What’s On Guide

All aboard! It's full steam ahead for our next public running day, Sunday, July 3rd.
Rusty the diesel is on for the first hour of trains from 11am before Róisín the steam loco takes over from 12pm-4pm. Tickets are valid for unlimited journeys between 11am and 4pm and are sold on the day at the station before boarding.

Four day Summer kids camp filled with fun & learning.
From yoga, to dance to art activities and planting we have a fun filled week planned.

Delighted to finally announce our summer camp dates for July. We can't wait to get out on the water and have a splashing time during our three day summer camps at Banagher marina.

Performances from National and International Dancers,

Exhibition: 'Memory Lane' Followed by an evening reception.

Expert advice from a legend of the gardening world; Sandro Cafolla.
Sandro will talk you through the full process of how to grow a wildflower meadow.
Suitability: Adults

Oversight of the key environmental problems we face, and practical steps you can take in your back garden to make a change for the better.

Raheen Vintage Club Annual Rally Sunday 10th of July. - Leaving from Corbally, Portlaoise Road, Abbeyleix at 12pm. Vintage Tractor and Car display, Zetor theme, Lorry and motorbike display, Stationary engine's, Rally car display, Barn finds, Auto-Jumble, Stalls, Dog show, BBQ, Wheel of Fortune.

Delighted to finally announce our summer camp dates for July. We can't wait to get out on the water and have a splashing time during our three day summer camps at Banagher marina.

Superhuman: After being rejected from professional football and diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease, an African-Irish school student is guided towards para-athletics and a new identity. Written/Directed by Mícheál Fleming | Produced by Michael-David McKernan.

Warré Hive Natural Beekeeping Course with Tanguy de Toulgoet.

Welcome video and Guided Tour of the Museum, workshop, embroidery kit, light lunch and refreshments.
Booking with payment is essential as places are limited, and to avoid disappointment.

TOUR DE PORT will take place as part of Our French Festival Celebrations on July 16th in conjunction with Critical Mass Cycle Group.

Kavanaghs Bar and Venue present  - Radio Nowhere  - Sunday Sessions.

The aim of the session is to share what we're doing to try and run the business as sustainably as possible, and to learn from what others are doing as well.
Tea, coffee and a tour of the brewery and our biodiversity areas are also included.

Our One Day sustainable Horticultural Course is a great way to discover and learn horticulture in one day, with our intensive, no labour and no dig gardening system on lazy beds. We use raw materials to feed the soil and it helps to fight climate change by storing carbon into the soil in a healthy and productive living system.

Join owner David Walsh-Kemmis for a tour of the brewery to see the sustainability measures that the team at Ballykilcavan have put in place, and then for a discussion on environmental and social sustainability in businesses in general.

Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) makes her West End debut in the UK premiere of Suzie Miller’s award-winning play.

Tessa is a young, brilliant barrister. She has worked her way up from working class origins to be at the top of her game; defending; cross examining and winning. An unexpected event forces her to confront the lines where the patriarchal power of the law, burden of proof and morals diverge. 

Gear up for a night out in Portlaoise at this Bingo Rave where you will experience a show like you never experienced before.

Kavanagh's Bar and Venue present  - Crow Black Chicken.

Our One Day sustainable Growing your own food Course is a great way to discover and learn how to grow herbs, vegetables and fruits in one day, with our intensive, no labour and no dig intensive gardening system on lazy beds. We use raw materials to feed the soil and it helps to fight climate change by storing carbon into the soil in a healthy and productive living system.

New Summertime Boutique Festival to enjoy, Forest Fest at Emo Village for a weekend of music and arts.

Kavanaghs Bar and Venue Present  - Strength in Numbers.

One of the main attractions is the popular Hunt Chase, with teams competing from all parts of the country. There are trade exhibitors of all descriptions from crafts to horse tack. The show day is an enjoyable day out for all the family with many attractions, and entertainments to capture the heart of everyone’s interest. The showgrounds are located in Coolfin, Kilbreedy, Rathdowney, County Laois, in the heart of Ireland.

Join Joan for Sound Meditation at Solas.

Learn how to manage your polytunnel in an intensive and sustainable way. You will get many tips on water saving, tomato production, disease prevention and many more. We grow 27 varieties of tomatoes, 10 varieties of peppers, cucumber, basil, sweet potatoes, aubergine, cucamelon, sunberries, etc.

Durrow Scarecrow Festival is back after 2 years!!

The popular ladies night is back this year with MC's on the night, Dr. Annemarie Eustace Ryan Fashion Show in association with 57 Boutique and Ladybelle, Cocktail demo by Susan from The Yard at Bob's, Chat on Gut Health/Menopause.

Three Course Meal, Glass of Wine, Goodie Bag and Music on the night included

Kavanaghs Bar and Venue host " An Evening with Jermaine Beckford"

Kavanaghs Bar and Venue Present - Abuse Your Illusions.

Come and Join us for 3 days of Arts, Music and Entertainment in Abbeyleix.

The National Steam Rally is a fun-filled Family Friendly event, and we look forward to seeing you all on July 31st & August 1st 2022!

