Laois Arthouse Stradbally annual adult summer arts programme this year features a series of workshops titled Construct/Deconstruct by renowned artist Tom McLean in the beautiful surroundings of the Malthouse, Stradbally, Co Laois. Running from Tues 21 to Fri 24 June 2022 from 10.30am to 4pm. The 4-day workshop will focus on different approaches to making multimedia paintings.
Tom McLean b.1994 is an award-winning visual artist and curator originally from Stradbally, Laois who is currently living and working in Galway City where he is a studio artist and former director of the 126 Artist Run Gallery. After graduating from CCAM, GMIT in 2016 specializing in painting, McLean completed an additional year of study from the Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin, and has been short-listed and won multiple awards including the ESB Keating Award, The Whyte’s Award, and the Hennessy Craig Award. Contact artsoff@laoiscoco.ie for application forms and more info.
Laois County Council is currently seeking expressions of interest from businesses located in Laois who are interested in being represented in the “Laois County Council” marquee at the National Ploughing Championships 2022.
Laois County Council would like to hear from Laois companies who would like to showcase their products in the “Laois “ marquee and we are particularly interested in local craft makers and artisan food/drink producers.
Companies who are interested should complete the online expression of interest form at https://submit.link/Xu. Please note that it will only be possible to choose a limited number of companies due to the amount of space available.
For any queries on this scheme please contact Dom Reddin / Elaine Moore at Laois County Council – Telephone : 0578664218
The Heritage offices of Laois, Carlow and Kildare County Councils, working with video makers Bailey and Blake, are looking for the memories from local families about the famous Gordon Bennett motor race of 1903.
This was the first ever international sporting race in Ireland, which brought the biggest ever crowds, and was probably the first time many people of Ireland had ever seen a car.
Jenatzy, 1903 Gordon Bennett winner, driving a Mercedes. Source: Postcard, published by Hely’s Ltd., Dublin
We want to find anyone who has old photos, maybe a postcard, a flag or just stories handed down the generations about this momentous race.
Did your family rent out a field to watch? Does your family have memories of RIC members coming to the area ? (Over 2000 of them were drafted in to work at marshalling from all over the country). Did one of the cars break down outside your house? Did someone in your family sell food or water to the hungry spectators?
1903 Gordon Bennett Trophy. René de Knyff, driving his Panhard to second place, passes Alexander Winton repairing the Winton Bullet 2 on the first lap. Source: Printed and published in 1903 by Hely’s Ltd, Dame Street, Dublin. Photographer and current owner of copyright are lost to history.
The Heritage Office of Laois County Council, with the support of the Heritage Council want to bring those memories and photos together for documentary makers Bailey and Blake to help illustrate this event for everyone locally to be proud of, and to tell the story to the worldwide motor racing fraternity, and learn about the race that is said to have saved motorsport.
Michael McCormack and Anne Fullam in Michael’s 1928 Austin at The Lawn Stradbally for the Gordon Bennett Picnic stop. Picture: Alf Harvey.
Catherine Casey Heritage Officer with Laois County Council said “Many people will know of the original race through the Gordon Bennett Classic Car Rally, which makes its annual come-back after Covid on the June Bank Holiday this year. We are delighted to be working with Bailey and Blake on this film project and we hope that as many people as possible will take par and share their family memories”
William Molloy, Stradbally and Sean Sleator and Paul Hurley, Graiguecullen view the Titanic Ghost Rolls Royce at Stradbally for the visit of the Gordon Bennett Rally. Picture: Alf Harvey.
To share a memory , or maybe a photo or two, please contact the Bailey and Blake team on gordonbennettstory@gmail.com or text 087 2539010
The Gordon Bennett Film is a project of the Heritage Offices of Carlow, Kildare and Laois County Councils, supported by the Heritage Council.
George Dalton with Malcom and Gail Lomas and their 1949 Riley Roadster at the Irish Gordon Bennett Classic Run 2004 at Treacys’, The Heath. Picture: Alf Harvey.
A project led by the community in Stradbally and Laois County Council is taking practical action to enhance the town’s wildlife and built heritage.
Stradbally Community Development Association was granted funding in 2021 through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, for the conservation of the bridge at the centre of the town, public realm enhancements and actions to improve biodiversity.
