- Buds & Blossoms Laois Garden Festival, Spink Community Grounds (around 6–7 June): A celebration of horticulture and nature with garden displays, expert talks, workshops, plant sales, and family-friendly activities showcasing the county’s gardens and green spaces.
- Old Fort Quarter Festival, Portlaoise (late June, e.g., around 27–29 June): A community-led heritage festival in the historic Old Fort Quarter with family activities, walking tours, cultural performances, the Big Dig archaeological experiences, and local entertainment.
- Forest Fest Music & Arts Festival, Emo Village (24–26 July): A popular boutique music and arts festival in a scenic village setting with multiple stages, live acts across genres (including trad and folk), dance, family entertainment, food, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
- Electric Picnic, Stradbally Hall (28–30 August): Ireland’s largest music and arts festival featuring an impressive line-up of international and Irish artists across multiple stages, plus comedy, theatre, visual arts, food villages, wellness areas, and unique installations in the beautiful estate grounds.
- Other recurring or smaller events include local agricultural shows, farmers’ markets, guided walks as part of the Laois Walks Festival (July), and community activities during National Heritage Week in mid-August. Dates can vary slightly; check official sources such as Laois Tourism, festival websites, or Laois County Council for the latest programmes, tickets, and 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 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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