County Laois offers a warm welcome and the promise of a unique experience that lingers long after your visit, with its rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local charm.
County Laois serves up a delicious taste of Ireland, where local flavours, cosy cafés, and lively pubs offer memorable moments and warm hospitality in every bite and sip.
County Laois invites you to rest and recharge with a range of welcoming accommodation, from charming guesthouses to elegant hotels, all set against a backdrop of peaceful countryside and friendly local charm.
Planning your visit to County Laois is the first step towards a memorable escape, with helpful tips, local insights, and all you need to make the most of your time in this hidden gem of Ireland.
Laois Chamber Alliance brings together Laois Chamber and Laois Tourism under one umbrella—enhancing collaboration, events, and opportunities to build a thriving local economy and promote Laois as a premier destination to live, work, visit, invest, and do business.
County Laois offers a warm welcome and the promise of a unique experience that lingers long after your visit, with its rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local charm.
County Laois serves up a delicious taste of Ireland, where local flavours, cosy cafés, and lively pubs offer memorable moments and warm hospitality in every bite and sip.
County Laois invites you to rest and recharge with a range of welcoming accommodation, from charming guesthouses to elegant hotels, all set against a backdrop of peaceful countryside and friendly local charm.
Planning your visit to County Laois is the first step towards a memorable escape, with helpful tips, local insights, and all you need to make the most of your time in this hidden gem of Ireland.
Laois Chamber Alliance brings together Laois Chamber and Laois Tourism under one umbrella—enhancing collaboration, events, and opportunities to build a thriving local economy and promote Laois as a premier destination to live, work, visit, invest, and do business.
Old Fort Quarter Festival Returns – Music, Heritage & Family Fun in the Heart of Portlaoise
Festival season is in full swing – and the biggest weekend in Portlaoise is back! The Old Fort Quarter Festival combines high-energy live music, local heritage, street theatre, markets, and family fun – all without the wellies or the campsite.
This is Laois’s ultimate urban festival – set right in the centre of Portlaoise, with something happening from morning to night across the town.
Catch top acts like Aslan, Dan McCabe, The Whistlin’ Donkeys, and Smash Hits on the Main Stage at the Old Fort Event Centre (R32 Y074). Over-18s can enjoy individual concert nights or go all-in with a weekend pass for three nights of incredible music.
Younger fans can enjoy a special Taylor Swift tribute show on Saturday afternoon, while families will love the packed programme of free daytime activities, heritage events, and interactive street performances.
Ready to plan your visit?
Scroll down to see the full schedule and explore all the entertainment coming to Portlaoise this weekend.
Family Fun All Weekend – And It’s All Free!
From street theatre to comic con, artisan markets to heritage displays – Downtown Portlaoise comes alive on Saturday and Sunday with free family-friendly fun for all ages.
Wander through a lively trail of events stretching from the Dunamaise Arts Centre, down Main Street, past Portlaoise Library and Fitzmaurice Place, right back to the Old Fort Event Centre – all just a few minutes’ walk apart.
Expect surprises around every corner with live demonstrations, workshops, street performers, Celtic Con, hands-on heritage activities, and so much more.
It’s the perfect weekend to bring the whole family into town. For the full schedule and times, visit the Old Fort Quarter Festival website.
Step into the World of Celtic Con – Free Event
This Saturday at Dunamaise Arts Centre from 12 – 5pm!
Celtic Con returns to Portlaoise as part of the Old Fort Quarter Festival – and it’s set to be bigger than ever! Meet some of Ireland’s top comic book creators, get your hands on signed editions, original sketches, and unique artwork.
Browse a treasure trove of comics, collectibles, jewellery, action figures, and more – perfect for fans of every age. Cosplay enthusiasts can enjoy all-day photo ops with professional cosplayers like Reel Icons and special guests.
Don’t miss the interactive zones either – dive into Dungeons & Dragons, test your skills in the Level Up Gaming Van, try STEM Robotics Demos, and enjoy hands-on LEGO Workshops – all completely free to try on Saturday.
It’s the perfect day out for comic lovers, gamers, and curious adventurers alike!
See you this weekend at the Old Fort Quarter Festival 2025!