After a period of planning the project is now seeing visible action on the ground, with nest boxes for breeding swifts installed at strategic locations in the town this week. Swifts are a summer visitor to Ireland from Africa, a little bit larger than a swallow but blackish-brown all over, except for a small, white chin-patch, with a short tail and long, sickle-shaped wings Swifts in Ireland are in decline. We have lost 40% of our Swifts in the last ten years, according to BirdWatch Ireland. A survey carried out for Laois Heritage Office in 2018 highlighted the importance of Stradbally as a stronghold for swifts in the county.
A swift over Stradbally. Photo Alf Harvey
Ricky Whelan of BirdWatch Ireland assisted the SCDA group with finding the best site for the new nest boxes and was there on Saturday to help with installation. He said “It’s fantastic to see Laois County Council and local communities collaborate to help this charismatic and endangered bird across County Laois. The swift boxes installed in Stradbally will increase nesting opportunities for swifts in the town and we hope that this will have a positive impact on the population locally. A Biodiversity Week walk held in Stradbally this week explored the swifts, swallows and house martins of the town, and it was great to see such interest from people from Stradbally and farther afield in these beautiful birds and how to help them. BirdWatch Ireland looks forward to working with the community of Stradbally in the coming years to enhance the town for all wildlife”.
John O’Brien (Stradbally Community Development Association), Ann Simpson (Stradbally Tidy Towns) and Mary Rose Simpson (Building owner), with Ricky Whelan (Birdwatch Ireland) installation of swift nesting boxes in Stradbally, a Stradbally Community Development Association and Laois Heritage Office project, with the assistance of BirdWatch Ireland and funding from the Town and Village renewal Scheme
John O’Brien, PRO Stradbally Community Development Association said “ The birds are singing and moving SWIFTLY in Stradbally especially on Main Street and Hunters Lane . Stradbally Tidy Towns and Stradbally Community Development Association are delighted to join forces to execute a project that will enhance the town’s wildlife and built heritage. Thank You so much to Pat Deegan Engineering , Stradbally and his Team for their expertise, time and hard work on Saturday morning”
Pat Deegan installing swift nesting boxes in Stradbally, a Stradbally Community Development Association and Laois Heritage Office project, with the assistance of BirdWatch Ireland and funding from the Town and Village renewal Scheme. Photo Alf Harvey
Ann Simpson, Chairperson Stradbally Community Development Association said “We are delighted to have the swift nest boxes installed in Stradbally, and we would like to thank in particular Fr Breen PP Stradbally for allowing us to put three nest boxes and a caller at the back of his house. We are all looking forward to watching our new residents arrive!”
The nest boxes were installed in time for a Biodiversity Week walk in Stradbally and are part of an ongoing commitment to swifts by Laois County Council which has seen swift nest boxes installed in public buildings across the county, including the new Portlaoise Library, following the survey of swifts in Laois in 2018, and with the support of the Heritage Council and the Local Biodiversity Action Fund.
Ricky Whelan of BirdWatch Ireland leading a Biodiversity week Swift Walk in Stradbally organised by Laois Heritage Office. Photo Alf Harvey
The project in Stradbally will also see biodiversity-friendly planting at strategic locations through the town, and a planting plan is currently being drawn up to guide this.
Part of the project will also see conservation of the masonry of the main town bridge, including repointing and repair of the architecturally important early nineteenth century ashlar limestone piers and parapets, and conservation of the historic ironwork on the west side of the bridge. As the road on the bridge is a national primary route, consultation with Transport Infrastructure Ireland has been required, and reinstatement of railings on the east side of the bridge (removed many years ago) has been ruled out, for safety reasons, but the project will ensure the restoration of this important part of Stradbally’s heritage to its former glory.
Bridge over the Stradbally River in Stradbally. Photo: Fred Hamond/Laois Heritage Office
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme project in Stradbally also includes public realm improvements including installation of disability access parking, universal access seating and bicycle stands in the village.
Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Conor Bergin, welcomed the progress in Stradbally and said “The funding provided by the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is very important in improving economic and social status of communities across Laois. The community section of Laois County Council works closely with local communities in developing and delivering these projects and I would like to commend all involved in Stradbally and communities across Laois who have taken advantage of these opportunities.”
