Prop & Costume Making Workshop with Spooky Beore

A Caws for Concern by Spooky Beore- Prop & Costume Making Workshop Age 9-12

About Spooky Beore: Spooky Beore are a pair of art witches who make interactive performance work involving storytelling, games and acts of participatory magic. They aim to inspire a sense of awe and wonder of nature and develop a sense of connection between people and our shared world.

Workshop Suitable for Ages 9-12 years only.

Join Spooky Beore on Thursday the 3rd of August at 14:30 for a 90 minute creative workshop where you will make props and costumes for their interactive mini-eco play “A Caws For Concern.” Working together using recycled materials, second-hand clothing and natural materials, participants will learn about sustainability, folk wisdom and how to be creative with limited resources.

A Caws For Concern (show time 5pm in the Scarecrow Village, same day 3rd August)

They say all the crows in Durrow go on holidays while the Scarecrow festival is on, but this year unfortunately three supernatural crows, Babh, Macha and Anand, didn’t get that message. Ancient spirits of the Earth and MAJOR celebrities of the crow world, they have come to watch over the fields, take their share of the crops and impart their otherworldly wisdom on, well anyone that will hear it now that the other crows are gone for the week – even a pair of scarecrows and an audience of good for nothing children and their parents will do.

Where’s Wally The Scarecrow

Find Wally and you may win a prize!

Wally is hanging out somewhere in Durrow. If you spot him write down Wally’s Words, which are written on his jumper . Write in your name and phone number, and post your entry in the Where’s Wally Post-box, which is situated outside the Scarecrow Village.

Each prize consists of a €25 Ken Black Voucher, €10 Supermacs Voucher and tickets to next year’s Scarecrow Festival!

Online Draw – Tag & Win

You can also enter our Wally Spotter online competition! Simply ﬁnd Wally, take his photo and tag it on Instagram or Facebook using #DSFWALLY to be entered into a daily draw for a Supermacs Voucher and a Golden Ticket for next year’s Scarecrow Festival.

Download Entry Form

Entry forms are available at the Scarecrow Village, but you can also download and print the form below, then drop it in the Where’s Wally Post Box, which is also situated outside the Scarecrow Village.

Where's Wally Entry Form

1 file(s) 605.50 KB

Download

The Small Print. Literally!
These are free draws with donated prizes. For the Manual Entry Draw, four draws will take place on the dates below with one prize available for each Draw.
Draw 1: Tuesday 1st August (Entry forms submitted between 30th & 31st July).
Draw 2: Thursday 3rd August (Entry forms submitted between 1st & 2nd August)
Draw 3: Saturday 5th August (Entry forms submitted between 3rd & 4th August).
Draw 4: Monday 7th August (Entry forms submitted between 5th & 7th August).

Entrants must provide a phone number. Entry forms will be destroyed immediately after each draw and no contact information will be retained. Entry forms are available from Scarecrow Village Entrance and Fun’ky Zone Entrance. Entry forms should be submitted via the Post Box at the Scarecrow Village Entrance. Winners will be contacted by Phone. Each winner will receive a Ken Black Voucher worth €25.00, €10 Supermacs Voucher and a Family Ticket to the 2024 Scarecrow Festival.

All entrants who submit a photo on Facebook or Instagram using the #DSFWally tag will be entered into the draw for that day’s Supermacs Voucher worth €10.00 and a Family Ticket for next year’s Durrow Scarecrow Festival. Draws will take place in the Scarecrow Village each evening. Winners will be notified via Instagram or Facebook. Organisers reserve the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value.

Family Stroll In Dunmore Country School

A stroll through an amazing kitchen garden.

A Family Stroll in the Kitchen Garden with Dunmore Country School.

🌱🌿Take a tour of the famed Kitchen Garden at Dunmore Country School, with the highly renowned Tanguy de Toulgoët!

🧒👧It’s a great way for children to understand exactly where food comes from. “We grow many types of vegetables, fruits, and herbs in Dunmore Country School and we will explain exactly how we do it. There will also be some sampling, smelling, guessing, and lots more ways to learn all about the amazing world of the garden!!!”

