PICTURES: Laois locals gather for riveting events to celebrate Heritage Week

Heritage Week kicked off in Laois on Saturday, August 15

Photos: Julie and Alf Harvey. Pictures & Videos PICTURES: Laois locals gather for riveting events to celebrate Heritage Week By Leinster Express Reporter Published 19th Aug 2026, 20:30 BST Updated 19th Aug 2026, 20:30 BST Heritage Week kicked off in Laois on Saturday, August 15

With Heritage Week well underway in Laois , there has been a great turn out of local people for the wide variety of events taking place across the county to mark the week.

Over 70 events are taking place across Laois up until Sunday, August 23.

Of these, the ‘Ancient Irish Wakes: The Merry Wake, Keening and the Art of Crying’ event drew in a big crowd. Set in Donaghmore Workhouse & Agricultural Museum, this event explored why the origins of our wakes and funeral practices may be a key to explaining why we Irish hold our death rituals in such high regard within our communities.

Donaghmore Workhouse & Agricultural Museum was also the venue for the Bealach Sessions. This musical event was hosted by Pedal Vintage and Rothar Rogues and featured music from Erin Dollard and Siobhán Maguire.

1 . Canice Sheeran with Trevor Stanley and Enda Meehan at the Bealach Sessions for Heritage Week. Photo: Julie Harvey.

2 . Ann Moylan delivering a lecture in Donaghmore Workhouse and Agricultural Museum during Heritage Week. Photo: Alf Harvey.

3 . Laois Heritage officer Thomas Carolan with Trevor Stanley, Manager at Donaghmore Workhouse & Museum, and Ann Moylan at the 'Ancient Irish Wakes: The Merry Wake, Keening and the Art of Crying.' Photo: Alf Harvey.

4 . Laois Heritage Officer Thomas Carolan speaking at the 'Ancient Irish Wakes: The Merry Wake, Keening and the Art of Crying.' Photo: Alf Harvey.