Ricky Whelan of BirdWatch Ireland and Catherine Casey Laois Heritage Office at the Biodiversity week Swift Walk in Stradbally . Photo Alf Harvey
The Minister was introduced to the Regional Director of Youth Work Ireland, Laois, Mr Clive Davis and was taken on a tour of its headquarters in Portlaoise. The Minister was briefed by Mr Davis on the work being carried out in the community. “Youth Work Ireland Laois are delighted to be in the position to deliver the Positive Laois programme in Laois. The project objectives came from interactions and listening to issues directly facing young people. As the only Laois based Youth Organisation in the county, we are so proud to be able to share our amazing space with as many young people as possible. We continue to use Youth Work to facilitate change to support the development of our Young People throughout the County”
“The Art Therapist Programme was also a key initiative delivered by Youth Work Ireland Laois” continued Mr Davis. He outlined that “young people who present with emotional intolerance/stress often have not developed the verbal skills required to express this distress, and Art therapy provides the model for non-verbal communication and expression in a safe and therapeutic environment. Art Therapy uses creative and adaptive skills in providing varying treatment intervention modalities to address these varied presentations in a client friendly and responsive manner”.
Minister Frank Feighan said “I am so impressed with the breadth of work, that is being undertaken in Laois for the Health and Wellbeing of the various communities. Over the last number of years, Healthy Ireland has invested in several initiatives, in partnership with the Local Community Development Committee and the Children and Young Persons Services Committee. I can see today the benefit of ensuring that these structures are empowered to design and deliver actions locally, that support people in Laois to live healthy lives.”
Bike Week’ is a celebration and promotion of the benefits of cycling and takes place from Saturday 14th May to Sunday 22nd May
‘Bike Week’ is a celebration and promotion of the benefits of cycling and takes place from Saturday 14th May to Sunday 22nd May. Cycling is one of the most sustainable forms of travel and a family friendly activity. As a transport option cycling has one of the lowest impacts on the planet and the environment, impacting positively on air and noise pollution.
Launching Laois’ ‘Bike Week 2022′, Conor Bergin MCC, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council said, “’Bike Week’ is a great opportunity to celebrate all things cycling in Laois with an exciting programme of events taking place around the county. I am delighted to see ‘Portlaoise and Portarlington Cycle Bus coming soon too, as this innovative and impactful new initiative will make cycling more accessible for school goers in these communities.”
Sport & Leisure Officer, Ann Marie Maher O’Brien said, “It’s great to see over 50 fantastic events happening in local communities across the county for this year’s ‘Bike Week’. I encourage those already cycling, or those interested in discovering more about cycling, to get involved. There are 12 schools participating in Bike Week Laois and 15 youth and community organisations. There are 3 mini festivals are being delivered by SVT Activity & Wellness Hub, Rathdowney Errill Activity Hub and Irish Country Roads Durrow with an amazing array of options for cyclists of all levels.
Bike Week Laois is co-ordinated by Laois County Council’s Sport & Leisure Office Contact sports@laoiscoco.ie or phone 057 8664058
For details of Bike Week Laois events see the attached programme link.
Biodiversity Week will be celebrated across Ireland from May 16th to 22nd and a range of events and resources are available for anyone in Laois with an interest in learning about the natural world.
Catherine Casey, Heritage Officer with Laois County Council said “National Biodiversity Week is all about connecting people with nature. It’s about communicating the importance of biodiversity and motivating people to play their part in protecting it. Here in Laois we are hoping that people will have some fun, and that will inspire them to learn more about the natural world around us and how we can help it”.
Swifts
In Laois, anyone with an interest in urban birds is invited to a walk to explore swifts with Ricky Whelan of BirdWatch Ireland, meeting at the Stradbally Market House at 7pm on Tuesday 17th May. The walk will end at the library and will be followed at 8pm by a Dusk Chorus walk with Des Finnamore of BirdWatch Ireland Laois Branch.
The swift walk is part of an ongoing commitment to swifts by Laois County Council which has seen swift nest boxes installed in public buildings across the county, following the survey of swifts in Laois in2018, and with the support of the Heritage Council and the Local Biodiversity Action Fund.
