Photos: Drogheda City Now
Drogheda will become a town-wide treasure hunt later this week as Gems of Drogheda returns for its second edition.
Organised by Drogheda City Now with support from Louth County Council’s Night Time Economy Officer, the interactive challenge will run across Drogheda on Friday, 18th and Saturday, 19th September.
Teams will make their way around the town, visiting local businesses and solving clues as they go, with the full quest taking less than 90 minutes to complete.
The idea is to encourage people to explore Drogheda differently, taking a closer look at local businesses, shopfronts and landmarks while competing for prizes.
Arc Cinemas to host this year’s quest
Arc Cinemas will act as the starting and finishing point for this year’s event.
According to organisers, the first Gems of Drogheda attracted 14 teams, with 15 local businesses taking part as partners and checkpoints.
More than €4,000 worth of prizes were also available during the first edition.
Participants said the event encouraged them to notice parts of Drogheda they might normally pass without a second thought.
One team said it “makes you look at the city in a different way” and described it as “a great activity to do with friends on a weekend”.
Another participant said the event was “very entertaining” and that they had learned some local history while completing the challenge.
Local businesses getting involved
A number of Drogheda businesses have already signed up for the second edition, including The Marcy Hotel, Curtis & Dunne, Tuites Butchers, Al’s Tees, Chat Masala and The Chuck Wagon.
More businesses are expected to join ahead of the event.
People can register individually or as part of a group, with teams competing in adult and teen categories.
Local businesses can also sign up to become part of the quest.
Gems of Drogheda takes place during an especially busy couple of days in the town, with TradFest, Culture Night and the Festival of Ideas also taking place around 18th and 19th September.
Registration and further information are available through Drogheda City Now.
