The Live Well Health & Wellbeing Expo, delivered for free through a collaboration between Age Friendly Laois and Healthy Laois, returned for another year to Portlaoise on Wednesday, 23 April 2025. Following a successful 2024 event, which saw an attendance of 2,000 people, this year’s expo at Portlaoise College is set to be even bigger, more inclusive, and completely barrier-free — no entry fee or online pre-registration required.
The Expo is to empower attendees to age well by taking preventative health measures, promote healthy, active, creative and social living and increase awareness of available supports. Launched by Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Championships and Laois Age Friendly Ambassador, this fun, interactive and social event, running from 12.30pm to 6pm, offers a mix of free health checks, a tech zone powered by Google, and a dedicated social and adult play areas featuring music, exercise classes, and refreshments.
With over 100 exhibitors — including leading healthcare providers, community organisations, support services, and national bodies such as the HSE, An Garda Síochána Community Policing, Chime (Ireland’s National Charity for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing), ALONE, and tech leaders like Google — attendees will have access to a wealth of health, wellness, and community support services in an engaging setting. Organisers encourage attendees to avail of public transport where possible.
This year’s event features a dedicated ‘Quiet Time’ hour from 11am to 12pm, offering attendees a calm and focused environment to explore the Expo. Appointments are required and can be booked by emailing .
Chief Executive of Laois County Council, Michael Rainey said: “I am delighted to support our “Live Well” team in this ambitious event, which demonstrates Laois County Council’s commitment to the implementation of the Healthy Laois Strategy and the LaoisAge Friendly County Strategy. The Live Well event is a very valuable collaboration of over one hundred stakeholders in Laois, who work to enable our communities to become healthier and to support our citizens to take personal responsibility for their health and wellbeing.”
Tom Curran, Age Friendly Programme Manager for Laois County Council said: “With Ireland’s ageing population, the Live Well Health & Wellbeing Expo highlights healthy living and preventative care. This is all about fostering connection and social engagement. A key theme, ‘being social,’ emphasises maintaining relationships. The event creates a fun, interactive, and safe space, encouraging community involvement in local initiatives that can be sustained as people age, ensuring Ireland remains a great place to grow old. We want to ensure everyone is included and no one is left behind.”
Emma O’Connor, Healthy Laois Co-Ordinator, added: “Many people we meet face major challenges accessing vital services and supports. This can be due to their not knowing about the supports in their area, or who to reach out to. This event aims to inspire attendees to prioritise their health now while equipping them with the knowledge and tools to do so effectively. By taking proactive steps today, individuals can improve their well-being and maintain independence as they age. If you do not make time for your wellness now, you may be forced to make time for your illness later.”
Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Associationand Laois Age Friendly Ambassador, said: “One of the greatest gifts we have is the ability to keep learning, no matter what stage of life we’re at. Events like the Live Well Health & Wellbeing Expo opens doors to new ideas, friendships, and opportunities that can make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s discovering a new hobby, picking up tips for staying active, or simply enjoying a cuppa and a chat, this day is about embracing life and all it has to offer. I’d encourage everyone to come along, take part, and enjoy the day — you never know what you might take away from it.”
Age Friendly Ireland is the national body for Ireland’s 31 Local Authorities, delivering the Government’s vision of an age friendly Ireland. Healthy Ireland is a government-led initiative aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of everyone living in Ireland. The Healthy Ireland Fund (HIF), overseen by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Health, supports projects and programmes that promote healthier lifestyles across the country.