The most recent action for swifts in Laois has seen swift bricks installed during the construction of the new library in Portlaoise, with the help of BirdWatch Ireland. Bernie Foran, County Librarian said “We were delighted to work with BirdWatch Ireland to provide suitable habitat for swifts to nest in our new library. The historic centre of Portlaoise is a stronghold for these birds, and having had nest boxes on the existing library, we were aware of how important it is to provide for them in the new building. We were grateful to Ricky Whelan of BirdWatch Ireland for his advice and support in installing the swift bricks at the new library site”
With swift boxes at the new library in Portlaoise. From left: Laois County Librarian Bernie Foran; Gerry Browne, Portlaoise Tidy Towns; Ricky Whelan, BirdWatch Ireland; Catherine Casey, Laois Heritage Officer and Wes Wilkinson, Senior Executive Engineer, Portlaoise Municipal District Roads Office. Picture: Alf Harvey
Ricky Whelan, Swift Project Officer with of BirdWatch Ireland said “It’s fantastic to see Laois County Council and local communities collaborate to help this charismatic and endangered bird. The swift bricks installed at Portlaoise Library will increase nesting opportunities for swifts in the area and we hope that this this have a positive impact on the population locally”.
The swift project is just one of a number of biodiversity projects ongoing in Portlaoise, as the town’s “Town in a Garden” project goes from strength to strength. Gerry Browne, Chair of Portlaoise Tidy Towns said “we have already done a lot of planting for biodiversity in Portlaoise, including pollinator-friendly planting on our roundabouts and roadsides, and the planting of 10,000 native trees. This year we are working on a three year biodiversity plan for the town, and we look forward to seeing the benefits of that in the years to come”.
Wildlife in Buildings
The focus on wildlife living closely alongside humans continues with an online talk on wildlife in buildings with John Lusby of BirdWatch Ireland on Wednesday 18th May, starting at 8pm. The talk celebrates the launch of a new book and documentary on the topic, created by BirdWatch Ireland in partnership with Heritage Officers from Laois, Tipperary, Clare and Donegal County Council and the Biodiversity Office of Kerry County Council.
Wildlife in buildings can often be harmed during works due to a lack of awareness of their presence or indeed knowledge of how plan renovations and works in order to avoid disturbance, which is usually always possible. The loss of old stone structures due to demolition, dilapidation or renovation is linked to declines in species such as Barn Owl and Swift, which are dependent on these structures. Modern buildings do not provide the same opportunities for wildlife. However, there is a lot that we can do to improve modern buildings for wildlife to ensure that we continue to make space for nature. The new book can be downloaded and the film viewed here.
Resources for Children, Schools and Families
The Heritage Office of Laois County Council has focused on producing high quality material for children and schools as well as for adults in recent years and all of this material is free to download from our website at www.laois.ie/nature, including –
Gardening for Biodiversity book and colouring book by Juanita Browne
Saving Swifts and Wildlife in Buildings books by BirdWatch Ireland
Guides to building nest-boxes for birds and bats, from BirdWatch Ireland
“Wild things at School” book and worksheets by Eanna Ní Lamhna
Nature Activity sheets for kids by Reconnect with Nature
A video guide to bird song for young people by Ricky Whelan of BirdWatch Ireland
“In your Nature” Podcast by BirdWatch Ireland
“Spring into Nature” worksheets
Radio clips with nature tips, from Midlands 103
Anna and Sarah Rothwell pictured at the launch of the book “Saving Swifts” at Abbeyleix Library. The book is a joint publication of BirdWatch Ireland and the Local Authority Heritage Officer Network. Picture: Alf Harvey
These resources were produced with the support of the Heritage Council, the Local Biodiversity Action Fund of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Creative Ireland Laois and Healthy Ireland.
Details of all events and resources for Biodiversity Week in Laois are available at www.laois.ie/nature.
A new video highlights the importance of the built environment for wildlife and celebrates the species which have adapted to live alongside us and share our homes, and the measures that we can take to ensure we make space for nature.
The video produced by BirdWatch Ireland and Crow Crag productions in partnership with Laois, Clare and Tipperary County Councils, supported by the Local Biodiversity Action Fund, can be viewed below.
People live in buildings, and wildlife lives in “nature” – right? Well, not quite. For as long as we have built structures for our protection and shelter, wildlife has taken advantage of these buildings for the very same reasons.
From the diverse range of birds and mammals which have colonised abandoned ruins in remote rural landscapes, to wildlife which has moved into suburban and urban areas to live alongside us and even share our homes, buildings have become an integral component of the Irish landscape for biodiversity.
