Vikings return to Laois for biggest ever Timahoe Heritage Festival

THE Vikings are coming, as this year’s Timahoe Heritage Festival is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet over the June bank holiday weekend.

The colourful festival on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May promises two days of Viking battles, monks, living history, family entertainment, heritage displays, workshops, music, food and an unforgettable experience for all ages, in the picturesque Laois heritage village of Timahoe.

Originally launched in 2019 to mark the 1100th anniversary of the Viking raid on the monastery in Timahoe, the festival has grown into one of the most unique heritage events in the country, blending history, action, culture and community spirit in a way that truly brings the past to life.

The event will once again feature thrilling Viking battle re-enactments, a fully immersive Viking and Gael Village, full contact armoured combat, heritage displays, craft demonstrations, woodworking, blacksmithing, weaving, archaeology workshops and the ever-popular Kids vs. Vikings battles.

Children can also enjoy a fantastic programme of free workshops delivered by The School of Irish Archaeology, including Viking Coin Striking, Bead Making and The Big Dig archaeological excavation experience. Places are limited and must be booked in advance through the festival website.

Visitors can expect countless activities across the village all weekend, including an Art and Craft Fair, funfair attractions, birds of prey displays from Raven Haven Aviaries, vintage and heritage displays and a packed line-up of live entertainment.

Adding to the atmosphere this year will be live music performances from Timahoe Male Choir, Just Alice and Kevin Quigley.

Festival organisers said: ‘Timahoe Heritage Festival is about bringing history out of the books and into real life. Whether it’s seeing Vikings clash in battle, watching ancient crafts come to life, taking part in hands-on workshops or simply soaking up the atmosphere in the village, there really is something magical about the weekend. We’re incredibly excited for this year’s event.’ 

The festival also includes the Timahoe 5K Heritage Run on Saturday morning, while Sunday will feature vintage threshing, a vintage tractor run, and a special heritage talk exploring Timahoe’s historic connection to the famous Lanz Bulldog tractors.

With adults just €5, children free and free parking available, it promises to be an unforgettable weekend. Workshop bookings and full event details are available at timahoeheritagefestival.com.