🚗Parking is available at Dunmore Country School. Just follow directions to Eircode R32 HC93 and Tanguy and Isabelle will meet you there.

⌚️Times:
Friday 4th August: 10am-11am
Friday 4th August: 12noon -1pm.

Saturday 5th August: 10am-11am
Saturday 5th August: 12noon-1pm

Take The Bus To Durrow Scarecrow Festival

🌾 Join us at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival with the Local Link Bus! 🌾

Attention residents of Cashel, Thurles, Urlingford, and all the wonderful towns along the way! 🚌 Get ready for a fantastic day out at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival, and leave the transportation worries behind.

📍 Route: Cashel/Thurles/Urlingford to Portlaoise 🛑 Stops: Horse & Jockey, Littleton, Urlingford, Johnstown, Cullohill, Durrow, and Abbeyleix 📆 Date: July 30th to August 7th – Please note buses will run to Sunday’s timetable on Bank Holiday Monday 7th August.

The much-awaited Durrow Scarecrow Festival is back with a bang, and we’ve got you covered with the Local Link Bus service to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free. This delightful festival promises a day of fun, creativity, and laughter for people of all ages. From quirky scarecrows to vibrant entertainment, there’s something for everyone!

The information provided is based on previous events and available timetable. Please check the Local Link website for the most up-to-date schedule.

Slieve Bloom Coach Tours

For festival-goers on the Borris-in-Ossory route, Slieve Bloom Coach Tours have got you covered.
Please note this service is available from Monday to Friday, and does not run on weekends or Bank Holidays.

Servicing: Portlaoise – Mountrath – Castletown – Borris-in-Ossory, Rathdowney, Ballacolla, Durrow, Ballinakill, Abbeyleix, Ballyroan

Borris-in-Ossory to Portlaoise
Monday to Friday

Portlaoise Bus Stop: Front of Laois Shopping Centre 6:50am

Mountrath Bus Stop: @ Main Street 7:10am

Castletown Bus Stop: @ Main Street 7:15am

Borris-in-Ossory Hotel Car Park: 7:30am – 11:00am – 3:30pm

Rathdowney Square: 7.45am – 11.15am – 3.45pm

Ballacolla: Centre 7.55am – 11.25am – 3.55pm

Durrow Bus Stop: 8.00am – 11.30am – 4.00pm

Ballinakill: Centre 8.10am – 11.40am – 4.10pm

Abbeyleix Bus Stop: 8.20am – 11.50am – 4.20pm

Ballyroan: Centre 8.25am – 11.55am – 4.25pm

Portlaoise Bus Stop: @ front of Laois Shopping Centre 8.40am – 12.10pm – 4.40pm

Portlaoise to Borris-in-Ossory
Monday-Friday

Portlaoise Bus Stop: @ Front of Laois Shopping Centre – 9.20am – 2.00pm – 5.10pm

Ballyroan: Centre – 9.30am – 2.15pm – 5.25pm

Abbeyleix Bus Stop: 9.35am – 2.20pm – 5.30pm

Ballinakill: Centre – 9.40am – 2.25pm – 5.35pm

Durrow Bus Stop: 9.50am – 2.35pm – 5.45pm

Ballacolla: Centre – 9.55am – 2.40pm – 5.50pm

Rathdowney Square: 10.05am – 2.50pm – 6.00pm

Borris-In-Ossory Hotel Carpark: 10.20am – 3.05pm – 6.20pm

Castletown Bus Stop: @ Main Street – 6:35pm

Mountrath Bus Stop: @ Main Street – 6:40pm

Portlaoise Bus Stop: – Front of Laois Shopping Centre – 7:00pm

Borris-in-Ossory to Portlaoise
Monday to Friday

Portlaoise	Bus Stop-Front of Laois Shopping Centre	6:50am	–
Mountrath	Bus Stop @ Main Street	7:10am	–	–
Castletown	Bus Stop @ Main Street	7:15am	–	–
Borris-in-Ossory	Hotel Car Park	7:30am	11:00am	3:30pm
Rathdowney	Square	7.45am	11.15am	3.45pm
Ballycolla	Centre	7.55am	11.25am	3.55pm
Durrow	Bus Stop	8.00am	11.30am	4.00pm
Ballinakill	Centre	8.10am	11.40am	4.10pm
Abbeyleix	Bus Stop	8.20am	11.50am	4.20pm
Ballyroan	Centre	8.25am	11.55am	4.25pm
Portlaoise	Bus stop @ front of Laois Shopping Centre	8.40am	12.10pm	4.40pm