Join the team at Ballintubbert on Sunday July 31st from 12 noon to 5pm. Come and spend the day in this place of wellness and peace. Wand through the formal organic gardens, run wild in the long meadow, play hide and seek in the woodlands and perhaps play skittles in the Orchard. The good cups are out and we will be offering teas and coffees and sumptuous cakes from the pop up tea shop. 

Kavanagh's Bar & Venue Present  - The Valves Live.

The Abbeyleix Garden Fete will take place this August Bank Holiday Monday, at 2pm at the Rectory Gardens, Abbeyleix, (opposite the Abbeyleix Tennis Courts). It always promises to be a great family day out with a selection of stalls including bric a brac, home baking, book stalls, plants and lots of fun an activities for kids.
There will also be a new Fête photographic competition this year. The categories are i) colour & ii) black and white with the theme "Abbeyleix Shopfronts & Monuments”. You must enter a print (no mounts needed) size 10 x 8 inches. Bring your prints along on the day. Open to All.

Kavanagh's Bar & Venue Present  - Transmitter.

Bloom HQ and The CUBE aim to provide a one-stop-shop service facility for local businesses in the food Agri industry to access support in business development, network development, access to agri-tech, and the most up-to-date information on innovation and sustainable innovation development in the facilities of BloomHQ.

This is a monthly special event hosted by Simon, offering a deep dive into Yin Yoga and all of the relaxing benefits it provides for you in body, mind and spirit.

In the face of throwaway fashion, clothes swapping is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to reduce waste, contribute less to the increasing accumulation of toxic chemicals in the environment and upgrade your wardrobe without spending a penny!
SOLAS Eco Garden Shop will be running a Clothes Swap Event on 7th August at our monthly craft market.

Ballyfin vintage club threshing day 7th of August hope to see you all there. there will be lots to do on the day including working demonstrations, live music and auto jumble stalls. all are welcome attend.

Join us on Sunday August 7th for a family fun day. There will be great music, activities and great atmosphere in Bloomhq. All funds raised will go towards the further development of the community project here in Mountrath.

Live Music at Polly’s every Sunday for the month of August.

FINALLY we can look forward to celebrating our 25th Anniversary, of Vintage Road Runs, in aid of LAOIS HOSPICE. So please join us, for this memorable event - any donation in helping us achieve the 1 million mark will be so much appreciated.

Come ride our stream train Sunday the 14th August. Trains will be operating from 11am-4pm on the day, with diesel trains for the first hour and our steam loco Róisín hauling them for the rest of the day.

All are welcome to join in this FREE Diamond Jubilee Celebration event. The occasion of the 75th annual Pakistan Independence Day will be celebrated through music, a cultural quiz, an entertaining show and sharing traditional food together.  

Join us for a free workshop all about how to create and maintain a living wall. This workshop is hosted by SOLAS and in conjunction with Niall from Greenscene Interior Plant Displays & Landscaping.

Live Music @ Polly's every Sunday in August.

The Twin Trees Heywood Festival’s Three Day En Plein Air, Tutored Painting, will take place, in Ballinakill, Co. Laois, on August 18th, 19th and 20th.

Join us for an intimate evening of music in the beautiful setting of the grand Pavilion. We are privileged to welcome Mundy with his beautiful song writing and musical talents. Mundy will be supported by the songstress Bayviin.

John Spillane is a musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet and dreamer. Rooted in people, place and story, his music transports the listener and his live performances captivate audiences around the world.

As an artist his music appeals to listeners across many genres and generations. His vocal style has a unique almost sean-nós like quality and his performances shimmer with the magic realism that permeates many of his songs as he effortlessly flits between beautiful poetry tinged with melancholy to roguish, irreverent humour. John has the ability to charm, mesmerise and entertain in equal measure.

Abbeyleix's writing festival, The Power of Words, is a truly engaging weekend for people of all ages and palates.

Kavanagh's Bar and Venue present "Sásta".

Live Music at Polly’s every Sunday in August.

The Midland Park Hotel presents  - Keith Barry Reconnected.

Live Music at Polly’s every Sunday in August.

The Midland Park Hotel present - The Wolfe Tones, Summer Tour Finale.

Gear up for a night out in Portlaoise at the Bingo Rave where you will experience a show like you never experienced before.

Grapple Queens is the first all Women event ever held is Ireland and will feature some of the best female athletes in Europe. 

 Join Rory for an intimate evening of comedy and honest conversations with some well-known friends, as he brings his live show across Ireland.

Dunamaise Arts Centre presents a dynamic programme of curated events by our Young Curators, Alannah Murray & Pauline Dunne, running as part of the Dunamaise Autumn Calendar. Kicking off this programme is a Double Bill of live performances by musicians Laura Duff and Aoife Meade. 

Join us at the Midlands Park Hotel, on Monday 12th September for ‘A Night With The Stars’ in concert starring Declan Nerney, Louise Morrissey, Gerry Guthrie, Susan McCann, Owen Mac, Shawn Cuddy and The Ryan Turner Band.

