As part of Bealtaine 2025, Portlaoise Library will host a talk by Dr Christy Cunniffe on the rich heritage of stained glass from the county of Laois.

This illustrated presentation will look at the wealth of ecclesiastical stained glass windows in Laois by renowned practitioners such as An Túr Gloine, Earley and Co., Harry Clarke Studios and several others.

The talk will cover not just the subject of the stained glass itself, but also the range of Christian iconography contained within these beautiful works of art. Also examined will be the sources of funding, whereby these expensive works of art found their way to the villages and towns of rural Ireland.

Dr Christy Cunniffe has worked for many years as Galway Co Council Community Archaeologist. He has published numerous articles and publications on local history and archaeology, including co-writing a publication on the ecclesiastical heritage of Co Galway

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.