Abbeyleix Heritage House

15/10/2026

🚲 A little light on the past..

This Laois Climate Action Festival Week, here at the Heritage House we are looking at a small object with a connection to a much bigger story

Housed here in the Heritage House archives, is this chrome plated carbide bicycle lamp from the early 20th century, which was made in Birmingham. This is a reminder of the days when bicycles were an important part of everyday life

Today, as we look for more sustainable ways to get around, cycling remains a simple way to make a difference. Often, looking into the past can inspire us to think differently about the future 🍃

Why not leave the car behind where possible, explore Abbeyleix on foot or by bike, and stop in to us here in the Heritage House to discover more of our wonderful local history 🏛

08/10/2026

🌿 Something exciting is happening at Abbeyleix Heritage House! 🌿

As part of the Laois Climate Action Festival 2026, we’re delighted to be offering FREE ENTRY to Abbeyleix Heritage House from Thursday 8th – Monday 19th October! 🎉

And there is an extra little bonus… 🚶‍♀️🚲 Visitors who walk or cycle to us will also receive a complimentary drink! 🥛☕️

Come along, explore our local history and discover the stories of Abbeyleix past 💚

☎️ For group tours, please contact us in advance to book

📍 Abbeyleix Heritage House
🌱 Laois Climate Action Festival 2026

06/10/2026

📢 A reminder that our Parent and Baby/Toddler Group continues tomorrow at 10am. All welcome 🤗

28/09/2026

📣 Meeting Room Available for Hire

Looking for a comfortable and welcoming space for your next meeting, group, class or community gathering? Our meeting room at Abbeyleix Heritage House is available to hire, right in the heart of Abbeyleix 🏛

For availability and further information, please get in touch, we would be delighted to hear from you!

28/09/2026

📣 Meeting Room Available for Hire

Looking for a comfortable and welcoming space for your next meeting, group, class or community gathering? Our meeting room at Abbeyleix Heritage House is available to hire, right in the heart of Abbeyleix 🏛

For availability and further information, please get in touch, we would be delighted to hear from you!

21/09/2026

18/09/2026

📚 Following on from last week’s look at schooldays in Abbeyleix, we’re continuing our back-to-school theme by taking a look at another important part of Abbeyleix’s educational history — the South School

Did you know that the original South School building dates all the way back to 1843?

🏫 The school first opened its doors in 1843, built by Lord de Vesci to serve the Church of Ireland community in the area. Situated beside the parish church, the building was constructed from the local limestone that is so characteristic of Abbeyleix.

Originally, it was a single-classroom school. As the population of Abbeyleix grew, so did the need for more space, and in 1893 the building was extended, creating the larger nine-bay building we recognise today

The old building was divided into separate boys’ and girls’ sections, reflecting the way education was organised at the time. The original 1843 section of the building can still be identified today

After 168 years of welcoming generations of Abbeyleix children, the school moved to its new premises in September 2011 — but the historic building remains an important part of the town’s story

✨ Over 180 years of school history in one building — just imagine the generations of Abbeyleix children, teachers and memories within those walls!

Do you remember the old South School?
Perhaps you, your parents or grandparents attended there?

We would love to hear your memories and see any old photographs you might have 📸

08/09/2026

🎒 BACK TO SCHOOL… THEN & NOW 🏫

The school gates are busy again across Abbeyleix 👨‍🎓

But did you know that Heritage House was once a school itself?

Built in 1884, the building we now know as Heritage House was originally the North Boys’ National School, providing education for local boys for more than a century

Imagine the school days here over 100 years ago…

📚 What did the classrooms look like?
✏️ What did the children learn?
👨‍🏫 Who were their teachers?
🪑 And what was it like sitting in these very rooms?

Today, the building has a very different role — but its purpose of learning and sharing stories has never really changed

As a new school year begins in Abbeyleix, we’re looking back at the generations of children who passed through these doors before us

Did you, your parents or your grandparents attend the North School?
We’d love to hear your memories ❤️

14/08/2026

Heritage House is delighted to host a series of talks for Heritage Week, in collaboration with the Abbeyleix and District Historical Society. The theme for 2026 is Heritage at Risk.

All talks in Heritage House for Heritage Week 2026 are free entry, no booking required.

Talks on Monday 17th August:

TALK 1: ‘The 28 Abbeyleix & Mountmellick Orphan Girls’ - Sinead Holland, Local Studies Librarian and Chairperson of the Laois Heritage Society.

TALK 2: ‘Mountmellick Lace & the 28 Bonnets’ - Dolores Dempsey, master craftsperson in Mountmellick Lace.

Tuesday 18th August:

TALK 1: ‘Launt Thompson: Abbeyleix to America’ - Andy Ring, presenter and local expert.

TALK 2: ‘New Museum Artefacts’ - Heather Crean, Abbeyleix Heritage House Research Officer.

TALK 3: ‘The Irish White Cross’ - Michael Lynch, historian.

Wednesday 19th August:

TALK 1: ‘Abbeyleix: The Planned Town’ - Brian Maher, town planner and presenter.

TALK 2: ‘United Irishwomen (Irish Countrywomen’s Association) and Abbeyleix ‘Heritage at Risk’ - Regina Dunne, Historian & Tourism Strategy Manager.