August bank holiday in Laois: Steam rally, puppy love and fun on the farm during festival season
Co. Laois offers a little something for everyone this August Bank Holiday weekend as one of the county's longest-running summer traditions, the Stradbally Steam Rally makes its return.
With other quirky events amid festival season, the midland county is definitely worth a visit.
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Stradbally Steam Rally
Now in its 61st year, the steam rally will return to Co. Laois and is expected to be packed with displays and attractions in celebrating Ireland's industrial heritage.
However, the rally is far from just a mechanical showcase. Families and enthusiasts can look forward to live country music, bustling craft stalls, farm animals, vintage amusements, and even helicopter rides.
Tickets can be purchased online and organisers are also encouraging a weekend-long camping on-site. Those wishing to camp can also buy an access pass with camping available along the Timahoe Road.
Craft Market at Solas
Whether you're looking for something unique, selling your own creations, or in the mood for some window shopping, the craft market at SOLAS Eco Garden Centre will be open on Sunday, August, 4 from 11.00am until 4.00pm.
The market will include a range of vintage treasures, handmade crafts, and artisan goods.
Cara dog festival
Instead of the usual group dog walk, Cara Rescue Dogs is this year focusing on reconnecting dog owners with their amazing adopted pups.
The festival will offer friendly catch-ups with the Cara team and fellow adopters, a chance to meet your dog's original fosters and those who rescued them, along with fun competitions, games, raffles and dog gift bags.
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Cara Rescue Dogs will also be giving away a DNA test worth over €100 as one of the prizes.
Dog owners will meet at Emo parklands and owners will still be welcome to take your dogs for a stroll around the area. However, this year's focus is on gathering together, swapping stories, sharing tail wags, and celebrating the dogs.
Fields of Fun at Castleview Open Farm
Castleview Open Farm based in Cullohill is set to welcome families and individuals to its site for a day of craft tents, bouncy caste slides, inflatable axe throwing, animal bingo, a barnyard boogie, and the usual farmyard fun.
The farm is home to over 100 friendly animals both indoors and outdoors. Some family favourites include giant rabbits, alpacas, Briana the eagle owl, buffalo, highland cows and silver foxes.
Families of all ages are invited along, with online bookings essential.
Brian Kennedy comes to Abbeyleix
Abbeyleix Manor Hotel will play host to a live performance from singer Brian Kennedy on Saturday, August, 2.
Brian recently returned to the stage, now that Covid-19 restrictions have lifted after suffering a major heartattack.
Throughout lockdown Brian presented a fortnightly up close and personal show live on Facebook called 'A Night In With Brian Kennedy'.
He is now ready to bring on the gigs, as he takes to the stage in Abbeyleix at 8.00pm on the bank holiday Saturday.
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