After some time sitting on the couch we are back to real life. Trousers instead of tracksuit bottoms and coffee and a biscuit instead of four gin and tonics and half a cheese cake. In this show Gearoid takes a look at the litany of things in our lives that just don't measure up.

Kavanaghs Bar and Venue present - oldskool, the evolution of hip hop.

Our One Day sustainable Horticultural Course is a great way to discover and learn horticulture in one day, with our intensive, no labour and no dig gardening system on lazy beds. We use raw materials to feed the soil and it helps to fight climate change by storing carbon into the soil in a healthy and productive living system.

Join the team at Ballintubbert on Sunday September 18th from 12 noon to 5pm. Come and spend the day in this place of wellness and peace. Wand through the formal organic gardens, run wild in the long meadow, play hide and seek in the woodlands and perhaps play skittles in the Orchard. The good cups are out and we will be offering teas and coffees and sumptuous cakes from the pop up tea shop. 

Kavanaghs Bar and Venue present Shane Clifford: Aw Class 

Kavanaghs Bar and Venue Present  - XSLF & The Outcast Crew.

It’s Joe the Magician from RTÉjr! And he’s bringing his spectacular children’s comedy magic and illusion show to the Dunamaise Arts Centre for one spectacular afternoon of mind boggling fun! 

The annual Portarlington and Killenard Charity Gala Ball will be held on Saturday 24 September, with proceeds from the event going to the Midlands Hospice building fund.

The red-carpet event will be held in The Heritage Hotel, Killenard with music by JL Sounds on arrival and later by Transmitter. This year’s special guest of honour is Mountrath native and patron of the Midlands Hospice build campaign Claire Byrne from RTÉ.

Kavanaghs Bar & Venue Presents - A Tribute to Radiohead.

Come along and try craft beers, German Bratwurst, and enjoy some great music.

Ireland's No.1 Rod Stewart Tribute show

Kavanaghs Bar & Venue present - Ruaile Buaile

Ceara Conway has gained recognition for her singing in traditional repertoires across cultures from Irish traditional sean-nós, to Portuguese, Arabic and African song and Georgian Chant. The essence of her music is its unique hybridity, a merging of her love and respect for tradition coupled with her interest in new styles, genres and contemporary music.

Kavanaghs Bar and Venue Present - Whiplash (A Metallica Tribute).

Kavanaghs Bar and Venue Present - Panic Animal

Critically acclaimed as one of the world’s greatest tribute shows, Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years continues to delight audiences across the globe. Featuring stunning vocal harmonies from world-class musicians, this spectacular concert transports you on a journey through the epic songs and history of the much-loved Simon and Garfunkel.

Dunamaise is delighted to welcome Brú Theatre Company to spend a few days of technical rehearsals here in advance of their national tour. They will take part in theatre workshops with Laois Youth Theatre members as well as a post-show discussion around the themes of the show and positive mental health awareness. The post-show discussion is presented in partnership with Laois Connects. Further details to be announced.

These top rated folk musicians and singers bring to life the songs of the internationally renowned Dubliners.

Kavanaghs Bar and Venue present Kevin McGahern for a great night of comedy.

Join us at The Midlands Park Hotel for what promises to be a great night's entertainment with the wonderful Johnny McEvoy.

Christy Moore Live at the Mountmellick Arts Centre.

Dunamaise Theatre Presents - Arán & Im: Manchán Magan

Join Anne on this fabulous, informative, laugh-out-loud, trip through all things Menopause.

Enjoy the festive spirit with the spectacular A Christmas Salute to the Crooners.

Round up your friends for a hilarious night out! Be shocked, delighted and amused by the only chat-line girls with dusters, attitude and their very own bus passes! Pure theatrical Viagra? It probably is for those who might just need the real thing!

Kavanaghs Bar & Venue Present  - Thin As Lizzy.

Kavanagh's Bar & Venue Present  - Smash Hits.

Kavanaghs Bar & Venue Present - Kevin McGahern.

Kavanaghs Bar & Venue Present Hollywood Rose (Guns n Roses Tribute).

Kavanagh's Bar and Venue present  - Crow Black Chicken.

It’s always party time when ABBA comes to town but when it’s the Christmas Show, then that’s a real excuse to let your hair down! This happy sing-a-long event is pure escapism. It celebrates ABBA’S MUSIC with a loud and proud production and terrific audio visuals of ABBA Seminal moments on the GIANT screen! It’s the perfect way to start your Christmas celebrations! Bring your special Christmas Party along and you will have a ball!!

Kavanagh's Bar & Venue present - Gearóid Farrelly: Glamour Hammer

‘’Well’ ’showcases the extraordinary comedy talents of this funny pairing and their exceptional ability to bring humour to most everyday situations, with an array of superbly funny characters.

The Midlands Park Hotel Present  - Mike Denver Live.

The show features 4 fantastic singers who are all accompanied  by a superb live band of musicians with that authentic western sound, coupled with authentic stage set and state of the art production that will transport you all the way hand clapping and toe tapping to Nashville and back in one night.

The Dolly Songbook embarks on a nationwide tour in March 2023. Don’t miss Cliona’s welcome return to the Dunamaise stage!