A major new publication on the Rock of Dunamase “The High Fortress” edited by Peigin Doyle and published by Wordwell Books was published in Portlaoise last night (23rd November 2022). Launching the book, Cllr Thomasina Connell, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council said “A special site like this, deserves a very […]
For one day in 1903, a sporting event took place in Ireland which not only profoundly altered the future of that sport worldwide, but also had a lasting impact on both Irish sport and society. The race was the International Gordon Bennett Cup race, carried out on newly repaired, and […]
The 2023 Community Monuments Fund has been launched by Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform. €6 million will be invested in next year’s Community Monuments Fund helping owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future. The Community Monuments Fund was first established […]
Laois has brought home two major awards at the National Heritage Week Awards Ceremony organised by the Heritage Council, in Dublin today (20th October) Teddy Fennelly from Portlaoise has been named Ireland’s national Heritage Hero for 2022. Teddy has been an advocate and enthusiast for local history and heritage […]
Over €63,000 funding for biodiversity projects in Laois has been announced by Minister Malcolm Noonan through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. The Laois Wetland Survey continues this year, with field survey underway by consultant ecologists Wetland Surveys Ireland of these crucially important sites for biodiversity and climate change. The […]
A new Conservation Advice Pilot Grant Scheme has been announced by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The scheme is open to owners of properties on the Record of Protected Structures. Successful applicants will receive conservation advice including maintenance guidelines and suggested repairs and improvements to enhance the […]
Launch of mural in Mountmellick celebrating Swifts for Laois Culture Night For Culture Night Laois on Friday, September 23rd, Creative Ireland Laois, Laois County Council Heritage Office and BirdWatch Ireland launch a street mural by artist, James Kirwan to celebrate Ireland’s threatened Swift (Apus apus). The mural is located at […]
Voluntary group recognised for work at Old St Peter’s Graveyard The committee of Portlaoise Tidy Towns working in partnership with Laois County Council has received an award from the Adopt Monument Scheme of the Heritage Council, in recognition of their tremendous work in the conservation of Old St Peter’s Graveyard […]
A major new plan to guide the conservation and presentation of the 16th Century Fort Protector at the heart of Portlaoise has been launched. The plan, which was created in a partnership between Laois Heritage Society and Laois County Council, with the support of the Heritage Council, builds upon several […]
The Heritage offices of Laois, Carlow and Kildare County Councils, working with video makers Bailey and Blake, are looking for the memories from local families about the famous Gordon Bennett motor race of 1903. This was the first ever international sporting race in Ireland, which brought the biggest ever […]
A project led by the community in Stradbally and Laois County Council is taking practical action to enhance the town’s wildlife and built heritage. Stradbally Community Development Association was granted funding in 2021 through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, for the conservation of the bridge at the centre of […]
Biodiversity Week will be celebrated across Ireland from May 16th to 22nd and a range of events and resources are available for anyone in Laois with an interest in learning about the natural world. Catherine Casey, Heritage Officer with Laois County Council said “National Biodiversity Week is all about […]
