The former Brady's building in Narrow West Street which was so derelict that it had to be subsantially demolished in the cause of public safety.

Festival of IDEAS – Let’s revitalise Drogheda.
June 13–15, 2025 | Drogheda

Dereliction is not a new phenomenon in Drogheda, but it wasn’t until private citizens spoke out about it that any action was taken. Similarly, Drogheda’s iconic Laurence’s Gate might still be open to the ravages of traffic if it weren’t for the protracted but ultimately successful public campaign to get it closed.

In the last couple of years there has been great public debate and anger over the levels of dereliction and vacancy in the streets of our town and only after one building had to be partially demolished in the name of public safety was any positive action taken.

Now a group of concerned citizens has organised a three day “Festival of Ideas” to be held over the weekend of June 13–15, 2025 at which the public can have their say and explore and reimagine dereliction, vacancy, and revitalisation through a bold, interdisciplinary programme of events rooted in architecture, urban planning, art, and social change.

Organised by Drogheda Dereliction and Vacancy (DVD) in collaboration with Development Perspectives and Upstate Theatre, the Festival of Ideas brings together communities, creatives, and change-makers to rethink the spaces often overlooked — from abandoned buildings to forgotten infrastructure — and envision possibilities.

'We are inviting everyone with a passing interest in the future of Drogheda to participate in The Festival of Ideas’ says DVD spokesperson Dom Gradwell.

‘Centred on the exhibition of over a year's work by the UCD Masters Architecture in reimagining spaces in the town, the weekend's events aim to shine a light on successfully collaborative regeneration projects throughout the country, while keeping a sharp focus on the particular challenges we face as the fastest growing urban centre in the country.'

Through talks, exhibitions, workshops, and urban walks, the Festival of IDEAS asks: How might we breathe new life into our town? Held at the intersection of creativity and civic engagement, the festival aims to inspire local action and radical imagination.

Click here to find out more about the Festival of Ideas