibrant mix of headline acts, Old Fort 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable weekend."

The Old Fort Quarter Festival is proudly supported by Laois County Council, Laois Heritage, Dunamaise Arts Centre, Laois Tourism, Laois Climate Action, Laois Partnership, Downtown Portlaoise, and many local businesses and volunteers. The organising committee extends a heartfelt thanks to all who help bring this festival to life.

For the full schedule, artist line-up, ticket info, and booking links, visit www.oldfortquarter.ie
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