Portlaoise to Borris-in-Ossory
Monday-Friday

Portlaoise	Bus Stop @ Front of Laois Shopping Centre	9.20am	2.00pm	5.10pm
Ballyroan	Centre	9.30am	2.15pm	5.25pm
Abbeyleix	Bus Stop	9.35am	2.20pm	5.30pm
Ballinakill	Centre	9.40am	2.25pm	5.35pm
Durrow	Bus Stop	9.50am	2.35pm	5.45pm
Ballycolla	Centre	9.55am	2.40pm	5.50pm
Rathdowney	Square	10.05am	2.50pm	6.00pm
Borris-In-Ossory	Hotel Carpark	10.20am	3.05pm	6.20pm
Castletown	Bus Stop @ Main Street	–	–	6:35pm
Mountrath	Bus Stop @ Main Street	–	–	6:40pm
Portlaoise	Bus Stop -Front of Laois Shopping Centre	–	–	7:00pm

The information provided is based on previous events and available timetable. Please check with Slieve Bloom Coach Tours for the most up-to-date schedule.

2023 Ladies Night

Ladies Night at Castle Durrow: An Unforgettable Evening of Fun and Fashion

Join us on Tuesday, 1st August, at Castle Durrow as part of the Durrow Scarecrow Festival for an exclusive Ladies Night event. Get ready for an evening filled with glamour, entertainment, and delightful surprises. With limited places available, make sure to secure your spot early!

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, 1st August
Time: Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start
Location: Castle Durrow

Highlights of the Evening:

Three Course Meal & a Glass of Wine: Indulge in a delectable three-course meal expertly crafted to tantalize your taste buds. Savor each bite while enjoying a complimentary glass of fine wine.
Fashion Show with 57 Boutique and Ladybelle: Be mesmerized by the latest fashion trends as two renowned boutiques, 57 Boutique and Ladybelle, showcase their stunning collections on the runway. Get inspired by the stylish ensembles and gather ideas for your own wardrobe.
MC, Special Guest, and Fabulous Raffle: Our charismatic MC will keep the evening lively and entertaining, while a special guest will add an extra touch of glamour to the event. Don’t miss out on the chance to win fantastic prizes in our fabulous raffle!
Fun & Frolics: Expect laughter, excitement, and memorable moments throughout the evening. Connect with friends, meet new people, and embrace the joyous atmosphere as you participate in various fun activities.
DJ & Entertainment ’til Late: Dance the night away to the beats of our talented DJ, who will keep the energy high and the dance floor buzzing. Let loose, enjoy the music, and create unforgettable memories.

Ticket Information:

Price: €60 per person
Limited Availability: Only 150 places are available for this exclusive event, so book your tickets now to avoid disappointment.
Booking Options:
- Eventbrite: Visit our Eventbrite page and secure your tickets online.
- Text Irene: Alternatively, you can text Irene at 086 8412683 to reserve your place.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary evening of elegance, laughter, and style. Join us for Ladies Night at Castle Durrow.

A LEGEND – DURROW MAN WAS POPE FOR TWO DAYS

On Monday 7th August, Senator David Norris, will attend the official unveiling of a Plaque to commemorate Saint Benedict of Durrow, the man that legend has it, became Pope and Bishop of Rome for two days – Ireland’s First Pope. The unveiling will take place in The Square, Durrow at 2pm.

The Story

A tale circulates among the people of the Aran Islands, recounting the legend of a man from Durrow, Co. Laois, who briefly held the position of Pope and Bishop of Rome. The renowned Saint Benedict, hailing from Durrow, was born around 460 AD to Lugneay, the King of Ossory and rightful heir to the throne. As a young man, he departed from his home to study under St. Fintan at Clonenagh, where he developed a deep friendship with Colmcille, a Prince of the Royal House of Ireland. After their ordination, both Benedict and Colmcille journeyed to the Monastery established by St. Enda on Innishmore.

