Queen Maeve Square, Co. Sligo, was officially opened last week, following an investment of over €4 million by Fáilte Ireland, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Sligo County Council.
Queen Maeve Square has transformed the centre of Sligo into a public space and orientation hub, which aims to encourage visitors to come to Sligo for events and festivals.
It will also serve as an outdoor venue for concerts and other events, with a standing capacity of approximately 4,500.
‘Central Focus’
“The investment of over €4 million in Queen Maeve Square helps transform the heart of the town and gives a central focus to many of Sligo’s attractions,” said the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin.
“Sligo has so much to offer visitors, and Queen Maeve Square creates a fantastic focal point for the town and is an exciting new addition to support Sligo hosting festivals and events, like the one being held here this weekend.”
Light Projections
The square will feature a map of Sligo’s coastline etched in the pavement with ground lighting, to mark the seven nearby discovery points along the Wild Atlantic Way.
An orientation sign designed by Sligo illustrator Annie West provides further information to visitors, and at night, the square will be illuminated by light projections, offering an animated space.
The Queen Maeve Festival was the first event to take place in the newly launched square and ran from 3 to 5 May, featuring musical acts Gavin James, Moncrieff, Téada, and Niamh Farrell.
‘Continued Development’
“Queen Maeve Square, which has been developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Sligo County Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, is a fantastic new amenity that will support the continued development of Sligo’s tourism offering,” said Orla Carroll, director of product development at Fáilte Ireland.
“The vision of this project is to create an attractive public space and central hub for Sligo, which will serve as an outdoor venue for concerts and events and facilitate visitor orientation and information points to encourage visitors to learn more, stay longer, and explore the wider region.”
