Bealtaine Festival 2015
Laois Bealtaine Programme 2015
Come and join in the celebrations!
The Arts Office, Laois County Council invite people of an older age to join in some of the wonderful events happening in Laois for the Bealtaine Festival 2015. Celebrating its twentieth year nationally, Bealtaine participants are invited to look at our country through new eyes, to hear with new ears and to ask ‘what land and country is this?. You can find whats happening throughout the country on the website www.bealtaine.com or visit www.laois.ie to check on local events.
Bealtaine in Laois is proudly supported by your local Laois Credit Union. The seven credit unions in Laois provide responsible financial services to its thousands of members and supports initiatives that enhance the communities of its members.
Arts and Craft
Thursday 7th May Venue: The Laois Arthouse, Stradbally Time: 6pm
The Laois Arthouse will launch a new exhibition by The Kilbride Art Group to include selected work by twenty five amateur artists working with art tutor Una McCormack. The exhibition will include a wonderful array of art, including landscapes and still life and will be on display for three weeks – open to the public from 1pm-4pm Mon-Fri, or by appointment by contacting
T: 057 8664033 or email artsoff@laoiscoco.ie.
Saturday 16th May Venue: The Laois Arthouse Stradbally Time: 11am-1pm
In conjunction with National Drawing Day, a Laois based artist will conduct drawing workshops for artists of all levels. Materials will be provided. To book a place contact 057 8664033. Admission Free
Music, Dance, Drama, Literature and Film
All Saturdays in May Venue: O’Kelly’s Ballickmoyler Time: 9pm
Session in O’Kelly’s Pub, Ballickmoyler, with musicians, singers and supporters. All welcome. Contact Pat Doyle on 059 9147742 Admission Free
Tuesday 5th May Venue: Abbeyleix Hospital Time: 11am
Organised by the Arts Office , the Butterfly Theatre Group presents “The Sound of Musicals”, a music and drama performance, for the residents and out-patients of Abbeyleix District Hospital and Day Care. This show presents show tunes from Broadway and beyond! Including all the favourite musicals: South Pacific, The King And I, Singin’ In The Rain, The Sound Of Music, Showboat, and many more! This is a dazzling show that everyone can enjoy singing along to. Invitation only
Tuesday 12th May Venue: Abbeyleix Hospital Time: 1.30pm
Organised by the Arts Office, The Laois ICA Choir under the direction of Nuala Kelly, will treat the residents and out-patients of Abbeyleix Hospital and Day Care Centre to a concert of musical memories. Invitation only
Friday 15th May Venue: ST Vincents’ Hospital Time: 11am
Mountmellick
Organised by the Arts Office the Butterfly Theatre Group will perform for a second time in Laois when they pay a visit to St. Vincents’ Hospital, Mountmellick for a music and drama performance of “The Sound of Musicals” for the enjoyment of the residents, out-patients and staff. Invitation only
Tuesday 19th May Venue: St Vincents Hospital,
Mountmellick Time: 11am
Organised by the Arts Office, The Laois ICA Choir under the direction of Nuala Kelly, will perform a concert of musical memories for the residents and out-patients of St Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick. Invitation only
Tuesday 19th May Venue: An Sean Chistin, Irey, Time: 12noon
Ballyfin
“To dance is human, to dance is divine”, come along and join in the line. Line Dancing exhibition in the kitchen. All Welcome. Contact Maureen Culleton for more info Admission €5
Wednesday 20th May Venue: Parish Centre, Portlaoise Time: 11am
The Sing for Joy group under the guidance of Maureen Culleton will perform a selection of songs to welcome Summer. Come and join in the fun, sing along or have a coffee and some treats. Donations towards the running of the group will be gratefully accepted. Donation bucket will be on display.
