Portlaoise Library, Saturday June 29th
Portlaoise Library, now located in the Old Fort Quarter, is looking forward to its first year as a venue for the Old Fort Festival’s heritage events. On Saturday 29th June the library will host a series of free activities and talks on the history of Portlaoise and its people.
Fort Wall at rear of Portlaoise Library 
P.J. O’Brien, Scotia Living
Heritage events for the younger audience will feature interactive history shows with Dylan Nolan. Children will be entertained and educated on medieval Laois with the use of replica weapons, armour and storytelling. Booking advised and available here or contact Portlaoise Library.
The Local Studies Coffee Morning, now a regular social event in the library, will include a series of short talks on a wide variety of town related history, along with light refreshments and friendly discussion. 11 am–1 pm in the Community Room.
On Saturday afternoon Richard McLoughlin, Conservation Architect and Laois native, will deliver a lecture on ‘The History and Architecture of Fort Protector.’ Richard led the team that prepared a conservation plan for the Old Fort. The plan, commissioned by Laois Heritage Society and supported by Laois County Council and the Heritage Council was published in 2022. You can learn more on the background to this project and read the conservation plan in full HERE.
Fitzmaurice Place & Church Avenue, Sunday 30th June
Heritage events and family fun continue outdoors on Sunday from midday to 6 pm. From Portlaoise Library to Church Avenue and Fitzmaurice Place travel back in time with a host of medieval activities including birds of prey, archery and re-enactments of medieval life featuring crafts, cookery, clothing, medicine, weaponry and warfare.
Re-enactments 
Entertainment & Education
Visit the Laois Heritage Society tent for free face painting and medieval shield painting for children and enjoy the street performers, stalls, music and festive atmosphere.
Raven Haven 
Face & Shield Painting
Take a history tour of the Old Fort Quarter with renowned local historians Teddy Fennelly and Michael Parsons on Sunday afternoon, 30th June 2024. Starting from the front of Portlaoise Library you will be taken on a walking tour of old Portlaoise as Teddy and Michael regale you with stories of battles won and lost, the development of the town and the history of the fort. Tours commence at 2 pm and 4 pm sharp. Booking is advised and available here.
Walking Tours 
Stalls & Street Entertainment
#oldfortquarterfestival
