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Annie Holland Photographic Exhibition

We are thrilled to announce a special exhibition by the renowned photographer, Annie Holland, at this year’s Durrow Scarecrow Festival.

About Annie Holland

Annie has spent over twenty years capturing the wonderful, the absurd, and the beautiful moments of people, places, and their daily lives worldwide. Her passion for photography ignited in Japan, where she ventured down the road less traveled. After several years as a freelance photographer, Annie returned to Ireland and established her own studio in 2000.

Her extensive travels have honed her ability to work across all genres of photography, creating artistic and compelling images in almost any situation. Annie’s expertise includes shooting both stills and video, which she edits into short movies to further narrate your story. Essentially, she provides a one-stop shop for promoting or documenting any project.

Exhibition Details

Date: From Thursday, 1st August to Monday 5th August
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM each day
Location: ICA Hall, Durrow, R32 Y206
Exhibition Title: “A Forgotten Generation” – 100 years of rural community and agricultural relics in Co Laois.

This exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the rich history of rural life in Co Laois, beautifully captured through Annie’s lens. It’s a journey through time, showcasing the essence of a bygone era.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Annie Holland’s extraordinary work and explore the fascinating history of our rural communities.

Join the All-Ireland Scarecrow Championships in Durrow, Co. Laois!

About the Event 

Welcome to the annual All-Ireland Scarecrow Championships, where creativity meets fun in the heart of Durrow. This beloved festival brings together scarecrow enthusiasts from near and far for nine days of excitement and friendly competition. From July 28th to August 5th, 2024, our village transforms into a haven for scarecrow artistry and family entertainment.

Categories and Themes:

🌟 Most Topical: Showcase your scarecrow inspired by current events or popular culture.
🤣 Most Humorous: Bring laughter to the festival with your hilarious scarecrow creation.
🎨 Open/General: Let your imagination run wild with an open theme category.
🌍 Sustainability / Waste Reduction / Climate Action: Highlight environmental themes in your scarecrow design.
👧🏫 Preschool/School Entries: Younger participants can shine in this category.
👨‍👩‍👧 Youth with Adult Assistance: Team up with family for a collaborative scarecrow project.
👧 Youth (Under 16): Young scarecrow makers can show off their talents.

Previous Winners: 

Our past champions have amazed us with everything from large, intricate installations to simple yet clever scarecrow designs. You don’t need to create something huge or elaborate to win; sometimes, the smartest and most creative ideas make the biggest impact. With multiple categories and individual prizes, there are plenty of chances to take home a trophy.

Why Participate:

🎉 Community Spirit: Celebrate with locals and visitors alike in a festive atmosphere.
🏅 Prizes: Win recognition and prizes in your chosen category.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Friendly: Enjoy activities and entertainment suitable for all ages.
🌱 Promote Creativity: Showcase your artistic skills and creative thinking.

Spread the Word: Share this opportunity with friends, family, and anyone who loves a good challenge. Let’s make this year’s All-Ireland Scarecrow Championships the most memorable yet!

Join us in Durrow for an unforgettable experience at the All-Ireland Scarecrow Championships. Start planning your scarecrow masterpiece today!

#ScarecrowChampionships #DurrowEvents #FamilyFun #CreativeCompetition #IrelandEvents

How to Enter:

Participation is easy! Download the entry form below and submit it by July 24th. Your scarecrow must be installed by 7:00 PM on July 27th and remain on display until August 5th, 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a first-time participant, everyone is welcome to join the fun.

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All Ireland Scarecrow Championship - Application Form

1 file(s) 10.43 MB
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Some Inspiration

Adventure on the Erkina River with Laois Kayaking Sessions!

Looking for a thrilling outdoor activity this summer? Join us for Laois Kayaking Sessions at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival! Perfect for adventure seekers of all ages, these sessions offer a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the River Erkina while having loads of fun.

Session Details:

  • 📅 Dates & Times:
    • Saturday, 3rd August from 12PM – 6PM
    • Sunday, 4th August from 12PM – 6PM
  • 📍 Location: River Erkina

What to Expect:

  • 20-Minute Sessions: Enjoy a guided kayaking session on the scenic River Erkina.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: Suitable for all ages.
  • No Booking Required: Simply turn up and dive in!

Cost:

  • €10 per person
  • €25 for a family of four (one adult per child)

Additional Information:

  • Safety First: All necessary safety equipment will be provided, and experienced instructors will be on hand to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • You Might Get Wet: Be prepared for some splashes! Wear suitable clothing and bring a change of clothes just in case.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to explore the river and make unforgettable memories with your family and friends. Join us for a splashing good time at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival!

Speech and Language Workshops at Durrow Scarecrow Festival

Helping Your Child Communicate: Free Speech and Language Workshops

Are you worried about your child’s talking or communication skills? The Durrow Scarecrow Festival is offering two special workshops to support parents and young children, hosted by Laura Lalor, Senior Speech and Language Therapist. These workshops are designed to provide valuable advice, support, and fun activities for your little ones.