Years passed as they devoted themselves to prayer. Colmcille eventually embarked on a mission to Iona, while Benedict became the faithful assistant and companion of St. Enda. In 522, Benedict and Enda set off for Rome. During their time in the Eternal City, the reigning Holy Father, St. Hormisdus, passed away.

Impressed by Benedict’s devoutness, the elders chose him as the successor. He assumed the name Pope Pupeus. However, legend has it that the following day, as St. Enda bid him farewell, the emotional separation overwhelmed the newly elected Pontiff. Without hesitation, he called upon the Church Elders once more and commanded another election to take place. On this occasion, Pope John the 1st was chosen.

St. Enda and Benedict returned to Aran, where Benedict succeeded Enda as the Abbot following his death. They were laid to rest side by side in the now-ruined Cathedral of Aran. Both saints are celebrated on March 21st. The Book of Cashel, which traces the lineage of the fourteen Saints of the Royal House of Ossory, refers to St. Benedict as ‘Ipse est Papa Pupeous,’ signifying his brief papal reign.

Source: An Historical and Social Diary of Durrow, County Laois, 1708-1992, Edward O’Brien, Millfield Press, 1992

How To Make A Scarecrow

Making a scarecrow is easy once you know the basics and the very first thing to do is make a frame in the desired shape for your creation. One of the best materials for the construction of the frame is a length of timber 4×2 which is relatively inexpensive and widely available from hardwares, builders suppliers and timber yards.
A cross shaped frame establishes the main support and shoulders, or arms if you require them straight across. If you need to have the arms in an alternative pose, this can easily be achieved by cutting and affixing the 4×2 to the desired dimensions. Likewise for the legs, the timber can be used again or simply stuff an old trousers with filling if your scarecrow is going to be in a straightforward standing pose.
The obvious choice for filling is of course straw, but this is not always available, but you can improvise with any number of materials to give your creation form.
Afterwards if yo do acquire some straw you can embellish the scarecrow at the sleeve ends on arms, the neck area, waist area and at the ankles, which gives the appearance that the material has been used throughout.

Below is a video which will give you lots of tips on how to get your project started. So have a look, then give it a go and who knows, you could crowned this year’s All-Ireland Scarecrow Champion in August!

All Ireland Scarecrow Championship

Entry Forms are now available for the All Ireland Scarecrow Championship 2023. Just click on the link below to get your entry booked in. We cannot wait to see all the amazing creations, as year after year we are simply bowled over by the cleverness, humour and artistry that is on display! Choosing a winner is never an easy task!

Durrow Scarecrow Festival 2019 – All The Winners

Overall Winner

Save Our Bee’s, Clean Our Sea’s and Hug Our Tree’s
Dove House Abbeyleix

Prize Sponsored by St. Canice’s Credit Union

Overall Winner 2019

Save Our Bees, Hug Our Trees, Clean Our Seas

It was tipped by many to come out on top, and when the drum roll subsided, and the 2019 Overall Winner was announced, it was Dove House’s wonderful creation, that had stole the hearts of the judges, as well as the public!

‘Save Our Bees, Hug Our Trees, Clean Our Seas’ is not just a wonderfully assembled installation, it also carries a potent message about our environment! We all know the importance of the great pollinators, that are bees, the need to protect our trees, and the plight faced by so many species, that live in our plastic polluted seas! This year’s winner cleverly combined, and highlighted all three issues, in such a unique, fun, and educational way!

We extend our congratulations to Dove House, for their wonderful creation, which has earned them the title of All Ireland Scarecrow Champions 2019, and also to all winners in this year’s hotly contested competition!
Our sincerest thanks to everyone who took part, and the entries never cease to amuse and amaze! They get better and better, year after year!

We will publish an entire list of all winners, very soon, but tonight belongs to Dove House and ‘Save Our Bees, Hug Our Trees, Clean Our Seas’!