Laois’ strong monastic traditions explored in Portlaoise conference

Laois and Ireland’s monastic connections with Europe is set to be explored at an upcoming conference in Portlaoise that will feature a series of academic experts.

Laois Heritage Office and Creative Ireland Laois, in collaboration with the Aghaboe Abbey Preservation Committee, are set to host the conference entitled ‘Irish Monasticism & links with Continental Europe’ at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise on November 14.

Reflecting the theme of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, the conference aims to highlight the historic connections between Ireland and continental Europe specifically looking at Irish monasticism.

The conference brings together a number of highly regarded academic experts who will explore different aspects of the conference theme:

Pilgrims for God, Pilgrims for Learning: Why did the Irish travel to Europe in the early Middle Ages - Associate Professor Elva Johnston, UCD

Irish Monks on the Continent in the Time of Virgil of Aghaboe/Salzburg - Prof. Dáibhí Ó Cróinín, NUIG

Irish Benedictine monasteries in Germany and Austria from the 10th century onwards - Dr Diarmuid O Riain, NMI (National Museum of Ireland)

Laois County council is also delighted to welcome Elisabeth Kandler-Mayr (former Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Salzburg) who will speak about St. Feargal/ Virgilius and the historic link between Aghaboe Abbey and Salzburg, as well as the enduring connection between the communities in the two places up until the today.

Laois Heritage Officer Thomas Carolan said: “This conference is a great opportunity to explore the rich Irish monastic tradition and its influence in continental Europe. Irish monks travelled to locations all over Europe to spread their learning and eventually establish monasteries and churches in those locations. There are famous examples such as Bobbio in Italy, and St. Gallen in Switzerland. But Laois also has a strong European connection through Feargal (later St. Virgilius) who served as Abbot of Aghaboe around 703 before travelling to Salzburg where he founded a cathedral”.

Attendance at the conference is free but places are limited so booking is essential. Link to book - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/irish-monasticism-links-with-continental-europe-tickets-2004125606639

This conference is being held in recognition of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU (July 1 to December 31, 2026) and is supported with funding from Cultúr2026.