Calling all culchies. An event of enormous cultural significance is happening this weekend in Portloaise. This fair isle’s pre-eminent beauty contest comes to town for the Rose of Tralee International Regional Finals. The auspicious selection process takes place at the Portlaoise Heritage Hotel over the nights of the 3rd-7th June with 29 Irish Roses and 14 International Roses battling it out to secure those coveted places for the grand finals in Tralee. In celebration of the event Portlaoise is going all out with family entertainment, street fun and a carnival. The Roses will parade through the town on Saturday so don’t forget your cameras!
In an inspired one-for-the-girls / one-for-the-lads combo, the weekend also sees Portlaoise hosting the All-Ireland Sheep Shearing Championships. They are being held in the grounds of Portlaoise Rugby Club on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th June. Shearers from all over Ireland, UK, Europe, USA, Australia and New Zealand will participate and an anticipated 2,500 sheep will be flocking (geddit?) to the midlands town for the occasion. Baaa-rilliant.
But wait, there’s more. Car enthusiasts will be catered for over the weekend with the annual Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Car Run coming to town. For the second year running the vintage car event will participate in the Grand Parade along with the Roses, adding hugely to the atmosphere.
For more details, please contact Tourism Officer, Laois County Council on 057 86 74324 or email [email protected] or view www.roseoftralee.ie
