Tourism Minister Catherine Martin has officially opened Queen Maeve Square, in Sligo, a €4m development investment which is aimed at “transforming” Sligo town centre.
The new square was developed by Fáilte Ireland – which recently unveiled a 5-year tourism development plan for Co Sligo – in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Sligo County Council.
The new square offers Sligo town an attractive public space and orientation hub, and 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.
According to the stakeholders: “Outdoor dining facilities for local businesses and attractive seating options ensure that the Square will attract visitors and encourage them to stay longer, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the centre of Sligo. An iconic Sligo sign, which will be unveiled during the launch, is to become a focal point of Queen Maeve Square. It is expected to encourage visitors to stop for photo opportunities and spend more time in the area, while helping promote and raise the profile of the Square and Sligo.”
“I am pleased to officially open Queen Maeve Square today in Sligo. The investment of over €4million in Queen Maeve Square helps transform the heart of the town and gives a central focus to many of Sligo’s attractions. 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. Queen Maeve Square is a wonderful amenity for visitors to enjoy and spend longer in the region and I look forward to seeing the tourism offering in Sligo continue to develop around this focal point and under the guidance of Fáilte Ireland’s recently launched 5-year Destination and Experience Development Plan for Sligo.”
Councillor Gerard Mullaney, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council said: “Queen Maeve Square will play a key role in promoting Sligo’s attractions, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the visitor experience. Located in the heart of Sligo, Queen Maeve Square is designed to be a versatile and functional space that caters to the diverse needs of the community. Queen Maeve Square stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity, inviting everyone to experience the magic of this remarkable town.”
Chief Executive of Sligo County Council, Martin Lydon said: “The opening of Queen Maeve Square marks a transformative moment for Sligo as we continue to position ourselves as a premier destination along the Wild Atlantic Way. “This new civic space is not just a beautiful public amenity – it is a testament to our community’s pride and ambition. Queen Maeve Square will serve as a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike, encouraging exploration of our rich history and natural assets. I am confident this project will be a catalyst for the sustainable renewal of our historic town centre, further enhancing Sligo’s reputation as a welcoming, culturally vibrant gateway to the northwest.”
Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland added: “Fáilte Ireland is committed to and focused on the sustainable development of tourism across Ireland which is an important economic driver and source of employment. We look for every opportunity to develop destinations and invest in compelling visitor experiences with the potential to drive visitors across the regions. 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. 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.”
