The Laois Heritage Officer is responsible for conservation, promoting awareness and collecting data on the built, natural and cultural heritage of Laois. Follow the links below for details of recent projects and initiatives.
For details of heritage events and projects in Laois, check out the Laois Heritage Facebook page
Photo: Alf Harvey
- Heritage News and Events
- Exploring Laois
- Biodiversity
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Geology
- Cultural Heritage
- Laois Heritage Plans
- Laois Heritage Trail
- Funding for Heritage Projects
- Invasive Species
- History of Laois
- Publications
We aim to promote pride in the heritage of Laois, and to increase awareness, appreciation and enjoyment of all aspects of the County’s heritage.
This is achieved through the Laois Heritage Plan, and includes:
- Undertaking surveys, research and conservation projects under the Laois Heritage Plan;
- Carrying out practical conservation projects at sites including
- Fitzmaurice Place & Fort Protector Project (2018 Historic Towns Initiative Project and 2019 Urban Regeneration and Development Fund Project)
- Kilmanman Medieval Church
- Killabban Medieval Church
- Old St Peter’ Graveyard, Portlaoise
- Ballyroan School House
- Donaghmore Workhouse
- Timahoe Monastic Site and Round Tower
- Helping communities and individuals to plan and carry out heritage projects based around their own local areas;
- Raising awareness of the heritage of the County, through
- Creating new guides to Laois Heritage sites, like the Story of Laois Audioguides
- Events during Heritage Week in August each year
- Projects like the Laois Heritage Trail
- Publications like the books on Gardening for Biodiversity, Maps of Laois, Mountmellick Canal, Laois Thatch and the Geology of Laois and Offaly
Karen Dempsey leads a tour of Lea Castle during Heritage Week. Picture: Alf Harvey
So what does a Heritage Officer do anyway?
Click here to download information on the Heritage Officers of Ireland.
