Old Fort Festival 2025: A Weekend of Local Heritage, Live Music and family Entertainment.
Old Fort Quarter Festival
June 27th, 28th, and 29th, 2025 - Portlaoise, Co. Laois A Festival packed with something for all interests and ages across one weekend in Portlaoise Town. Tickets for the concert events are now on sale, with discounted Early Bird Weekend Pass tickets available for a limited time.
Beyond the music, Old Fort Quarter Festival 2025 invites you to explore almost 500 years of history in Portlaoise, centred on the Fort Protector with so much free activities spread throughout the town.
Now a staple on the summer calendar in Laois, the festival brings together the very best of Laois and beyond - from top-tier music and pop culture to hands-on fun, creative performances, and historical discovery.
The Old Fort Festival 2025 is set to light up Portlaoise from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th June, offering a weekend bursting with live music, family-friendly activities, rich local heritage, and community celebration.
Three Nights of Live Music You Won’t Want to Miss This year’s headline concerts promise an unforgettable experience for music lovers, hosted in the stunning surrounds of Fort Protector (ticketed events, strictly over-18s):
Friday, June 27th – The Whistlin’ Donkeys with The Dooley Brothers Saturday, June 28th – Dan McCabe & Band followed by the legendary Aslan Sunday, June 29th – Festival favourites Transmitter and Smash Hits! round off the weekend with high-energy entertainment Nightly Tickets : €40 (Friday and Saturday), €35 (Sunday) Early Bird Weekend Pass: €75 (full price €95 – limited availability) Tickets go on sale at 1pm on Friday, 9th May, via the Dunamaise Arts Centre Box Office or online at www oldfortquarter.com.
On Saturday afternoon, the festival welcomes Taylor Switch ‘The Eras Be Grand Tour’, perfect for younger fans and families.Tickets priced at €25, (free for accompanying adults who have a Weekend Pass).
Expect chart-topping hits and a fun, vibrant performance to bring the crowd together.
A Full Festival for Families and All Ages Medieval Heritage Displays and guided tours by Laois Heritage Society, exploring the rich history of Portlaoise and the Old Fort Quarter.
Celtic Con – at the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Saturday (12–5pm) - bringing the vibrant world of comics, sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and anime to life in Portlaoise. Expect a colourful celebration of pop culture with cosplay competitions, artist showcases, interactive exhibits, gaming zones, and meet-and-greets with special guests from the Irish fan and creative community. A must-visit for comic lovers, curious newcomers, and families alike!
Live Band Stage on Lower Main Street (Sunday) showcasing local artists and performers.
Artisan Craft and Food Market on Sunday, featuring the best creators from Laois and beyond Street performers bringing added colour and surprise to the streets Portlaoise Library will host a series of community events on Saturday With Community and sports groups running interactive games and challenges for all ages Thanks to Laois Climate Action, the festival continues its commitment to sustainability with eco-friendly practices throughout the weekend – including waste reduction and green infrastructure initiatives.
On behalf of the entire Old Fort Quarter Festival Committee, they would like to extend sincere thanks to all our supporters and sponsors who make this incredible event possible:
Laois County Council, Dunamaise Arts Centre, Laois Heritage Society, Creative Ireland Laois, Laois Libraries, LOETB, Downtown Portlaoise, Bord Na Móna, Diageo, Elaine Dunne Solicitors, Kavanaghs Bar and Laois Partnership Company.
For tickets, updates, and full event details, visit the main festival website: https://oldfortquarter.com/ Follow the Old Fort Quarter Festival on social media for all the latest announcements, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and exclusive content.
Mark your calendars now – June 27th to 29th – and join us in Portlaoise for an unforgettable celebration!
