Abbeyleix Heritage House

This photograph was kindly left into us by Sister Mary Hiney of the former Brigidine Convent. The photograph captures the establishment from above, with the former convent garden and yard seen in the background. The trees planted in the convent garden were originally donated by Lady de Vesci.🌳 In times gone by, students would have enjoyed playing camogie in a neighbouring field, and the convent owned a small farm with some cows. 🐄

The Brigidine primary school can also be seen in this photo, which later amalgamated with the boys’ school to form Scoil Mhuire. 📚While the majority of the convent was demolished in the 1990s, the nun’s chapel remained standing, and still does today.

What seems to be one if not the only piece remaining of the convent after its demolition is the steel cross that was on top of the convent building. This cross has garnered much media attention in recent months. The cross was rescued by Paddy Langton during the convents' demolition, and local efforts, spear-headed by Noel Burke, brought the cross back to the Church grounds where it was unveiled earlier this year. ✝

PAINTING WORKSHOPS🎨

There are still some spaces remaining for art classes! These will be led by artist Pat Byrne, and will begin in Heritage House on Wednesday 17th June from 10am-12pm. Open to retirees of all artistic abilities. A great opportunity to try something new, or to continue your craft.
Classes will run for six sessions, and are free of charge. Booking is essential. All materials will be provided.

To book, please contact:
057 871 4944
[email protected]

A look at our newly painted public bathroom facilities at Heritage House! We would like to thank Pat Hassett Painter and Decorator and team for generously giving their time to do this wonderful job for us.

PAINTING WORKSHOPS🎨

Art classes run by artist Pat Byrne will begin in Heritage House on Wednesday 17th June from 10am-12pm! Open to retirees of all artistic abilities. A great opportunity to try something new, or to continue your craft.

Classes will run for six sessions, and are free of charge. However, spaces are LIMITED, and booking is essential. All materials will be provided.

To book, please contact:
057 871 4944
[email protected]

Join Laois Local Studies Librarian Sinead Holland for a talk on the 1926 Census. Two dates are available and swift booking is advised as places are limited.

Sinead will be outlining the census and website, highlighting new features: from its bilingual forms to the rich detail it captures on language, occupation, landholding and identity at a moment of national transformation.

Booking link: https://tinyurl.com/1926CensusPL

This talk is taking place as part of Laois Libraries Bealtaine Festival events.

Laois Heritage Office Laois Heritage Society Laois Local News Abbeyleix Heritage House Mountmellick Embroidery Museum Laois County Council ABBEYLEIX

ART CLASSES🎨

Interested in taking up a new hobby? Or already an experienced painter? Come along to painting workshops in Heritage House with artist Pat Byrne, starting Wednesday 17th June from 10am-12pm!

There will be six classes/sessions in total.

All materials provided, classes are free of charge.

Open to retirees of all art abilities, though spaces are limited.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

To book, please contact:
057 871 4944📱
[email protected] 📧

🎨 🎨

Some of the Heritage House staff clocking the distance on our spin bike this morning! 🚴 Reminder to all that anyone who cycles to Heritage House this week for Bike Week can avail of free museum entry. Adults can also enjoy a refreshment on us, while kids can enjoy a free ice cream 🍦 Laois County Council

BIKE WEEK 🚲

To celebrate BikeWeek, Heritage House are offering FREE ENTRY to our museum for those who cycle! Cyclists can also avail of a free refreshment and children can avail of a free ice cream🍦

Staff will also be cycling the distance from Abbeyleix to Portlaoise and back on a spinning bike.

SAFE CYCLING!