Certain species are expected residents within our buildings, and for some the association with buildings is apparent even from their names, such as the ‘House Martin’ which builds its mud nest in the apex of the roof of occupied houses, and the ‘Barn Swallow’ which travels from Africa to nest in farmyards throughout the country.
The vision of a Barn Owl floating silently from a ruined castle at dusk may seem familiar, but less expected occupants may be a pair of Kestrels nesting in a flower box outside a busy kitchen window, or a female Pine Marten raising her kits in the roof space of an occupied dwelling. Of course, much of the wildlife which use buildings go unnoticed, such as bats roosting in the attic of a house in which the inhabitants beneath remain blissfully unaware of their presence.Given the importance of buildings for wildlife, changes to the built environment can affect wildlife associated with it.
Wildlife in buildings can often be harmed during works due to a lack of awareness of their presence or indeed knowledge of how plan renovations and works in order to avoid disturbance, which is usually always possible. The loss of old stone structures due to demolition, dilapidation or renovation is linked to declines in species such as Barn Owl and Swift, which are dependent on these structures. Modern buildings do not provide the same opportunities for wildlife. However, there is a lot that we can do to improve modern buildings for wildlife to ensure that we continue to make space for nature.
Swift
John Lusby, BirdWatch Ireland, commented, ‘We wanted to celebrate the importance of buildings for wildlife and to create a better link between our built heritage and our natural heritage – as the two are intertwined. The diversity of species which use buildings, and the ways in which they have adapted to use the built environment, is truly astonishing. As the built environment is constantly changing, we need to make sure that we avoid disturbance to sensitive species and also to continue to provide space for wildlife in buildings, which has benefits for wildlife as well as ourselves. We hope that this feature increases awareness and appreciation of the importance of the built environment for wildlife and provides the necessary information to help conserve some of our most vulnerable and iconic wildlife which are dependent on buildings for their survival’.
Clonreher Castle near Portlaoise – home to nesting Barn Owls
Roisin O’Grady, Heritage Officer with Tipperary County Council said ‘We share the world with nature and it can be closer to us than we think. Tipperary County Council is delighted to support this film highlighting the importance of our built environment, heritage or otherwise in providing shelter for such a variety of species, some of which are our most vulnerable. Given the high levels of habitat loss we have experienced over the last number of years it is more important than ever to be aware of how species have adapted to our built environment and how we can support this ‘co-habitation’ and equally important in newer development how we ‘make space’ for nature’.
Congella McGuire, Heritage Officer with Clare County Council commented ‘The Local Authority Heritage Officer Network is delighted to be associated with this Wildlife in Buildings video and the guidance booklet ‘Wildlife in Buildings: linking our built and natural heritage’ both of which were produced with the support of the Local Authorities and National Biodiversity Action Plan Fund’.
Catherine Casey Heritage Officer with Laois County Council said “linking our built and natural heritage is central to our message as heritage officers and we were delighted as a network to work with BirdWatch Ireland on this wonderful film and companion booklet, which celebrates the natural heritage of our birds, bats and others and looks at how we can manage our built heritage with wildlife in mind”.
The companion booklet ‘Wildlife in Buildings: linking our built and natural heritage’ was produced by BirdWatch Ireland, Kerry County Council and Donegal County Council, with funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the National Biodiversity Action Plan Fund.
Download for free below or contact Laois Heritage Office for a free copy.
The Wildlife in Buildings Film was produced by BirdWatch Ireland and Crow Crag, in partnership with Clare, Laois and Tipperary County Councils, with funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Local Biodiversity Action Plan Fund
Thursday 5th, 12th May Laois Arthouse Stradbally , 2pm-4pm – Join us for a fun introduction to Felt making with textile artist Maria McGarry. Learn the technique of laying fibers of merino wool to create felt using soapy water and gentle rolling. Participants will create their own designed stained glass inspired piece. Booking essential: T: 057 8664033 email: artsoff@laoiscoco.ieFree event.
