Laois community urged to support ‘once in a generation’ famine event

Abbeyleix will host a major Famine commemoration next May

Published 8th Oct 2026, 18:35 BST Abbeyleix Hospital, the site of the former workhouse. Abbeyleix will host a major Famine commemoration next May The Abbeyleix & District Historical Society has appealed for local support to prepare for the town’s Famine commemoration next year.

In recent months, the historical group was given permission to host a commemoration on the former workhouse grounds in Abbeyleix on the third Sunday in May 2027.

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Local historian and organiser of the event, Noel Burke, described the 2027 Famine Re-enactment Parade as “one of the most ambitious heritage projects ever undertaken in Abbeyleix.”

The commemoration has attracted international attention, with the Australian Ambassador and Polish Ambassador to Ireland already confirming their attendance.

As monthly meetings of the Abbeyleix & District Historical Society are set to resume this October after their summer break, members of the community have been encouraged to get involved to help prepare for the commemoration.

Mr Burke said: “Because of the scale and significance of this project, we are asking each member to encourage just one additional person to join our Society. If every member brings one new voice, we will double our strength and ensure that the wider Abbeyleix community stands proudly behind this once‑in‑a‑generation event.”

Laois councillor wants housing developers made to 'cough up' and fix problems “This project is not just a parade - it is a moment of truth for Abbeyleix. A chance to honour our past, unite our community, and present Abbeyleix on an international stage with pride.

Your attendance, your encouragement, and your help in growing our membership will make a real difference.”

A key part of the parade will be the re-enactment by 28 local schoolgirls who will represent the orphan girls who left the Abbeyleix Workhouse between 1848 and 1850 for Australia under the Earl Grey Scheme.

Mr Burke said these girls originally came from Abbeyleix, Raheen, Ballyroan, Shanahoe, Ballinakill and Spink. These girls, who never returned, will be remembered on the day.

Bailey & Blake Productions will also be filming the parade as part of Tá Ocras Orm – Part Two, which is to be screened at the Dunamaise Arts Centre at a later date.

Abbeyleix & District Historical Society continue to campaign to host the 2027 National Famine Commemoration in Abbeyleix. Laois has never hosted the national event, despite its deep historical connection with the Famine.

Cllr Marie Tuohy has consistently supported the Society in its bid to host the event. She once again sought Laois County Council’s support for the petition at the September meeting of Laois County Council.

The Council’s Heritage Officer agreed that support should be given to Abbeyleix Historical & District Society in their efforts to secure the national commemoration.

For anyone interested in getting involved in the town’s commemoration, the Abbeyleix Historical & District Society will meet again at 7pm on Wednesday, October 28 at Abbeyleix Heritage House.