At a time when it’s easier than ever to stay at home — to stream, scroll and leave the world at arm’s length — there’s still nothing that replaces being together. Meeting friends, bumping into neighbours, sharing music, conversation and a sense of belonging.
That’s why it feels especially right that Drogheda’s night has been awarded Purple Flag, announced on 26 January — recognising a town where people show up for one another, and where the evening is shaped by real connections rather than online convenience.
Like the Blue Flag for beaches, Purple Flag is the mark of a great night out. It’s awarded to towns where the evening is worth the trip —places where music, conversation and creativity mix. Drogheda winning it says our nights are open, people‑made and alive. And behind it all, a local partnership has been quietly working together to back the town’s night —helping the people power of Drogheda shine.
Drogheda was visited by two Purple Flag assessors on 25 October, with the town simply doing what it does best. There was no script and no staging — just people stepping forward. DJs played outside Big Moon Records,the Lú Festival lights rolled over buildings we all love, and bar staff,artists, traders and organisers gave their time without hesitation. From theowners of D’Vine’s stepping out of a wedding reception to greet the assessors,to the story of punk‑art icon Gee Vaucher staying with two of the town’s organisers — sharing their kitchen table, part of the family for a night — the assessors encountered a town that wears its culture lightly but honestly. It felt warm, open, and unmistakably Drogheda.
The assessors praised Drogheda’s flair for culture — from Droichead Arts Centre and Highlanes Gallery to The Kiosk Project Art Space, The Barbican and the Lú Festival of Light. They noted how spaces like the Dominican Church were brought back to life for The Cottage Market and the Droichead Art Centre’s Night Moves programme had activated late cafes. Above all, they highlighted Drogheda’s commitment to art, and the people and partnerships that make the town stronger together.
“As Mayor, I get to meet people across Drogheda every day —volunteers, traders, artists, business owners and neighbours — and I see the heart they put into this town,” said the Mayor of Drogheda Michelle Hall. “That’s what this award really recognises. It’s not about titles or buildings; it’s about people showing up for each other and creating the kind of night that makes you proud to live here. Drogheda has always had spirit, and it’s powerful to see that spirit recognised with a Purple Flag win.”
“Great towns aren’t built overnight,” said Hubert Murphy,Chair of Drogheda Purple Flag and CEO of Drogheda & District Chamber.“They’re built by people with vision, persistence and a willingness to back themselves. What the assessors saw was a community that steps forward, works together and makes things happen. This Purple Flag win is proof of what Drogheda can do when its people pull in the same direction.”
“Retaining Purple Flag status is a strong endorsement of Drogheda as a safe, welcoming and vibrant place to be after 5pm,” said Trevor Connolly, CEO of Love Drogheda BID. “Purple Flag areas are defined by quality experiences and strong partnership working and this recognition reflects the collective effort of businesses, cultural organisations, community groups, An Garda Síochána and the local authority. The Purple Flag award illustrates Drogheda's excellent evening time economy, strengthens the town’s reputation as an enjoyable and attractive evening destination and is something that we should all be proud of!”
Behind the award is the Drogheda Purple Flag Working Group —a dedicated partnership that combines Louth County Council, Love Drogheda BID, Drogheda & District Chamber, Droichead Arts Centre, An Garda Síochána, SafeGigs Ireland and local business representatives — all committed to supporting Drogheda’s nightlife. This collaboration is exactly what Purple Flag looks for. Drogheda first earned Purple Flag in 2019, and the partnership has continued towork together ever since, with a full assessment every two years.
Anyone who would like to learn more or get involved can contact nighttimeeconomy@louthcoco.ie.
