Invest – Sligo After Sunset

How the Night-Time Economy is Lighting Up Our Town

Sligo Town is stepping confidently into the spotlight after dark, thanks to a vibrant new initiative designed to enrich and diversify its night-time economy. At the heart of this transformation is a series of creative, community-driven events—such as the striking Trad agus Tine, which brought Queen Maeve Square to life with music, fire, and cultural celebration.

Held just last Wed. night, Trad agus Tine was a perfect example of how events can shape public spaces and showcase local talents and traditions. The open-air spectacle blended traditional Irish music with fire performance, creating a magical atmosphere that drew crowds and sparked conversations.

See Donal Hackett’s video of Trad agus Tine on FaceBook here

This event was one of 14 funded projects under the Sligo Town Night-Time Economy Enrichment and Diversification Grant Callout, part of a national pilot programme supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and delivered in partnership with Sligo County Council and Sligo BID. The programme runs from April to September, with events scheduled Thursday to Sunday evenings, across ten different locations in Sligo Town.

The grant callout encouraged a wide range of proposals—from Irish language live podcasts and film screenings to comedy nights, dance socials, and wellness events. The goal? To create a more inclusive, engaging, and culturally rich experience for residents and visitors alike.

Why the Night-Time Economy Matters

The night-time economy (NTE) isn’t just about nightlife—it’s about creating a safe, vibrant, and diverse environment that supports local businesses, artists, and communities. It includes everything from dining and entertainment to cultural programming and late-night retail.

Sligo’s commitment to this vision is reflected in its recent achievement of the Purple Flag Award—an international accreditation for excellence in evening and night-time economy. This marks the 10th consecutive year Sligo has received the award, recognising its efforts to ensure public safety, cultural diversity, and community collaboration after dark.

According to the government’s Night-Time Economy Taskforce, a thriving NTE can:
• Boost local employment in hospitality, arts, and retail.
• Increase tourism by offering more evening activities.
• Reduce anti-social behaviour by encouraging positive social engagement.
• Support mental health and wellbeing through inclusive, creative spaces.

A recent report by the advocacy group Give Us The Night highlighted that Ireland has some of the earliest closing times in Europe, with most venues shutting by 2:30am—far behind the EU average of 6:30am. This can limit opportunities for cultural engagement and social connection, especially among younger people.

In contrast, Sligo’s approach—through events like Trad agus Tine—offers a blueprint for how towns can reimagine their night-time offerings. By investing in creativity, collaboration, and community, Sligo is not only enhancing its cultural identity but also building a more resilient and inclusive local economy.

Looking Ahead

As the pilot programme continues, residents and visitors can expect more exciting events that celebrate Sligo’s unique spirit. Whether it’s a poetry slam in a bookstore, a glow-in-the-dark night run, or a jazz session under the stars, the night-time economy is proving to be a powerful force for connection, creativity, and community pride.

So next time the sun sets over Sligo, don’t head home—head out. There’s a whole new side of town waiting to be discovered.

Published 15/08/2025