Laois local history buffs invited to coffee morning

Portlaoise Library is inviting all local history buffs to come along to the Local Studies coffee morning this Saturday, September 23. 

Laois Local Studies, now housed in a spacious and dedicated room in the new Portlaoise Library, has enjoyed a big increase in visitor numbers since opening in July 2023. 

From people dropping in to view the Terry Redmond photographic exhibition (as seen on RTE’s Marty’s Big Picture Show), to those interested in browsing through the unique Laois Collection, it has become clear that there is a growing appetite here in Laois for exploring and discussing local stories and events.

To encourage and foster this enthusiasm for local and social history, Portlaoise Library is inviting people to come along to their first Local Studies coffee morning this Saturday, September 23 at 11.30am. 

The intention is to bring together like-minded adults of all ages to listen and share local stories of the past, ancient and recent. 

“Whether you are descended from the Seven Septs of Laois or recently moved to the area from another county or country, come along and chat to other Laois residents over a cup of tea or coffee,” Laois Local Studies said. 

Local Studies is the section of the Laois Libraries dedicated to acquiring, preserving and making available to the public, for research and pleasure, material relating to the history and heritage of Laois. 

The collection, consisting of books, journals, newspapers, maps, photographs, oral histories, music recordings, film footage and archives, reflects all aspects of life in Laois from Fionn Mac Cumhaill to the County Final.