The Laois Heritage Officer is responsible for conservation, promoting awareness and collecting data on the built, natural and cultural heritage of Laois. The guiding strategy for the work of the Heritage Office is the Laois Heritage and Biodiversity Strategy 2021 – 2026.
Heritage Projects 2022
All plans for the year are detailed in our Annual Action Plan 2022 (Download pdf). Details will be updated here through the year as projects start and finish.
- Laois Wetland Survey
- Work with communities in Clopook, Dysart Gallen and Kilmanman on the Conservation and Pollination project
- Promote Heritage Council’s Heritage Maps system
- Open Old St Peter’s Graveyard Portlaoise to the public
- Install interpretation of Fort Protector Portlaoise
- Conservation works at Donaghmore Workhouse
- Manage landscape and LCC Owned buildings at Timahoe Monastic Site
- Public realm and biodiversity enhancement in Stradbally
- Laois Biodiversity Week, May 2022
- Laois Heritage Week, August 2022
- “In Your Nature Podcast” in partnership with BirdWatch Ireland and Offaly County Council
- Deliver on the local aims of the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP)
- Collaborate with Culture Team to deliver on the aims of Creative Ireland in Laois
- Collaborate with the Climate Action Team to deliver on the aims of the Laois Climate Action Plan
- Publish the Guide book to the Rock of Dunamase
- Work with Col Fitzmaurice Commemoration Committee to organise Laois Festival of Flight April 2022
- Manage the Community Monuments Fund in Laois
Preparing for the conservation work at Clopook graveyard, Co. Laois which will be carried out by Laois and Offaly County Councils as part of a Just Transition Funded project “Conservation and Pollination”. Committee members from left: Raymond Lacey, chairman; Cllr Padraig Fleming, Paddy Lacey, Patrick O’Neill, Mary McMahon, treasurer and Eilish O’Neill. Picture: Alf Harvey.
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. Click on the links below for details of plans, programmes and projects in support of this aim.
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Biodiversity
- Climate Change and Heritage
- Conservation projects
- Conservation and Pollination
- Donaghmore Workhouse
- Fitzmaurice Place and Fort Protector
- Killabban Medieval Church
- Kilmanman Medieval Church
- Kilteale Medieval Church
- Old St Peter’s Church and Graveyard, Portlaoise
- Timahoe Monastic Site
- Robert Hartpole Effigy
- Cultural Heritage
- Exploring Laois
- Funding for Heritage Projects
- Geology
- Geological Sites of Laois
- “Geology of Laois and Offaly” by John Feehan
- History of Laois
- Laois Heritage Plans
- News and Events
- Publications
The Col James Fitzmaurice Commemoration committee at the Laois Festival of Flight Ceremony of Commemoration at Fitzmaurice Place, Portlaoise on Sunday 10 April 2022. From left: Tim Costello, Catherine Casey, Louise Fennelly, Michael Parsons, Teddy Fennelly (chairman); Alan Phelan, Ralph James and Sean Murray.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
So what does a Heritage Officer do anyway?
Click here to download information on the Heritage Officers of Ireland.
For up to the minute information on Laois heritage, check out Laois Heritage Office on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.