Information Day

  • 📅 Date: Wednesday, 31st July
  • ⏰ Time: 2PM – 4PM
  • 📍 Location: Scarecrow Village

What to Expect:

  • 15-Minute Chat: Speak one-on-one with Laura Lalor while your child plays.
  • Professional Advice: Determine if your child requires a referral to speech and language therapy.
  • Support and Tips: Learn strategies to build your child’s language and communication skills at home.
  • Booking: Just drop in and book your timeslot on the sign-in sheet.

Singing & Nursery Rhymes for Under 5s

  • 📅 Date: Thursday, 1st August
  • ⏰ Time: 2PM
  • 📍 Location: Scarecrow Village
  • ⏳ Duration: Please allow 45 minutes for this workshop.

What to Expect:

  • Interactive Fun: Engage your child with singing and nursery rhymes, a fantastic way to boost language development.
  • Expert Guidance: Laura Lalor will lead the session, ensuring a supportive and enjoyable experience for both parents and children.

Both workshops are free and open to the public!

Get Ready for Some Slimy Fun at Durrow Scarecrow Festival!

Are your kids ready to dive into the gooey world of slime? Join us for our exciting Slime Workshops at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival! Perfect for young scientists and crafty kids alike, these workshops are guaranteed to be a hit.

Workshop Details:

  • 📅 Dates & Times:
    • Monday, 29th July at 4PM
    • Thursday, 1st August at 3:30PM
  • 📍 Location: Scarecrow Village

What to Expect:

  • Hands-on Experience: Learn how to make your very own slime with guidance from our expert instructors.
  • Fun and Creativity: Experiment with different colors, textures, and add-ins to create your unique slime masterpiece.
  • Take Home: Every participant gets to take their slime home!

Cost: €12 per child
Age Group: Suitable for ages 5 and up

Spaces are limited and these workshops are very popular, so make sure to book your spot early!

👉 Book Your Spot Now!

Don’t miss out on this ooey-gooey fun activity that’s perfect for kids of all ages. Join us and make some slime-tastic memories at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival!

Book Now

Hund Obedience Dog Training at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival!

Attention all dog lovers! Bring your furry friends to the Durrow Scarecrow Festival for the Hund Obedience Dog Training sessions on Sunday, July 28th and Saturday, August 3rd from 12PM to 3PM. Whether your pooch needs some general obedience training or you want to learn fun activities to enjoy together, we’ve got you covered!

📅 Dates: Sunday, July 28th & Saturday, August 3rd
⏰ Time: 12PM – 3PM
📍 Location: Taking place in the Old Boys School, beside Durrow Playground – Eircode R32 767V

Itinerary:

  • 12PM – 12:45PM: General Obedience Problems 🐕‍🦺
    Learn how to address common obedience issues with expert advice.

  • 1PM – 2PM: Kids Handling 7 Skills and Demos 🧒🐩
    Kids will love this session focused on handling skills and fun demos.

  • 2PM – 3PM: Training, Fun, Games & Activities with Dogs 🎉🐾
    Engage in fun games and activities that both you and your dog will enjoy!

Join us for a pawsome time and make sure to bring your four-legged friend for an afternoon of learning, fun, and games. 🐶💕

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 2nd August: 10am-11am
Friday 2nd August: 12noon -1pm.

Click here

Ladies Night @ Castle Durrow 2024

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of glamour, fun, and fabulousness at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival’s Ladies Night on Wednesday, July 31st! Starting at 7PM, this is the ultimate night out for all the girls. Here’s what’s in store:

📅 Date: Wednesday, July 31st
⏰ Time: 7PM
📍 Location: Castle Durrow

Itinerary:

  • Fashion Show featuring stunning collections from Ladybelle Boutique and 57 Boutique 
  • A delicious 3-course meal paired with a glass of wine
  • MC with music and fun until late!
  • Exciting raffle and spot prizes 
  • Award for the Most Appropriately Dressed on the night 

Round up your girlfriends and join us for a night of elegance, laughter, and great company. It’s the perfect opportunity to dress up, enjoy some delicious food, and dance the night away in the beautiful setting of Castle Durrow.

Tickets are available now – Contact Irene on 086 8412683

Where’s Wally The Scarecrow

Find Wally and you may win a prize!

Wally is hanging out somewhere in Durrow every day of this year’s Scarecrow Festival. 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. A winner will be picked from all correct entries!

Entry forms are available at both the Scarecrow Village, and the Funky Zone. Fill in all the relevant details and then drop it in a Where’s Wally Post Box, which are also situated outside the Scarecrow Village and Funky Zone.

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. 

Winners will be chosen from all correct entries!

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 28th to August 5th – Please note buses will run to Sunday’s timetable on Bank Holiday Monday 5th 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.