Louth County Council has launched Sound Town – Drogheda’s Night-Time Vision, positioning the town as Ireland’s East Coast alternative through a long-term commitment to independent creativity and the night-time economy.
The strategy is in response to the way Irish nightlife is changing, and the town is one of the first to take this future-focussed, distinctive approach. Nine pilots are currently being developed across the country to explore Ireland’s changing nightlife (Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Drogheda, Kilkenny, Sligo, Longford and Buncrana) – and today unveiled the emerging Drogheda approach.
Under the leadership of Louth County Council, 'Sound Town' forms part of a broader commitment to supporting town centre regeneration, economic development and cultural growth in Drogheda. The initiative recognises the important role that arts, culture and the night-time economy play in attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Today’s announcement builds on the blossoming creative scene already in existence in Drogheda that will be further enhanced by the pilot. The vision was officially launched at McHugh's, one of the grassroots music venues in Drogheda that is driving the town's independent scene.
‘Sound Town’ sets out a vision for Drogheda’s night-time economy, plus a series of practical actions including a Night Curation Fund to support emerging promoters and artists, plus a Sound Town Map which will act as a data source of Drogheda’s Night-Time Economy for visitors, venues and promoters.
Eighteen grassroots promoters are now delivering regular events, a significant proportion of whom are under 30 years old, showing positive signs of young people returning to nightlife in the town.
Independent venues, McHugh’s and Odd Mollies, have already received significant funding (€28k) from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport as part of the investment in the town’s night-time economy, whilst last year’s Drogheda by Night survey gave the town a clear mandate for a safer, more culture-led night out.
Drogheda’s residents clearly asked for more choice in the survey which garnered 1,238 responses. Over 70% called for late night cafes, 58% would like to see more gigs and over 86% would like to see more alcohol-free options, underlining trends across the country for the changing demand for night-life experiences.
Developed through the Night-Time Economy Adviser pilot, Sound Town has been produced in partnership between Louth County Council and the Drogheda Purple Flag partnership, funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. The Sound Town vision is supported by innovative funding that encourages collaboration and a digital map of Drogheda’s night-time offering.
Cllr Declan Power, Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda and Manager of local venue, The Barbican Centre, welcomed the launch of the Sound Town vision, saying:
"Drogheda has always been a town with its own unique character, story and spirit. From our rich heritage and vibrant arts scene to the creativity and ambition of the people who live and work here, we have something genuinely distinctive to offer.
“The Sound Town vision reflects the confidence we have in Drogheda's future and in the people and organisations who make the town come alive after dark. By investing in culture, creativity, safety and inclusion, we can create new opportunities for local businesses, support jobs, attract visitors and strengthen community connections, while building a night-time economy that is vibrant, sustainable, safe, welcoming and uniquely Drogheda."
Mark Davies, Night-Time Economy Adviser for Drogheda, Louth County Council, said: “You can’t manufacture an independent creative scene. You can choose to back it.
“Sound Town isn’t asking Drogheda to become something new. It’s recognising what already makes the town different and building on it. That’s what we mean by Ireland’s East Coast Alternative.”
Olivia McCormack, Senior Executive Officer, Economic Delivery, Louth County Council, said: “Sound Town is an important milestone in our work to support a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive night-time economy in Drogheda.
Through the Night-Time Economy Adviser pilot, we have worked closely with local businesses, artists, venues, promoters and community stakeholders to develop a vision that reflects Drogheda’s unique character and strengths, and Sound Town demonstrates how culture and economic development can work hand-in-hand to deliver lasting benefits for the town and its communities.”
Collette Farrell, Director, Droichead Arts Centre, said: “Drogheda reminds us of Dublin in the late 80s/early 90s – a place where people could take creative risks, try new ideas and build something together. As a blow-in and having worked in Dublin during that time, there’s a real energy here, driven by independent artists, musicians, promoters and venues, and it’s exciting to see that being recognised and supported through Sound Town.”
Alan Cooney, McHugh’s Music Venue added: “I feel lucky to work in such an artsy town as Drogheda, but there’s incredible talent across Louth. It’d be great to see our special venues make the most of this, giving emerging artists the space to grow and shape the future of music."
Today’s launch event marks the start of the next chapter for the town's after-dark culture. It brought together the artists, promoters, businesses and partners of Drogheda who have helped shape the night-time scene so far and to look to the future. Guests enjoyed a reading from poet Dagogo Hart, who read ‘The Moon and Stars’ live at the launch, and also heard from Councillor Declan Power, Mayor of Drogheda and a panel of visual artists, promoters and event organisers.
To find out more about Drogheda Sound Town and to read the vision in full, visit Sound Town DIgital Copy
