As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, Laois is gearing up for a vibrant autumn in 2025. The county has a packed schedule of events, from live music and art to farming heritage and community celebrations. What makes Laois stand out as a festival destination? Let’s explore the events that make it a must-visit this autumn.
Key Takeaways
- Laois is home to a diverse range of autumn festivals catering to various interests, from traditional music to agricultural heritage.
- The county’s festivals offer a unique blend of cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and community celebrations.
- Laois is renowned for hosting some of Ireland’s largest annual events, such as the Electric Picnic and National Ploughing Championships.
- The 2025 festival lineup in Laois promises to be a thrilling mix of long-standing traditions and innovative new offerings.
- Visitors to Laois this autumn can expect to immerse themselves in the region’s vibrant heritage, natural beauty, and lively community spirit.
Autumn Festivals in Laois: A Thriving Cultural Experience
County Laois is in the heart of Ireland, full of autumn festivals that celebrate its heritage and traditions. As leaves turn golden and harvest time comes, the county buzzes with community events and local festivities. These offer visitors a deep dive into Irish culture.
Celebrating Laois’ Vibrant Heritage and Traditions
The Portlaoise Tradfest is a key event in autumn, celebrating Irish music, dance, and culture. It happens over the May Bank Holiday weekend, turning Portlaoise streets into a hub of trad music, workshops, and performances. This event highlights Laois’ musical heritage.
The Slieve Bloom Walking Festival is another highlight, inviting visitors to see Laois’ beautiful landscapes. It offers guided walks through woodlands, mountains, and bogs. This festival lets you experience the local traditions and community spirit that Laois is known for.
Immersing Yourself in the County’s Diverse Offerings
Laois’ autumn festivals are more than music and walks; they celebrate harvest and traditional Irish festivals too. Events like the Electric Picnic music festival and the National Ploughing Championships offer something for everyone. They cater to different interests and ages.
Whether you like community events, cultural heritage, or natural beauty, Laois has an unforgettable autumn experience for you. It will leave you with a deep respect for Irish traditions and the local community’s warmth.
The Electric Picnic: Laois’ Premier Music Extravaganza
Laois is at the heart of Ireland’s lively festival scene. The Electric Picnic is its highlight. This music and arts festival in Stradbally is a top event for locals and visitors. It features big names in music, making it Laois’ top Laois events 2025 and Outdoor events Laois.
In 2025, the festival will run from August 16th to 18th, drawing 75,000 fans. Headliners include Kylie Minogue, Calvin Harris, and Noah Kahan. The lineup covers various music styles, offering something for all.
The festival is known for its Community gatherings Laois too. It’s a celebration of creativity with art, workshops, and performances. Visitors can enjoy local food, discussions, and make new friends in a lively setting.
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your Roots Are Showing | Louth | January 17th – 21st | A festival featuring over 100 live performances |
| TradFest | Dublin | January 24th – 28th | A festival with 100 acts performing across 18 venues |
| Belfast TradFest | Belfast | February 23rd – 25th | Involving multiple Irish trad musicians and dancers |
| Electric Picnic | Laois | August 16th – 18th | Ireland’s premier music and arts festival, featuring a diverse lineup and vibrant community gatherings |
The Electric Picnic is a highlight of Laois, showcasing its commitment to great events. It’s perfect for both festival fans and newcomers. The Electric Picnic leaves a lasting impression, making it a key event in Laois.
National Ploughing Championships: Europe’s Largest Agricultural Show
As autumn comes to Laois, the National Ploughing Championships are eagerly awaited. This year, from September 17 to 19, the event will be back in Ratheniska for the third time. It’s Europe’s biggest outdoor farming event, celebrating Ireland’s farming traditions and achievements.
Showcasing Ireland’s Farming Heritage and Excellence
The National Ploughing Championships highlight the vital role of farming in Irish life. Over three days, we’ll see ploughing competitions from around the world. Farmers will show off their skills and the latest in farming tech and machinery.
There will also be food, music, and animal displays for everyone to enjoy.
A Bustling Celebration of Rural Life and Traditions
It’s more than just competitions. The event celebrates rural life and traditions. Visitors can dive into the heart of the countryside with cultural performances, craft demos, and local food.
It’s a community event where farmers, families, and visitors unite. They come to enjoy Laois’ Harvest celebrations and local festivities.
With over 250,000 expected, the National Ploughing Championships are a key event for those interested in Irish culture and community. The 2025 event will be memorable, highlighting Ireland’s farming heritage and Laois’ vibrant culture.
Festivals in Laois autumn 2025: Diverse Delights for All
The crisp autumn breeze brings life to Laois with vibrant festivals and gatherings. We celebrate our heritage and creativity, offering fun for all ages and interests.
