County Laois hosts a variety of community-driven parades and family festivals across towns and villages, with Portlaoise as the main hub. Note that Abbeyleix will not host a parade this year due to logistical reasons.
- Portlaoise (Theme: “Abhaile – All Roads Lead Home”): The county’s flagship parade starts at 12:30 pm from the Laois County Council Plaza/Civic Plaza. Participants assemble earlier (from 11:30 am), with the procession featuring community groups, schools, clubs, and creative entries celebrating homecoming and local pride. Pre-parade highlights include the Streets of Portlaoise 5K runs (10:20 am–11:45 am). Post-parade street festival at Fitzmaurice Place (2:30 pm–5:00 pm) offers food stalls, crafts, carnival rides, bouncy castles, live music, fire performers, magic/puppet shows (e.g., 2:00 pm–4:00 pm for kids), and family entertainment.
- Portarlington (Theme: “Carnival”): Festivities begin at 1:30 pm in The Square, with the parade starting at 3:00 pm from the Library. A colourful, carnival-inspired event with floats, music, dance, and community participation winding through the town centre.
- Mountrath (Theme: “Legends”): Entertainment starts at 11:00 am, with the parade departing at 12:30 pm from the GAA field and finishing at The Square. Expect mythical, folklore-inspired displays, bands, and family-friendly fun in this scenic town.
- Mountmellick (2:00 pm in the Town Centre): A lively afternoon parade showcasing local groups, marching bands, and community spirit.
- Clonaslee (12:00 pm sharp): Participants assemble at the Community Centre before the parade through the village, highlighting rural charm and local involvement.
- Rathdowney (12:00 pm in the Town Centre): A midday community parade with festive elements, often including family activities and a strong turnout.
Community & Village Parades (Tuesday, 17 March 2026)
These smaller, early-morning to afternoon events bring green energy to rural areas:
- The Heath (8:45 am from GAA Club): Proceeds to The Heath Church (for 9:30 am Mass), followed by refreshments in the parish hall—a traditional start to the day.
- Vicarstown (9:00 am from The Bridge): Marches to the Church of the Assumption for a community-focused procession.
- Killeshin (9:15 am at The New School): Early assembly and parade with local participation.
- Ballyroan (10:00 am in the Town Centre): Mid-morning event celebrating village pride.
- Timahoe (10:00 am from Community Centre car park): Family-oriented parade in this historic spot.
- Spink (10:15 am from Church grounds/car park): Compact, spirited local celebration.
- Graiguecullen (11:00 am, assembles at Carlow Town Park from 10:30 am): Cross-border feel with procession from the park.
- Stradbally (11:00 am from Top of the Town/Rathmore Road): Morning parade through the town.
- Rosenallis (2:30 pm in the Village Square): Afternoon event with refreshments at the Community Centre afterwards.
These events are free, inclusive, and community-led, full of craic and local pride. Road closures and parking restrictions apply in parade areas (especially Portlaoise)—check Laois County Council alerts (laois.ie) or local pages for up-to-the-minute updates on routes, safety, and any changes.
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