The public is being invited to discover the stories behind one of Drogheda’s most distinctive historic buildings at a special event later this month.
The Storied History of West Gate House will take place at the Civic Offices on Fair Street on Wednesday, 23rd September, from 6.30pm to 9pm.
Community historian Brendan Matthews will present the findings of his research into West Gate House, looking at the people, events and changing uses connected with the building over more than two centuries.
The presentation will be followed by a guided walking tour of West Gate House and the surrounding historic quarter.
From family home to guest house
West Gate House dates from around 1790 and has served a number of different purposes throughout its history.
Research carried out as part of the THRIVE project shows that it began as a family home before later being associated with business, trade and industrial activity.
It subsequently became a guest house, a use many people in Drogheda will still remember.
Louth County Council has commissioned Brendan Matthews to prepare a social history of the building and its occupants as part of the wider restoration project.
Event schedule
The evening will begin with tea, coffee and networking from 6.30pm to 7pm.
Brendan Matthews will give his presentation, The Storied History of West Gate House, from 7pm to 8pm.
A guided walking tour of West Gate House and the surrounding historic quarter will then take place from 8pm to 9pm.
Registration is required for anyone wishing to attend.
Part of major THRIVE project
West Gate House and the adjoining former Drogheda Youth Development building are being redeveloped through the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme, known as THRIVE.
The project has secured €7 million in THRIVE funding and will transform the long-vacant site into a new cultural and community hub.
Plans include a flexible theatre and performance space, exhibition and gallery areas, a rooftop public garden and facilities for learning, art and digital media.
The project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027, with additional funding from Louth County Council.
Construction is expected to move to the next stage following detailed design work informed by recent architectural, engineering and archaeological surveys.
The Storied History of West Gate House event is free to attend, but registration is required in advance.
Recent progress on the West Gate House THRIVE project: Drone footage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqIpw-xPeSs