The Timahoe Heritage Festival is a highlight, happening on June 1st and 2nd. It will launch a book about Edmund Harpur and mark the 425th anniversary of the Laois battle. Families can enjoy a funfair, a 5km race, and meet Viking reenactors.
Classic car lovers shouldn’t miss the Gordon Bennett Classic Car Run. It’s over the June Bank Holiday weekend, tracing the 1903 car race route. Cars over 30 years old will parade through Laois, Carlow, and Kildare.
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Timahoe Heritage Festival | June 1st – 2nd | Timahoe, Laois |
| Gordon Bennett Classic Car Run | May 31st – June 3rd | Laois, Carlow, Kildare |
Autumn festivals in Laois offer a mix of culture and community traditions. Join us to celebrate the season’s spirit and explore the heart of this enchanting county.
Timahoe Heritage Festival: Embracing Viking History
This June, Timahoe in Laois, Ireland, welcomes its annual Timahoe Heritage Festival. It’s a celebration of the county’s Viking history and culture. It’s a journey through Laois’ rich heritage.
Immersing in Laois’ Rich Viking Legacy
The festival honours Laois’ Viking past. It offers talks, demos, and experiences that take you back in time. You’ll learn about the Vikings who shaped the area.
- Explore the Timahoe Round Tower, a landmark that shows the Viking impact.
- Join the book launch of Edmund Harpur’s story, a local figure linked to Viking times.
- Mark the 425th anniversary of the Laois battle, the Passing of Plumes, and learn about the county’s military history.
The festival also has fun for families, a funfair, and a 5km race. It’s a chance to feel the community’s spirit.
If you love history, local events, or just want to dive into Laois’ culture, this festival is for you. It’s a great way to experience the Viking legacy and traditions of the area.
Rosenallis Festival on the Mountain: A Traditional Delight
As summer ends and autumn begins, the people of Rosenallis in Laois, Ireland, look forward to the Rosenallis Festival on the Mountain. This event, back for another year, will take place in mid-August 2025. It’s a time of joy and celebration.
The festival is a key part of Laois’ cultural life. It shows the area’s deep roots in tradition and its strong community spirit. It’s a celebration of the county’s heritage and a chance for locals to come together.
At the festival, there’s a lot to see and do. Highlights include the crowning of the King and Queen of the Mountain, and awards for the Bonny Baby and the Glamorous Granny. There’s also a dog show, celebrating the special bond between humans and their pets.
For those who love vintage, there’s a display of classic machinery. Food and games add to the fun. The festival is a mix of old traditions and new entertainment, celebrating Laois’ farming heritage.
We’re all excited for the festival’s return. It promises to be an unforgettable event, showing off the best of Laois. The Rosenallis Festival on the Mountain is a key event in Laois events 2025, Irish cultural events, Harvest celebrations Laois, Local festivities Laois, Traditional Irish festivals, Community gatherings Laois.
“The Rosenallis Festival on the Mountain is a true celebration of our community’s spirit and heritage. It’s a chance for us to come together, embrace our traditions, and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.”
Durrow Scarecrow Festival: A Fun-Filled Family Affair
As autumn brings colour to Laois, Durrow welcomes visitors for its annual Scarecrow Festival. From 28 July to 5 August 2025, the event is a mix of community fun and outdoor activities for all ages.
Embracing the Whimsical Spirit of Autumn
The festival’s highlight is the free Scarecrow Trail. It’s a fun walk through Durrow, showing off local creativity. You’ll see scarecrows that are funny, amazing, and full of autumn joy.
The Scarecrow Village is full of activities for families. It makes the festival’s fun vibe even stronger.
The All Ireland Scarecrow Championships is a big draw. Creative people from all over compete for top prizes. It’s a key event for Laois in 2025, attracting outdoor lovers and community fans.
Looking for outdoor fun, community connection, or autumn magic? The Durrow Scarecrow Festival is perfect for you. Come and enjoy the season’s joy and unique events in Laois.
Twin Trees Festival: Artistic Expression in Laois
In late August, Laois comes alive with the Twin Trees Festival in Ballinakill and Heywood Gardens. From August 22 to 25, it’s a celebration of Laois events 2025, Irish cultural events, and outdoor events Laois. The festival shows how much the local community values art and culture.
Celebrating the County’s Natural Beauty and Creativity
The festival’s main event is a three-day En Plein Air workshop. Artists of all levels get to paint the beautiful scenery. They capture the essence of Laois’ local festivities and community gatherings Laois. The workshop ends with an exhibition, letting everyone see the amazing art created.
