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12 Feb 2026

Award winning Laois Live Well Expo coming back to Portlaoise

Date announced for the Midlands' largest health and wellbeing show

Award winner Laois Live Well Expo coming back to Portlaoise

The Laois Live Well Expo.

The Laois Live Well Expo has announced its return, fresh on the wave of winning a national award.

Laois County Council has announced the 2026 date for what has rapidly grown to become the Midlands’ largest health and wellbeing event, the Live Well Expo.

This year the free community expo has a new venue, taking place on Wednesday, April 8 at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise, from 11am to 5pm.

"Following the success of last year’s Expo, which welcomed more than 2,000 attendees, similar strong interest is anticipated again this year," a council spokesperson confirmed.

The 2026 Live Well Expo will bring together a wide range of exhibitors from Laois and beyond, offering valuable information, expert insights, and hands-on demonstrations across all aspects of health and wellbeing.

People come from across the county to meet reps from local groups and organisations from the ICA to the Gardaí, hear speakers, view exhibitions, get help with technology, and enjoy free refreshments. Laois Age Friendly Ambassador Anna May McHugh, MD of the National Ploughing Association has launched the event each year since it began in 2023.

Look back at photos from the 2025 Live Well Expo in Portlaoise College

This inclusive and accessible event invites people of all ages and backgrounds to explore supports and services that promote healthier, more active lifestyles. Attendees are encouraged to use public transport where possible.

Last year the council put on extra buses in the Portlaoise town service to accommodate as many visitors as possible.

The 2025 Live Well Expo was recently honoured with the Active and Healthy Ageing Award at the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards.

Read next: Hitting the roads of Laois to help Portlaoise hospital

This national award acknowledged the expo’s significant contribution to enhancing the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of older people in Laois, celebrating initiatives that empower individuals to remain active and engaged within their communities.

The Live Well Expo is delivered by Age Friendly Laois and Healthy Ireland Laois.

Updates and exhibitor announcements to come.

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