Writing Your Story – Join renowned local writer Pauline Clooney – Wednesday 4th, 11th 18th, 25th at Laois Arthouse Stradbally from 11am-1pm for a course for creative non-fiction writing (Memoir/biography/autobiography). If you have a story you want to record for posterity or an interest in something or someone specific that you would like to write about, then this may be the course you are looking for. Through prompted written exercises, instruction in the art of writing and the sharing of your work you will be encouraged and guided through the processes involved in writing about fact in a creative manner. Course consists of four 2-hour sessions. Booking essential: T: 057 8664033 email: artsoff@laoiscoco.ie. Free event
In Trust. In Gratitude. In Hope at Laois Arthouse Stradbally – 10 Years at Laois Arthouse Exhibition – guided tours throughout May – Active Age Groups are welcomed to visit this wonderful exhibition featuring the work of 64 artists providing their unique insight to Laois born poet Pat Boran’s specially commissioned poem ‘The Window Seat’ with a stunning series of artworks in a variety of themes. Opening times Tues-Fri 1pm-4pm or by appointment – Booking essential for groups: T: 057 8664033 or E: artsoff@laoiscoco.ie.
Also at the DUNAMAISE ARTS CENTRE Bealtaine events include: – Thursday 5 May, 7pm. FILM: Sunshine on Leith. A fundraising event to screen the film based on the sensational stage hit of the same name, featuring music by pop-folk band The Proclaimers that the award-winning Portlaoise Musical Society bring to the Dunamaise stage for its Irish premiere this November. Friday 6 May, 8pm. THEATRE: Sorry for your Loss. An unmissable night of fun and craic that will have you killed with laughter. The adult comedy show that gives uncle Paddy the send-off he always wanted. If it’s laughter you’re after then this is the wake for you! Saturday 7 May, 2pm. MUSIC: Tell Me This Now. Mountrath Youth Theatre and Mountrath Golden Years Club come together for an afternoon of storytelling to see what we can all learn from each other. Friday 13 May, 8pm. THEATRE: Shirley Valentine. Treat yourself to an evening of laughter and triumph, as Norma Sheahan, one of Ireland’s leading dramatic actors, breathes new life into Willy Russell’s effervescent and iconic character Shirley Valentine. Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 May, 8pm. (7.30pm & Sat. matinee 2.30pm) THEATRE: Waiting for Gateaux. The Irish-premiere of this riotous, laugh-a-minute comedy about friendship, frostbite and French fries! Starring Mary Byrne (X-Factor) and Eilís O’Carroll (Mrs. Brown’s Boys) Wednesday 25 May, 11am and 8pm. FREE CINEMA: Military Wives. A 2019 British comedy drama film inspired by the true story of the Military Wives Choirs, a network of 75 choirs in British military bases across the United Kingdom and overseas. Friday 27 May, 8pm. MUSIC: Declan Nerney in concert with Louise Morrissey and John Hogan. Join Irish country music artist Declan Nerney with his super live band and special guests Louise Morrissey and John Hogan for a nostalgic night of music, song and laughter.
A wide ranging programme of events also taking place at Laois Libraries as well as lifestyle and wellbeing events run by Laois Sports Partnership full programme available on www.laois.ie.
For more information contact: Muireann Ni Chonaill, Arts Officer, Bridie Keenan, Assistant Arts Officer. T: 057 8664033 E: artsoff@laoiscoco.ie.
The Laois Culture & Creativity team is delighted to announce the launch of writer and broadcaster Manchán Magan’s new podcast series “Home Stories” with insights into the homelands & cultures of Direct Provision residents in Laois.
Manchán has an article on the podcast series in today’s Irish Times magazine + a mention also in the Irish Independent.
Laois Arthouse Stradbally annual adult summer arts programme this year features a series of workshops titled Construct/Deconstruct by renowned artist Tom McLean in the beautiful surroundings of the Malthouse, Stradbally, Co Laois. Running from Tues 21 to Fri 24 June 2022 from 10.30am to 4pm. The 4-day workshop will focus on different approaches to making multimedia paintings.
In Trust. In Gratitude. In Hope at Laois Arthouse Stradbally – 10 Years at Laois Arthouse Exhibition – guided tours throughout May – Active Age Groups are welcomed to visit this wonderful exhibition featuring the work of 64 artists providing their unique insight to Laois born poet Pat Boran’s specially commissioned poem ‘The Window Seat’ with a stunning series of artworks in a variety of themes. Opening times Tues-Fri 1pm-4pm or by appointment – Booking essential for groups: T: 057 8664033 or E: 
