Home » IRELAND TRAVEL NEWS » Drogheda’s Lú Festival of Light, Funded by All-Day Pay Parking Charges, Continues to Attract Tourists and Enhance Local Tourism in Ireland Published on
October 11, 2025Drogheda, a historic town in Ireland, is gearing up for the much-anticipated Lú Festival of Light this October. This year marks the fourth edition of the festival, which has become an integral part of the town’s cultural scene, transforming Drogheda into a captivating open-air gallery. The festival is set to run from October 24th to 27th, and while it’s known for its mesmerizing light shows, the event is also a key driver of tourism for the region.The funding behind such a large-scale event is often a challenge, especially for small towns. However, Drogheda has found a creative way to finance the festival: by utilizing the revenue from all-day parking charges at two long-stay car parks in the town. For local motorists, paying €1 for a day’s parking may seem like a small fee, but these funds play a crucial role in making the Lú Festival a reality.Advertisement The town’s councillors have pledged their continued support for the event, agreeing to ring-fence the revenue from these parking charges to help fund the Lú Festival in the coming years. This initiative not only benefits the festival but also enhances the overall tourism experience in Drogheda, making it an ideal case study for how small towns can creatively support cultural events while boosting local tourism.The Economic and Cultural Impact of the Lú Festival on DroghedaAs Drogheda gears up for the return of the Lú Festival, its significance in terms of both cultural heritage and tourism cannot be overstated. The festival, which showcases stunning light installations and interactive exhibits, draws thousands of visitors to the town each year. By lighting up historic landmarks and public spaces, the festival has transformed Drogheda into an evening destination, attracting not only locals but also tourists from across Ireland and beyond.The Lú Festival plays a crucial role in showcasing Drogheda’s rich history and modern artistic culture. Visitors have the chance to explore the town’s cultural heritage while experiencing cutting-edge light art installations. As such, the event represents a fusion of traditional Irish culture and contemporary creativity, giving tourists a unique and memorable experience. The festival’s growing popularity has made it an essential part of Drogheda’s tourism calendar, with local businesses seeing increased foot traffic and visitors booking accommodation for the duration of the event.From a tourism perspective, the Lú Festival boosts the local economy by encouraging people to stay longer in Drogheda, spend money in the town, and explore its attractions. This includes visits to historical landmarks like St. Peter’s Church, the Boyne River, and the Old Abbey. The combination of a vibrant arts scene and rich cultural history makes Drogheda a compelling destination for tourists.Advertisement The Creative Funding Model: Using Parking Charges to Fund FestivalsPublic events like the Lú Festival require substantial funding to ensure their success and sustainability. In Drogheda’s case, local councillors have supported the initiative of allocating funds from the town’s two long-stay car parks to support the festival’s growth. The €1 all-day parking fee is a modest charge, …