Wednesday 20th May Venue: Shaen Hospital, Portlaoise Time: 1.30pm
Organised by the Arts Office, The Laois ICA Choir under the direction of Nuala Kelly, will treat residents and staff to a concert of musical memories. Invitation only
Wednesday 20th May Venue: Parish Centre, Portlaoise Time: 3.15pm
A Song & Dance Bealtaine Spanish Festival themed event under the direction of Maureen Culleton in preparation for the Portlaoise Active Retirement groups upcoming Spanish holiday. The event is open to members of all Laois Active Retirement Clubs. Admission Free to guests
Thursday 21st May Venue: St Canice’s Hall Time: 2.30pm-4pm
Borris in Ossory
Dance for Fun – a celebration of many Sequence Waltzes led by dance tutor Maureen Culleton. Audience participation welcome. Admission €5
Wednesday 27th May Venue: Parish Centre Portlaoise Time: 3.15pm
Organised by The Arts Office, in association with the Active Age Group Portlaoise, the Carnation Theatre Group will present “Blow Dry” based on the classic “All about Eve”. Let’s jump into the heat wave days of the 1970s. There’s an oil crisis and we’re all smoking Carrolls and drinking Dubonnet while driving a Ford Focus – and no one would ever dream of wearing a seat belt. Let’s rush into the heady cutthroat world of the Irish hair salon. Carnation Theatre Group group perform in nursing homes, hospitals, libraries and centres all around Ireland. With their magical backdrops, professional artists and their many dazzling costumes, they bring the theatre to you. Invitation only
Friday 29th May Venue: Oisin Park, Rossmore Time: 9.30pm
Killeshin
Set Dance/Ceili, Music By Danny Webster. All Welcome. Contact Brigid 086 8596607.
Admission €10 (inc. refreshments)
Dunamaise Arts Centre Events
All events can be booked online www.dunamaise.ie; over the phone on 057-8663355 or in person at our Box Office, Dunamaise Arts Centre, Church Street, Portlaoise.
Fridays in May Dance for Over 50’s Time: 11am
Come for some dancing and a cuppa! Classes combine elements of contemporary and social dance sequences to maintain flexibility and co-ordination, all in a relaxed and social setting. All abilities welcome. Admission €5 incl. Tea/Coffee (FREE on 1st May)
Saturday 2nd May Comhaltas Fleadh Fundraiser Time: 7.30pm
Featuring Goitse with Laois Trad Champions
“Scintillating, graceful and soaring music, with charming vocal tracks” Folkworld Magazine. Admission €15
Tuesday 12th May Film The Hundred-Foot Journey Time: 11am
Dir: Lasse Hallström | USA | 2014 |117 mins |PG|Cast: Helen Mirren, Om Puri
Cultures clash and food flies when Hassan opens a new Indian restaurant in a quaint village in the South of France. An uplifting cultural feast from the director of Chocolat.
“…With its picture-postcard setting and mouthwatering Indian and French delicacies, The Hundred-Foot Journey is a film designed to comfort.” – The Hollywood Reporter FREE to celebrate Bealtaine Festival
Saturday 16th May The Illegals with Niamh Kavanagh Time: 8pm
Bigger and better than ever, delving deeper into the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac back-catalogues. Vocal harmony, superb musicianship, unforgettable songs and great fun – served up by a band at the top of its game. “Outstanding – The Rolls-Royce of Irish Rock” RTE. “Simply Stunning” The BBC
Admission €25
Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd May Time: 8pm
Laois Open Door Theatre present The Year of the Hiker – By JB Keane
20 years after the reprobate “Hiker” Lacey abandoned his wife and children, he returns on the day of his daughter’s wedding seeking forgiveness and a place to die. Tempers flair, regrets are voiced and poignant moments filled with hatred and love are shared. Keane mixes humour and tragedy, laughter and tears in this truly gripping and utterly credible tale.
Admission €15/€12
Tuesday 26th May Film: The Quiet Man Time: 11am
Director: John Ford | USA |1952 |129 mins | G| Starring: John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Victor McLaglen, Barry Fitzgerald
Almost twenty years in the making this classic is humorous, romantic, lively, endearing and was lovingly filmed on location in Ireland. It remains as romantic and enjoyable as when it originally came out…
FREE to celebrate Bealtaine Festival
Friday 29th – Saturday 30th May Laois County Fleadh
Contact venue for details.
