Daytime Family Fun

Saturday Events

 

 

On Saturday, 28th June: Dunamaise Arts Centre will host a free, day long Comic Convention ‘Celtic Con’, supported by Creative Ireland Laois.

Celtic Con (12 – 5pm, Dunamaise Arts Centre) – Midlands Comic Convention (Free)

Enjoy a host of fun, interactive and exciting attractions including art, crafts and collectibles in the Comic Village, Artist Alley, Geek Market, Craft Stalls, Gaming Zone, Exhibitor and Artist Expo Area.

Cosplay and more, bringing some of Irelands finest Comic and Children’s book talent together and showcasing Laois’s finest local creative writers, artists and illustrators.

Have a go at gaming. Get the coolest selfie with professional cosplayers.

Chat to the pros! And meet new friends. All welcome! Cosplay encouraged!

 

The Big Dig (11am – 4pm) ( Free, Registration Required)

Portlaoise Library is delighted to be hosting “The Big Dig”, a hands-on archaeology workshop for children aged 6–12. Participants will explore a replica Viking house and excavation site, learning how to uncover Viking artefacts with guidance from qualified archaeologists. As they dig, children will discover replica treasures and learn about life over 1,000 years ago.

The event is outdoors, so children should wear suitable footwear and dress for mess. All props are provided. Parents must remain present during the session.

Register for the Big Dig HERE 

 

 

Willow Weaving (11am – 4pm, Portlaoise Library – Free) 

Experience Willow Weaving with Paul D Finch taking place throughout the day.  Adults and supervised children are welcome to join in at any time on the day.

 

Heritage Walking Tour (Free, registration required – 2.30pm)

– A walking Tour of the Old Fort Quarter featuring Laois Heritage Society guides will commence outside the library at 2.30pm on Saturday afternoon. Register HERE. 

 

Sunday Events

Tales, folklore and music from the Rock of Dunamase (Free – 11am) 

Join Michelle Quirke and Regina Dunne for an enchanting morning filled with captivating stories, ancient folklore, and soul-stirring music at the breathtaking and Rock of Dunamase. Please register HERE. 

Artisan Market & Amusements  (11am – 6pm)

Join us for a lively Artisan Market on Lower Main Street from 11am to 6pm. Browse a fantastic range of local produce, handmade crafts, and unique treats from talented makers across Ireland.

With a welcoming community atmosphere, the market also features a selection of children’s amusements, making it the perfect family day out. Come for a bite to eat, stay for the fun!.

Family Entertainment on Fitzmaurice Place (12 – 5pm – FREE) 

Dunamaise presents Street Theatre and Family Entertainment FREE throughout the afternoon at Fitzmaurice Place. 

 

    • Stephen Mc Ginley:  A Swiss‑Army‑style circus virtuoso mastering stilt‑walking, juggling and more to delight and amaze. Come enjoy his show and dynamic street performances, perfect for curious families and festival fun!

    • What’s Watt: What’s Watt is a brand new contemporary circus show, invented with influences from art and science. Join our two batty inventors as they test and repair their new fangled contraption. Perpetual motion is their plan, calamitous comedy is what they create.

    • The Funky Pirates – Kada Ka Boom Arts: Ahoy there! The Funky Pirates storm ashore with carnival drumming, colourful costumes, and interactive mayhem. Expect laughs, dance-offs, and nautical nonsense for all ages!

    • Giant Games: Family rivalry or fun skills learning with giant chess, Jenga, snakes & ladders and more to enjoy together!   
       
       
      Laser Wars: Experience the thrill of laser tag at this special pop-up event on Sunday from 12pm to 6pm at the Laois Music Centre, just beside Fitzmaurice Place. Perfect for kids, teens, and families looking for high-energy fun, with a small charge per person. €8 per person with additonal discounts for multiple players and games. Approx 15 mins per game. 

 

 

 

 

 

Medieval Displays, Battle Reenacments and Heritage Events (Free, 12 – 6pm)

Outdoor heritage events will take place from midday on Sunday afternoon on Main Street and Fitzmaurice Place. Enjoy a host of medieval acts including the ever- popular Golden Ravens battle re-enactors, Evgeniy Chubatyy Sculptor, Melissa Medieval Singer, Michelle Quirke Folklorist, Laois Archery, Dylan the Medieval Knight, Ewka Medicinal Herbs, Laois Heritage – Family Heritage Crafts and much more.

 

Walking History Tours – (Sunday 2.30pm FREE)

Renowned local historians Teddy Fennelly and Michael Parsons will provide walking history tours of the Old Fort Quarter on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, 28 th and 29 th June 2025.

Leaving from the site of the new library on the main street of Portlaoise, be brought through the historic cultural quarter of Portlaoise town as Teddy and Michael regale you with stories of battles won and lost, the development of the town and the history of the fort.

Walks will leave at 2.30pm from the door of the Portlaoise Library (Eircode R32 N7EP). For more information and to book a place click on this LINK.

 

Main Street Music Stage – Sunday Line-Up (1PM – 5PM)

Join us on Main Street as we shine a spotlight on incredible local talent throughout the afternoon! Hosted by the ever-charismatic Adam Cullen, the stage will feature a lively mix of musicand entertainment.

    • 1:00PM – Stradbally Community Choir

    • 2:00PM – Gaelen

    • 3:00PM – Paddy Tunga

    • 4:00PM – Malva Choir

    • 5:00PM – Byro