- The Folly Festival (1–2 August, Cullohill Castle): A vibrant bank holiday weekend event at the historic castle featuring live music from Irish and local acts (including headliner Robert Grace), food from Taste of Laois, family fun, a baking competition, and foraging walks.
- Festival on the Mountain and Vintage Rally (16 August, Rosenallis/Slieve Bloom Mountains): A longstanding traditional family festival with music, vintage vehicles, rural competitions (e.g., King and Queen of the Mountain, dog shows, tug of war), games, and community celebrations on the scenic mountain.
- Electric Picnic (28–30 August, Stradbally Hall): Ireland’s premier arts and music festival with world-class headliners, comedy, talks, a new “life-size” beach area in the reggae zone, and a wide range of performances, installations, and experiences across the estate.
- National Heritage Week in Laois (15–23 August), focusing on local heritage at risk through walks, talks, and community activities. Smaller local gatherings and markets may occur throughout the month. Check laois.ie or local tourism sites for updates.
Annual & recurring festivals
County Laois is known for its grand estates and vibrant community spirit, hosting some of Ireland’s most iconic modern festivals alongside traditional agricultural shows.
- Laois Drama Festival (March): A competitive amateur drama festival held at the Mountmellick Community Arts Centre featuring top theatrical groups from across the country.
- St. Patrick’s Day Festival (March): Local celebrations across the county, with notable parades in Portlaoise, Abbeyleix, and Mountrath featuring community floats and music.
- Thieve’s Market & Festival of Lace (May): A heritage celebration in Mountmellick focusing on the famous local “Mountmellick Lace” tradition with exhibitions and craft stalls.
- Gordon Bennett Classic Car Run (June): A major vintage car rally following the historic 1903 race route through the scenic roads of Laois, Kildare, and Carlow.
- Barrowfest (July): A community water and music festival in Graiguecullen/Carlow border celebrating the River Barrow with boat trips, music, and family fun.
- Fuintown (July): A family-friendly festival in Portlaoise town center featuring street theatre, circus performers, and creative workshops.
- Ossory Show (July): A large traditional agricultural show held near Rathdowney featuring livestock competitions, vintage machinery, and local crafts.
- Durrow Scarecrow Festival (July/August): An award-winning, quirky nine-day festival where the village is filled with hundreds of creative scarecrows, alongside a “Scarecrow Village” for kids.
- Electric Picnic (August/September): Ireland’s largest arts and music festival, held at Stradbally Hall, attracting 75,000 people for world-class headliners, comedy, and “MindField” talks.
- National Heritage Week in Laois (third week in August) features walks, talks, exhibitions, and activities across the county.
- National Ploughing Championships (September): Though the location can rotate, it is frequently held in Ratheniska, Laois; it is Europe’s largest outdoor agricultural trade exhibition and cultural event.
- Old Fort Quarter Festival (September): A heritage-themed music and food festival in Portlaoise based around the site of the original 16th-century fort.
- Leaves Festival of Writing & Music (November): A literary event in Portlaoise and Abbeyleix that brings together writers and musicians for a weekend of readings and performances.
- Christmas at Emo Court (December): A festive celebration at the historic neo-classical mansion featuring twilight tours, artisan markets, and seasonal music.
Festivals
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