Laois Local Studies was established to collect, preserve and make available for reference, material relating to the history and heritage of County Laois. It is home to the Laois Collection, a specialist collection on the local, social, political, economic and geographic history of the county. A dedicated member of staff is available to assist and support members of the public with their research and queries. The collection and service are open to all by appointment.
Laois Local Studies is part of the Laois County Library, funded and governed by Laois County Council.
The Colonel James Fitzmaurice Collection contains newspapers and other archive material relating to the first east-west transatlantic flight in April 1928. The collection belongs to Teddy Fennelly, well-known historian, aviation enthusiast and author of the book ‘Fitz and the Famous Flight.’
To commemorate the bicentenary of the birth of John Canon O’Hanlon (1821-1905), Laois Local Studies has digitised the History of the Queen’s County. Published in two volumes, this remarkable work tracks the history of the territory from the earliest time to the twentieth century.
This important collection consists of over 300 images documenting local, social and family history, recording significant local sites and events, and capturing special moments in the life of Laois people.
The Glen Ban School Collection consists of approximately 50 digital copies of the photographic collection and autograph book of former Glen Ban pupil Joan Miles
The Helen Roe Papers contain her notes on various local history topics, such as the placenames of Laois. The collection also includes images from her original lantern slides taken in the 1930s to support her series of Lantern Lectures on the Antiquities of Laoighis.
The collection contains approximately 140 picture postcards depicting Laois scenes including villages, towns, beauty spots, buildings and events. Most of the postcards are from the Eason series of postcards produced in Ireland in the early 1900s.
The collection also contains some later postcards produced by a variety of commercial companies and artists.
Learn more about the Local Studies Digitisation Project and enjoy our ever growing online digital collection.
Find out what services and resources are available at Laois Local Studies for students, teachers and schools.
Laois Local Studies actively acquires publications and records of private origin, in line with our Acquisition Policy. Private donations have greatly enhanced the Laois Collection and enriched our understanding of Laois heritage. We would like to acknowledge the generosity of the many individuals, families and organisations who have donated material over the years, including local historians, artists, photographers, schools, businesses, organisations, clubs, societies and collectors.
Supported by Creative Ireland Laois as part of the Creative Ireland Programme (2017-2022) in partnership with Laois County Council.