Library Events
Wednesday 13th May Venue: Abbeyleix Library Time: 10.30am-12.30pm
Painting workshop at Abbeyleix Library with Lorraine Walsh (paint will be supplied, bring your own canvas & table-top easel). Phone Abbeyleix library to book a place T: 057 8730020.
Admission Free
Wednesday 13th May Venue: Mountmellick Library Time: 11am-12pm
In association with the Laois Arts Office, Mountmellick Library will host Singing group Vocalese as they present their exquisite vocal harmony for all to enjoy, singing a selection from Carol King to Sting. All Welcome. Admission Free
Wednesday 13th May Venue: Rathdowney Library Time: 3pm-5pm
Painting workshop at Rathdowney Library with Lorraine Walsh (paint will be supplied, bring your own canvas & table-top easel). Phone Rathdowney library to book a place T: 0505 46852.
Admission Free
Thursday 14th May Venue: Mountrath Library Time: 7.00pm
In association with Laois Arts Office, Storyteller and Folklore collector Nuala Hayes will host an evening entitled, “Sharing local stories”, to exchange local folklore and stories. All Welcome.
Thursday 14th May Venue: Portlaoise Library Time: 11am-12.30pm
Introduction to the poetry of Seamus Heaney. Tutor Margaret Irish will introduce participants to the work of this giant of Irish literature and focus in particular on a selection of his poems for further consideration. Booking is essential as places are limited. Information and booking: 057 8622333 Admission Free
Admission Free
Tuesday 19th May Venue: Mountmellick Library Time: 7.00pm
In association with the Laois Arts Office, Storyteller and Folklore collector Nuala Hayes will host the second of her series of evenings entitled, “Sharing local stories”, to exchange local folklore and stories. All Welcome. Admission Free
Wednesday 20th May Venue: Portlaoise Library Time: 6.30pm
Còr an tSamhraidh – a singing group organized by Maureen Culleton will perform a summer selection of old favourites through Irish. Those wishing to take part in the singing should contact Portlaoise Library for details of rehearsals by early April. All welcome to attend the performance. Information 057 8622333. All welcome. Admission Free
Saturday 23rd May Venue: Portlaoise Library Time: TBC
Workshop in Mountmellick Work (Embroidery) Tutor Ann O’ Brien shares her knowledge of this beautiful local craft in a hands-on session over 2 hours. Booking is essential as places are limited. Information and booking: 057 8622333 Admission Free
Tuesdays in May Venue: Mountmellick Library Time: 10.30am-12noon
Join the regular Knitting Circle in Mountmellick Library every Tuesday and enjoy the company and the chat. All welcome. Admission Free
Wednesdays in May Venue: Portlaoise Library Time: 11am-1pm
The Knitting Group meet each week to knit together and chat over a cup of coffee. Knitters of all levels are welcome.
Wednesdays in May Venue: Portlaoise Library Time: 5.15pm-6.30pm
The Ciorcal Cómhrá meet each week for an informal chat ‘as Gaeilge’. Irish speakers of all levels are welcome.
Lifestyle and Wellbeing Events
Thursday 14th May Venue: St Mary’s Sports Hall, Portlaoise Time: 10.30am-1.30pm
“ Go For Life Fun Day”. Registration from 10.00am. Free fun activity day for older adults, its a chance to take part in Go For Life games and meet other groups from around the county. Followed by light refreshments. Pre-register yourself/your group by calling Laois Sports Partnership office on 057 8671248
Thursday 21st May Venue: Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix Time: 10am
Showcase event for the over 50’s. Come along to this event and find out about some of the services and opportunities for older people in Laois.
Saturday 23rd May Venue: (meeting at) Cattle-Mart, Mountrath Time: 11am
A walk to the “Highest peak on the Slieve Bloom Walk” . This is a Grade A (difficult) walk for approx 3hrs so please wear suitable attire. Contact Mick Dowling for further details (087) 4106493.