There’s more than just art at the festival. You can try outdoor yoga in Heywood Gardens, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. There’s also a fishing competition in the town lake. It’s a chance for outdoor lovers to show their skills and connect with Laois events 2025 and its nature.
The Twin Trees Festival shows Laois’ love for art and creativity. It mixes the county’s beauty with art, giving everyone a special experience. It’s a celebration of Irish cultural events and local festivities Laois.
Applefest in Abbeyleix: A Delicious Autumn Tradition
As the leaves turn in Laois, Applefest in Abbeyleix starts, a key autumn tradition. It celebrates the county’s farming history. The festival is a day-long event in late September or early October. It lets people enjoy apple pressing and homemade apple juice.
The festival’s main spot is the Abbeyleix Community Garden. Here, a wood-fired oven bakes homemade pizzas for everyone. People come together, sharing harvest recipes and stories that go back generations.
The festival’s main event is watching traditional apple pressing. This turns fresh apples into the sweet nectar loved in Laois for centuries. Everyone is welcome to take home their own locally-sourced juice to enjoy later.
Applefest in Abbeyleix celebrates the Laois harvest and local festivities in the autumn. It’s a great time for community gatherings. Families, friends, and neighbours come together to enjoy traditional Irish festivals. This makes Laois a lively and friendly place.
Outdoor Adventures in Laois: Slieve Bloom Walking Festival
As autumn comes to Laois, outdoor lovers look forward to the Slieve Bloom Walking Festival. This event celebrates the county’s beautiful landscapes. It invites people to join guided walks in the stunning Slieve Bloom Mountains.
Exploring the County’s Scenic Landscapes
The festival offers walks for all fitness levels. You can enjoy easy walks in the woods or tackle tougher mountain trails. Local guides share stories of the area’s history and nature, making the experience unforgettable.
Walkers will see different landscapes, like bog, canal, and road trails. Each trail shows off Laois‘s beauty in a unique way. The festival makes every step exciting, offering an adventure for outdoor fans.
The Laois events 2025 calendar shines with the Slieve Bloom Walking Festival. It’s a tradition loved by locals and visitors. The event brings the community together to enjoy nature, making it a top autumn highlight.
“The Slieve Bloom Walking Festival is a truly special experience, offering a chance to immerse ourselves in the breathtaking landscapes of Laois. It’s a weekend filled with discovery, adventure, and a deep appreciation for the natural wonders that surround us.”
Cullohill Folly Festival: Ireland’s First Gender-Balanced Festival
Looking ahead to autumn 2025, the Cullohill Folly Festival in Laois is set to be a highlight. It’s Ireland’s first gender-balanced festival, featuring equal numbers of male and female comedians and musicians. The event will take place on July 5 and 6.
The festival is held at the foot of Cullohill Castle and hill. It’s a family-friendly event celebrating Laois events 2025 and Irish cultural events. Past performers include Hermitage Green and Wyvern Lingo, showing the festival’s diverse music lineup.
This festival stands out for its focus on gender equality in its lineup. It aims to balance the historical imbalance where male artists outnumbered females 5:1. This makes it a special celebration of Local festivities Laois and Traditional Irish festivals.
“The Cullohill Folly Festival is a wonderful example of how the community can come together to create a truly inclusive and diverse Outdoor events Laois and Community gatherings Laois,” said a spokesperson for the Cullohill Community Council, the organisers of the festival.
Attendees can expect a weekend of laughter, music, and cultural immersion. Weekend tickets start at £64.20. Daytime events are free, but there’s a €5 charge for kids to enter the Play Area in Nancy’s yard.
The festival is a unique celebration of Laois events 2025 and Irish cultural events. It’s a chance to experience Ireland’s first gender-balanced festival. Join us for Local festivities Laois, Traditional Irish festivals, Outdoor events Laois, and Community gatherings Laois in Cullohill.
Conclusion: Embracing Autumn in Laois
As autumn arrives, Laois comes alive with festivals and events. These celebrate its heritage, traditions, and culture. The Electric Picnic and the National Ploughing Championships are just the start. They show why Laois is great for visitors from around the world.
There’s more than just big events in Laois. The county has festivals for all interests. You can enjoy the arts, music, Viking history, or the fun of Durrow Scarecrow Festival. Applefest lets you taste the season’s flavors.
Laois is also perfect for outdoor lovers. The Slieve Bloom Walking Festival invites you to explore its beautiful landscapes. It’s a chance to connect with nature and the county’s beauty.
Looking forward to 2025, Laois promises an amazing autumn. It’s full of community events, Irish traditions, and cultural experiences. Joining in these festivities helps us connect with Laois’s vibrant heritage. We’ll leave with unforgettable memories of our time in this magical part of Ireland.
